Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Professor Nick Webborn has been appointed as Chair of UK Sport [May 2025]

The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 19 May 2025.

The Secretary of State has appointed Professor Nick Webborn as the Chair of UK Sport for a term of four years, which will commence on 22 May 2025.

Professor Nick Webborn

Professor Nick Webborn CBE DL has a lifetime’s experience in high performance sport as an athlete, medical director, clinician, researcher and most recently as Chair of the British Paralympic Association.

As a world leading expert in sport and exercise medicine, Nick has worked on 13 Paralympic Games and has decades of experience in providing performance support to British athletes. He was also Chief Medical Officer for Paralympics GB at the London 2012 Paralympics and for the Invictus Games 2014. In the former role, Nick helped develop the winning bid for London 2012 and played a critical role in the delivery of athlete healthcare services for the Games.

Since then, Nick has gone on to become one of the UK’s most prominent sport administrators. As Chair of the BPA, Nick played a critical role in leading the organisation through a period of change as they delivered a new 10 year strategy which sustained Paralympics GB’s position near the top of successive Paralympic medal tables, whilst embedding social impact as a cornerstone of their work. Nick is also incredibly experienced in the world of international sport, having served on the Medical and Anti-Doping Committees of the International Paralympic Committee.

In 2016, Nick was awarded an OBE for services to Paralympic Sports Medicine and the British Paralympic Association and a CBE in the 2022 New Years Honours List for services to Sport and Sports Medicine.

Nick is delighted to have been appointed as Chair of UK Sport and looks forward to leading the organisation to deliver the next phase of its Strategic Plan, ensuring the positive future of Olympic and Paralympic sport and major sporting events in the UK.

Nick continues to practice in the field of Sport and Exercise Medicine and has published over 100 peer reviewed articles and book chapters.

Nick Webborn said:

“It is a great honour to be appointed as Chair of UK Sport and to have the opportunity to continue the work of my predecessor, Dame Katherine Grainger, who I have had the privilege to work alongside over the last eight years.

Having spent much of my life in high performance sport, I know how much the UK public value the Olympic and Paralympic success that our wonderful sports and athletes have achieved over the last 25 years and how much the UK is respected as a host of sporting events.

However, I also know that our sporting success is not guaranteed in the face of mounting global competition. I therefore look forward to working with the incredibly talented people we have across the UK sporting system to deliver continued success on the field of play and to unite, inspire and excite people all across the nation.”

Sally Munday, Chief Executive of UK Sport, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Nick to the UK Sport team. His decades of experience in high performance sport mean that he is perfectly positioned to Chair UK Sport through the next phase of the delivery of our ten year strategic plan and to drive the system change needed to continue a positive future for Olympic and Paralympic sport and major sporting events in the UK.

I know that people across the Olympic and Paralympic sport community in the UK will join me in giving Nick a very warm welcome to his exciting new role”.

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy said:

“I am delighted to welcome Professor Nick Webborn as the new Chair of UK Sport. His expertise in sports medicine and sports administration will bring invaluable perspective to this role.

“Nick’s leadership will be crucial as UK Sport continues its efforts to grow Olympic and Paralympic sports, while continuing work with government to cement the UK’s position as a world-leading host of prestigious competitions that leave lasting legacies in communities across the country.”

Remuneration and Governance Code

Chair of UK Sport is remunerated at £40,000 per year. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments.

The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Professor Nick Webborn has not declared any significant political activity.

May 20, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister secures new agreement with EU to benefit British people [May 2025]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 19 May 2025.
- UK secures new agreement with the European Union to support British businesses, back British jobs, and put more money in people’s pockets.
- Package will help make food cheaper, slash red tape, open up access to the EU market and add nearly £9 billion to the UK economy by 2040.
- Prime Minister hails agreement as ‘good for jobs, good for bills, and good for our borders’.
The Prime Minister has today confirmed a new agreement with the European Union which will deliver on his core mission to grow the economy, back British jobs and put more money in people’s pockets.

Extensive negotiations over the last six months have led to the third major deal struck by the government in as many weeks, following the US and India – which the Prime Minister says will be “good for jobs, good for bills and good for our borders”.

As part of the deal, a new SPS agreement will make it easier for food and drink to be imported and exported by reducing the red tape that placed burdens on businesses and led to lengthy lorry queues at the border. This agreement will have no time limit, giving vital certainty to businesses.

Some routine checks on animal and plant products will be removed completely, allowing goods to flow freely again, including between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Ultimately this could lower food prices and increase choice on supermarket shelves – meaning more money in people’s pockets.

The EU is the UK’s largest trading partner. After the 21% drop in exports and 7% drop in imports seen since Brexit, the UK will also be able to sell various products, such as burgers and sausages, back into the EU again, supporting these vital British industries.

Closer co-operation on emissions through linking our respective Emissions Trading Systems will improve the UK’s energy security and avoid businesses being hit by the EU’s carbon tax due to come in next year – which would have sent £800 million directly to the EU’s budget.

Combined, the SPS and Emissions Trading Systems linking measures alone are set to add nearly £9 billion to the UK economy by 2040, in a huge boost for growth.

British steel exports are protected from new EU rules and restrictive tariffs, through a bespoke arrangement for the UK that will save UK steel £25 million per year.

The UK will enter talks about access to EU facial images data for the first time, on top of the existing arrangements for DNA, fingerprint and vehicle registration data. This will enhance our ability to catch dangerous criminals and ensure they face justice more quickly.

British holidaymakers will be able to use more eGates in Europe, ending the dreaded queues at border control. Pets will also be able to travel more easily, with the introduction of ‘pet passports’ for UK cats and dogs – eliminating the need for animal health certificates for every trip.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer will say:

It’s time to look forward. To move on from the stale old debates and political fights to find common sense, practical solutions which get the best for the British people.

We’re ready to work with partners if it means we can improve people’s lives here at home.

So that’s what this deal is all about – facing out into the world once again, in the great tradition of this nation. Building the relationships we choose, with the partners we choose, and closing deals in the national interest. Because that is what independent, sovereign nations do.

Today will also see the agreement of the new Security and Defence Partnership, which will pave the way for the UK defence industry to participate in the EU’s proposed new £150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defence fund – supporting thousands of British jobs and boosting growth.

At a time of increasing global uncertainty and volatility, this will formalise UK-EU co-operation on defence to ensure Europe’s safety and security.

Minister for European Union Relations and lead Government negotiator, Nick Thomas-Symonds said:

Today is a historic day, marking the opening of a new chapter in our relationship with the EU that delivers for working people across the UK.

Since the start of these negotiations, we have worked for a deal to make the British people safer, more secure and more prosperous. Our new UK-EU Strategic Partnership achieves all three objectives. It delivers on jobs, bills and borders. Today is a day of delivery. Britain is back on the world stage with a Government in the service of working people.

The UK and the EU have also agreed to co-operate further on a youth experience scheme – which could see young people able to work and travel freely in Europe again. The scheme, which would be capped and time-limited, would mirror existing schemes the UK has with countries such as Australia and New Zealand.

The Prime Minister is clear that bringing down migration remains an absolute priority for him, which is why today’s agreement also majors on further work on finding solutions to tackle illegal migration – including on returns and a joint commitment to tackle channel crossings.

The UK and EU have also reached a new twelve year agreement that protects Britain’s fishing access, fishing rights and fishing areas with no increase in the amount of fish EU vessels can catch in British waters, providing stability and certainty for the sector. The UK will also back coastal communities by investing £360 million into our fishing industry to go towards new technology and equipment to modernise the fleet, training to help upskill the workforce, and funding to help revitalise coastal communities, support tourism and boost seafood exports. The British fleet will also benefit from the SPS agreement which slashes costs and red tape to help exports.

This agreement meets the red lines set out in the government’s manifesto – no return to the single market, no return to the customs union, and no return to freedom of movement.

The UK will continue to hold talks with the European Union on the details of each commitment.
May 20, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Former Chinese takeaway owner, Zhang Jin Chen, sentenced after spending money on Apple and Burberry products instead of paying VAT bill [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Insolvency Service on 19 May 2025.

Suspended sentence for bankrupt who defrauded HMRC.
- Former Chinese takeaway owner Zhang Jin Chen sold his house in Portsmouth and spent money from the sale in shops such as Apple and Burberry
- Chen knew he owed HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) more than £43,000 in VAT at the time he made the purchases and other cash withdrawals
- The 51-year-old then filed for bankruptcy, claiming he only had £20 in his bank account
A former Chinese takeaway owner who withdrew thousands of pounds from his bank account and bought items from shops such as Apple and Burberry instead of settling his tax bill has been sentenced.

Zhang Jin Chen owed HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) more than £43,000 in VAT when he sold the house he owned with his then wife in Portsmouth in the autumn of 2020.

However, Chen disposed of £107,550 of his proceeds from the house sale without paying HMRC back.

The 51-year-old then applied for his own bankruptcy the following summer, claiming he only had £20 in his bank account, and £100 in cash.

Chen, of Havant Road, Portsmouth, was found guilty of fraudulently disposing of property as a bankrupt under the Insolvency Act 1986.

He was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday 16 May.

He was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and 10 days of rehabilitation activity.

Mark Stephens, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:

Zhang Jin Chen had the money available to pay the VAT he owed to HMRC twice over following the sale of his house but chose not to do so. Instead, he withdrew huge sums of money in cash and made purchases from the likes of Burberry and Apple.

Individuals who are declared bankrupt commit a criminal offence when they put assets out of the reach of creditors in the five years leading up to their bankruptcy.

Chen clearly intended to conceal his affairs and defraud HMRC so he could be more than £100,000 better off, instead of little over £60,000 if he had paid his debts.

Chen ran a Chinese takeaway called Fortune House from an address on Albert Road in Portsmouth. He registered Fortune House as a business with HMRC in February 2012 but did not register it for VAT.

HMRC officials visited the takeaway in February 2020, finding evidence that Fortune House should have been VAT registered since December 2012.

Chen applied for bankruptcy in July 2021, stating that he knew he owed HMRC £43,876 in VAT but that he could not repay the debts.

However, in October 2020, Chen and his ex-wife sold their jointly owned house on Garnier Street in Portsmouth.

Over the next two months, Chen withdrew his proceeds of the sale in cash, the largest of which were two withdrawals of £30,000 in November 2020.

He also spent more than £3,500 on Apple products in November and December 2020 and a further £880 on a purchase from Burberry nine days before Christmas.

Chen signed a five-year Bankruptcy Restrictions Undertaking in March 2022 restricting him from being able to borrow more than £500 without disclosing his bankrupt status.

The restrictions also prevent him holding certain roles in public organisations.

The Insolvency Service is seeking to recover the funds under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Further information
- Zhang Jin Chen is of Havant Road, Portsmouth. His date of birth is 26 June 1973
May 20, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Major investment partnership worth £24 billion to transform key growth sectors and deliver affordable housing across UK [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 19 May 2025.

A major new partnership between the Crown Estate and Lendlease has been agreed which will unlock housing and science innovation hubs across the UK worth £24 billion.
- Joint venture between The Crown Estate and Lendlease will unlock housing and science innovation hubs across the UK worth £24 billion.
- Major investment pipeline includes land portfolio with the potential to build 26,000 new homes, with around one-third allocated to affordable housing – supporting the government’s aim to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029.
- Pipeline also includes plans to build vast new office space and labs, creating 100,000 new jobs across the country, boosting economic growth and delivering on the Plan for Change.
Major new partnership from the Crown Estate and Lendlease with a Gross Development Value (GDV) of £24 billion will develop housing and science and innovation hubs and help create 100,000 new jobs and 26,000 new homes, backing the Government’s Plan for Change.

The joint venture allows The Crown Estate to invest in Lendlease’s undeveloped UK land and land management portfolio, providing support on existing projects, helping to transform the UK’s science, tech and innovation sectors and deliver new housing.

The projects have the potential to deliver around 10 million square feet of workspace and labs, and deliver vital investment in digital and technologies and the life sciences sectors – two of the key growth sectors in the government’s upcoming modern Industrial Strategy.

The pipeline is also hoped to deliver over 26,000 new homes for people across the country – of which a third are expected to be affordable housing – backing this Government’s plans to build 1.5 million new homes and get Britain building again as part of the Plan for Change.

In support of the partnership, the Chancellor and Minister for Investment met with Lendlease’s Group CEO Tony Lombardo and Dan Labbad, CEO of The Crown Estate in Downing Street

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

We are pulling every lever to grow our economy so we can put more money in people’s pockets, boost home ownership and make Britain a global hub for life sciences through our Plan for Change.

This includes creating the right environment for organisations like The Crown Estate and Lendlease to partner, helping us to unlock capital to get Britain building and get Britain growing.

Minister for Investment Baroness Gustafsson CBE said:

This is yet another strong endorsement of the UK’s investment environment and our thriving real estate sector as this government has committed to get Britain building again, a crucial part of delivering our Plan for Change.

This pipeline and the creation of additional research labs across the UK, will be a massive boost for our world-leading science, innovation and technology sectors, all key growth sectors in our upcoming modern Industrial Strategy.”

The government’s upcoming modern Industrial Strategy will make doing business quicker, easier and more profitable than ever before. Its 10-year plan will provide business with the certainty they need to invest and innovate in the growth-driving sectors that will shape the UK’s economy, drive regional development, enhance living standards and create high quality jobs.

Businesses have identified that inadequate infrastructure has impacted the growth of UK firms, with the UK suffering from a chronic lack of lab space compared to other leading global hubs, but this pipeline will ensure high-growth sectors have the lab space, transport and housing they need.

If the life sciences real estate markets of Cambridge, Oxford and London were to match their US counterparts by 2035, it could mean 67,000 more high-skilled, high-wage jobs and £4bn a year in additional GVA.

Areas poised for office and housing development include around Euston Station, Silvertown and Thamesmead Waterfront in London, as well as Smithfield in Birmingham.

The joint venture will provide a substantial boost to the UK’s thriving tech ecosystem, which is the third biggest in the world and worth more than £1 trillion.

Group CEO of Lendlease Tony Lombardo said:

This landmark partnership between our two organisations will combine our shared expertise in delivering city shaping precincts and creating long-term benefits for communities.

As master developer, we look forward to working with The Crown Estate to unlock value within our UK development portfolio, for partners, government clients and our securityholders.

Dan Labbad, Chief Executive of The Crown Estate, said:

With strong support from local and national government, we look forward to working with Lendlease and others to realise the potential of these projects to create jobs, stimulate growth and positively impact lives, while also generating income for the UK.

As a country, we face challenges to unlocking growth. To support this, we need to spark investment in sectors like science, technology, and housing, alongside deep collaboration across communities, government, and the private sector. This joint venture is an example of how The Crown Estate is harnessing its mandate to act in the UK’s long-term national interest, supported by new investment powers, and stepping up its ambition to support inclusive growth for the nation.”

Since entering office, the government has been focused on restoring economic stability – the foundation of growth – to give businesses the confidence to invest and expand in the UK. Today’s announcement demonstrates how confidence in the UK’s investment environment translates to real jobs and growth for local communities.

This major announcement comes due to the Crown Estate Act 2025 which increased The Crown Estate’s powers to unlock further investment, kickstarting growth and generating greater returns for the public purse whilst benefitting public services across the UK.

Notes to editors:
- The Crown Estate has a diverse £16 billion portfolio that includes urban centres and development opportunities; one of the largest rural holdings in the country; Regent Street and St James’s in London’s West End; and Windsor Great Park. They also manage the seabed and much of the coastline around England, Wales and Northern Ireland, playing a major role in the UK’s world leading offshore wind sector.
- Lendlease is an integrated real estate group. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, it is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Its core capabilities are reflected in the operating segments of investments, development and construction, and providing a sustainable competitive advantage in delivering innovative integrated solutions for its customers.
May 20, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Major Investment in North Wales delivers 140 new jobs [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 19 May 2025.

Around 140 jobs will be created in North Wales after Knauf Insulation unveiled plans to invest £170 million in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
- International manufacturer Knauf Insulation to invest £170m in a new facility in Shotton creating 140 new jobs
- UK and Welsh Governments welcome the investment into new manufacturing facility
- Announcement comes as UK and EU hold a summit to discuss future opportunities to boost economic growth
Around 140 jobs will be created in North Wales after Knauf Insulation unveiled plans to invest £170 million in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Shotton.

The landmark development will produce more than 100,000 tonnes of non-combustible rock mineral wool insulation per year and create approximately 140 direct jobs, with more in local supply chains.

The announcement coincides with the UK-EU Summit taking place today (Monday 19 May) underscoring the UK Government’s commitment to fostering economic growth through its Plan for Change and attracting inward investment to strengthen the economy.

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

This £170 million investment by Knauf Insulation is fantastic news for North Wales and our UK Government mission to drive economic growth.

This is a vote of confidence in the Welsh economy and our government’s plan to make Britain the destination of choice for investment in industry.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates said:

This is great news for North Wales. The plans will be a major investment in the area and are a testament to the skills and facilities we have here.

This positive announcement is the start of the journey and we will continue to provide support as the work to deliver the project gets underway.

Minister for Investment Baroness Gustafsson CBE said:

The UK is open for business, and this is yet another vote of confidence in North Wales and its thriving advanced manufacturing sector which will boost jobs and prosperity across the region.

Our modern Industrial Strategy, which will prioritise advanced manufacturing as one of eight key UK sectors, will help us go further by attracting even more investment, creating new opportunity across the country and making our Plan for Change a reality.

Neil Hargreaves, Managing Director of Knauf Insulation Northern Europe said:

Knauf Group has a proud history of manufacturing in Wales and this project aligns with the Welsh and UK Government’s commitment to sustainability and the industrial vision for North Wales and Deeside.

Using UK-First Submerged Arc Furnace technology, the new factory will produce non-combustible, low embodied carbon, recyclable rock mineral wool insulation to support the need for safer, more energy efficient and sustainable buildings.

Joint efforts by the UK Government, Welsh Government, and local leadership have paved the way for Knauf Insulation’s confidence in Wales as a destination for transformative projects.

The UK and Welsh Government-backed North Wales Growth Deal and the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone collectively support the decision by Knauf Insulation to locate a second plant in the area.

As leaders in the production of sustainable building materials, Knauf Insulation’s expansion further supports the growing advanced manufacturing cluster in North Wales.
May 20, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Support for Taiwan’s meaningful engagement with the WHO in 2025 [May 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 May 2025.

Joint press release: Support for Taiwan’s meaningful engagement with the World Health Organization and participation as an observer in the World Health Assembly.

We, the British Office Taipei; the Australian Office Taipei; the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei; the Czech Economic and Cultural Office; French Office in Taipei; the German Institute Taipei; the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association; and the Lithuanian Trade Representative Office wish to reaffirm our support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the work of the World Health Organization and Taiwan’s participation as an observer in the World Health Assembly.

As this year’s 78th session of the World Health Assembly commences in Geneva, Taiwan remains largely excluded from the world’s international health system. As COVID-19 and continued public health crises make plain, infectious diseases and health hazards do not respect borders. Global cooperation is required to keep the whole world safe.

Taiwan has shown itself to be a highly capable, engaged, and responsible member of the global health community and was invited to participate as an observer in WHA meetings from 2009 to 2016. Taiwan’s distinct capabilities and methods – including its significant public health expertise, democratic governance, and advanced technology – bring considerable value that would inform the WHA’s deliberations. Taiwan’s isolation from the WHA, the preeminent global health forum, is entirely unjustified. This undermines inclusive global public health cooperation and security, which the world demands, and which is enshrined in the founding documents of the WHO.

Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the fora and technical committees of the World Health Organization would bring benefits not just to people in Taiwan, but also around the world. Only by including Taiwan as an observer would the WHO be able to fully exemplify the Health Assembly’s commitment to “One World for Health.”

May 20, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Legal Aid Agency data breach [May 2025]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 19 May 2025.

An update following a cyber-attack on the Legal Aid Agency’s online digital services.

On Wednesday 23 April, we became aware of a cyber-attack on the Legal Aid Agency’s online digital services.

These are the services through which legal aid providers log their work and receive payment from the Government.

In the days following the discovery, we took immediate action to bolster the security of the system, and informed all legal aid providers that some of their details, including financial information, may have been compromised.

Since then, we have worked closely with the National Crime Agency and National Cyber Security Centre as well as informing the Information Commissioner.

On Friday 16 May we discovered the attack was more extensive than originally understood and that the group behind it had accessed a large amount of information relating to legal aid applicants.

We believe the group has accessed and downloaded a significant amount of personal data from those who applied for legal aid through our digital service since 2010.

This data may have included contact details and addresses of applicants, their dates of birth, national ID numbers, criminal history, employment status and financial data such as contribution amounts, debts and payments.

We would urge all members of the public who have applied for legal aid in this time period to take steps to safeguard themselves. We would recommend you are alert for any suspicious activity such as unknown messages or phone calls and to be extra vigilant to update any potentially exposed passwords. If you are in doubt about anyone you are communicating with online or over the phone you should verify their identity independently before providing any information to them.

Jane Harbottle, Chief Executive Officer of the Legal Aid Agency, said:

I understand this news will be shocking and upsetting for people and I am extremely sorry this has happened.

Since the discovery of the attack, my team has been working around the clock with the National Cyber Security Centre to bolster the security of our systems so we can safely continue the vital work of the agency.

However, it has become clear that to safeguard the service and its users, we needed to take radical action. That is why we’ve taken the decision to take the online service down.

We have put in place the necessary contingency plans to ensure those most in need of legal support and advice can continue to access the help they need during this time.

I am incredibly grateful to legal aid providers for their patience and cooperation at a deeply challenging time.

We will provide further updates shortly.

Further information on how to protect yourself from the impact of a data breach can be found on the NCSC website.

May 20, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with leaders of US, France, Germany and Italy [May 2025]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 19 May 2025.

The Prime Minister spoke to leaders of the United States, Italy, France and Germany last night [18 May 2025].

The leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine, and the catastrophic cost of the war to both sides.

Looking ahead to President Trump’s call with President Putin tomorrow, the leaders discussed the need for an unconditional ceasefire and for President Putin to take peace talks seriously.

They also discussed the use of sanctions if Russia failed to engage seriously in a ceasefire and peace talks.

The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

May 20, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Government to set new ten-year budgets for R&D funding [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 19 May 2025.

New criteria to give certainty to world-class research organisations, helping to attract greater private investment and grow the UK economy.
- New plans unveiled to support long-term, ten-year funding for certain R&D activities
- Change will provide long-term certainty to researchers and industry, deepening opportunities for partnerships in vital R&D work that could transform UK economy
- Introduction of guidance meets key manifesto commitment, supporting the government’s upcoming Industrial Strategy and delivering growth as part of our Plan for Change
Vital R&D work exploring innovation in areas as diverse as human health and cutting-edge computing will be given much-needed long-term certainty under new criteria unveiled by Science Minister Lord Vallance today (Monday 19 May).

It will enable and support government departments and other public bodies to fund R&D over a ten-year period – giving certainty to world-class research organisations that their work will continue over the long-term, helping to attract greater private investment, grow the UK economy and deliver on our Plan for Change.

While specific funding will be determined in the coming weeks, it could, for example, see research organisations tackling areas like antimicrobial resistance or developing quantum computers – complex issues which can take years to develop and understand – granted longer timescales to boost their chances of unearthing truly valuable solutions and improving lives.

It could also mean longer-term funding for infrastructure, such as large-scale research facilities and equipment, giving them certainty that the tools they need to drive progress are secured.

This will more broadly enable long-term research that tackles the key issues facing the UK, and will crowd investment into the sector from businesses attracted to the certainty of public backing.

Evidence shows that the average £1 invested in public R&D leverages double that in private investment and generates £7 in net benefits to the UK economy in the long run – providing a major boost to the UK economy. This also delivers on a manifesto commitment and on calls from research organisations, innovators and milestone independent reports such as the Landscape Review of R&D.

The criteria which will be used by departments and public bodies to identify and prioritise relevant ten-year funding proposals are centred around 4 areas:
- Infrastructure and core capabilities – where ten-year funding will allow recipients to develop or maintain core national infrastructure or support more impactful use of such infrastructure, which would not be possible under shorter funding cycles.
- Talent attraction and retention – where the skills development in a particular area is demonstrably vital to the UK growth agenda and longer-term funding would enable development of a pipeline of skilled researchers, scientists or engineers that otherwise would be difficult.
- International collaboration – where there are demonstrable, additional opportunities for international collaborations with wider strategic benefits.
- Partnerships and business collaboration – where there is demonstrable need for long term partnerships with industry – including charity and philanthropy – to tackle a significant challenge relevant to economic growth, and where shorter funding cycles would impede effective partnerships.
Science Minister, Lord Vallance, said:

Research and innovation, from computing and AI to health breakthroughs need stability of funding.

We are delivering on our manifesto commitment to support and encourage public bodies to deliver long-term ten-year funding streams where appropriate, while retaining the flexibility of shorter-term cycles to deal with emerging priorities.

This change will provide certainty to certain types of research organisations and unlock vital business investment into our world-class research sector to drive the growth at the heart of our Plan for Change.

The announcement comes ahead of the publication of the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy and will ensure the UK continues to be a world leader in growth-driving sectors delivering increased investment and secure, skilled jobs for working people across the country.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has worked with the Treasury and other stakeholders to develop the principles of ten-year funding and the process by which public bodies will select specific activities or institutions for long-term funding, to provide transparency for the R&D sector.

The guidance recommends that public bodies should set a maximum limit for the proportion of R&D budget that, at any one time, should be allocated to ten-year funding. This will retain the agility to respond to new and emerging priorities in the short and medium term.

Further details on the initial recipients of ten-year budgets will be set out in the second phase of the Spending Review, and in due course following the allocation of the R&D budget.

Departments will operate their own selection process, in line with the guidance. The guidance will allow departments to implement a targeted approach and allocate ten-year budgets to the specific programmes, activities and smaller research organisations that would best be able to unlock the economic and scientific benefits associated with long-term funding.

Ten-year budgets will also act as a signal of government’s long-term priorities in key sectors, helping to underpin the government’s upcoming Industrial Strategy. This is part of a wider government approach to reforming R&D funding over the longer-term, including providing stability and certainty to the R&D sector by giving clarity on the government’s R&D priorities.
May 20, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement from the leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Canada on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank [May 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 May 2025.

Joint statement from the leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Canada on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank.

We strongly oppose the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable. Yesterday’s announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is wholly inadequate. We call on the Israeli Government to stop its military operations in Gaza and immediately allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. This must include engaging with the UN to ensure a return to delivery of aid in line with humanitarian principles. We call on Hamas to release immediately the remaining hostages they have so cruelly held since 7 October 2023.

The Israeli Government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law. We condemn the abhorrent language used recently by members of the Israeli Government, threatening that, in their despair at the destruction of Gaza, civilians will start to relocate. Permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law.

Israel suffered a heinous attack on October 7. We have always supported Israel’s right to defend Israelis against terrorism. But this escalation is wholly disproportionate.

We will not stand by while the Netanyahu Government pursues these egregious actions. If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response.

We oppose any attempt to expand settlements in the West Bank. Israel must halt settlements which are illegal and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and the security of both Israelis and Palestinians.  We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions.

We strongly support the efforts led by the United States, Qatar and Egypt to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. It is a ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages and a long-term political solution that offer the best hope of ending the agony of the hostages and their families, alleviating the suffering of civilians in Gaza, ending Hamas’ control of Gaza and achieving a pathway to a two-state solution, consistent with the goals of the 18 June conference in New York co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France. These negotiations need to succeed, and we must all work towards the implementation of a two-state solution, which is the only way to bring long-lasting peace and security that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve, and ensure long-term stability in the region.

We will continue to work with the Palestinian Authority, regional partners, Israel and the United States to finalise consensus on arrangements for Gaza’s future, building on the Arab plan. We affirm the important role of the High-level Two-State Solution Conference at the UN in June in building international consensus around this aim. And we are committed to recognising a Palestinian state as a contribution to achieving a two-state solution and are prepared to work with others to this end.

May 20, 2025