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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister Luxon of New Zealand [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister Luxon of New Zealand [April 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 22 April 2025.

    The Prime Minister hosted New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at Downing Street today.

    The two leaders reflected on their visit to Operation Interflex to see Ukrainian troops being trained earlier today, and the importance of supporting Ukraine for the long term.

    Discussing the Coalition of the Willing, the Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Luxon for New Zealand’s ongoing support, adding that the planning phase was making good progress across all four domains – land, air, regeneration and sea.

    The Prime Minister welcomed New Zealand’s recent uplift in defence spending, and both agreed the direct link between defence spending, economic security and putting money back in the pockets of hardworking people.

    Turning to the situation in the Indo-Pacific, the leaders agreed on the importance of working together to support regional stability and counter malign threats.

    They also discussed the strong trade links between the UK and New Zealand, and the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

    The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Full implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement is essential for lasting peace in Colombia – UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Full implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement is essential for lasting peace in Colombia – UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 April 2025.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Colombia.

    The UK is clear that full implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement is essential for lasting peace in Colombia. Last year, following President Petro’s intervention in the Council in July, we welcomed the government’s announcement of a Rapid Response Plan, which committed to accelerate implementation and deliver real change in the territories most affected by the conflict.

    Communities in these areas expect the government to deliver on their urgent needs. We welcome Foreign Minister Sarabia’s commitment to accelerate the delivery of the agreement. This will require a whole of government effort with close coordination with regional and local authorities and of course, Colombia’s security forces, so that the impact is felt by those communities.

    We remain concerned by the security situation in those territories, particularly for women, children and indigenous groups. The violence in Catatumbo is a clear example. We call on the government to strengthen protection measures and safeguard communities. We welcome the launch of the Pact for Catatumbo, and we urge the government to prioritise the security of all vulnerable Colombians through mechanisms already established.

    This includes convening the Commission for the Follow-up, Promotion, and Verification of the Implementation of the Final Agreement (CSIVI) and delivery of the Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan published last year. With 23 peace signatories killed this year alone, and hundreds displaced, the safety, security and reintegration of all signatories to the agreement remains paramount.

    President, justice for victims remains at the heart of the 2016 Agreement, with its carefully designed system of complementary institutions focused on truth, justice and reconciliation. We call on the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (SJP) to accelerate its work to ensure the confidence of victims and signatories.

    To assuage growing doubts about the SJP and its efficacy, now is the time to move forward to the issuing of sanctions and to hold to account those responsible for the most serious human rights violations. The government has an essential role to play in coordinating with the SJP on the implementation of reparative measures.

    Beyond the 2016 Agreement, we recognise the Colombian Government’s efforts to extend the dialogue to other armed groups. Unfortunately, as the Secretary-General’s report notes, these dialogues have not delivered the desired results.

    The UK, and this Council, have consistently called upon those groups to demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace, above all by respecting the rights of the communities whose interests they claim to pursue.

    Those communities continue, however, to be affected by serious violence, gross human rights abuses, and coercive and predatory behaviour at the hands of armed groups. If there is to be any hope of sustainable progress through dialogue, the groups involved need to show that they are serious about a political process.

    President, to conclude, the United Kingdom remains steadfast in our support for sustainable peace in Colombia.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Farewell to British High Commissioner Charles Moore – Tour of duty in Namibia ends [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Farewell to British High Commissioner Charles Moore – Tour of duty in Namibia ends [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 April 2025.

    The British High Commissioner, Mr Charles Moore, bid a final farewell to Namibia in April after four years and three months in the country.

    On 9 April 2025, outgoing British High Commissioner to Namibia, Mr. Charles Moore, paid a farewell courtesy call on President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at State House in Windhoek.

    His diplomatic term has ended after an eventful four years and three months. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed appreciation for Mr. Moore’s service, acknowledging that the recorded increase in trade between the two countries will go a long way in reducing the unemployment rate in Namibia.

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah also noted that she is looking forward to welcoming Mr. Moore’s successor, Mr. Neil Bradley, when his tenure begins. She remains hopeful for a continued positive trajectory in the bilateral relationship between Namibia and the United Kingdom.

    On his end, H.E. Charles Moore stated that working in Namibia has been a privilege and a career highlight. He affirmed that even though his tour of duty has come to an end, he will continue to take a close interest in Namibia’s development and is excitedly looking forward to returning as a tourist in the future.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New DHSC Permanent Secretary Appointed [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New DHSC Permanent Secretary Appointed [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 22 April 2025.

    The Cabinet Secretary, with the approval of the Prime Minister, has announced the appointment of Samantha Jones as the new Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

    Samantha is currently a non-executive director at DHSC, and the Chief Operating Officer for Xlinks, a renewable energy company.

    Samantha began her career as a nurse in the NHS, and was a hospital Chief Executive before moving to NHS England to lead the New Models of Care programme. She has also led one of the largest primary care providers in England. Since her time in the NHS, Samantha served as an expert advisor to the PM on NHS Transformation and Social Care in 2021, before taking up post as the interim Permanent Secretary and Chief Operating Officer for 10 Downing Street.

    Samantha will join DHSC at a critical time, as the government rebuilds the NHS as part of the Plan for Change. Samantha will be building a team to deliver this vital transformation which will include appointing a Chief Operating Officer.

    Samantha will replace Chris Wormald, who left DHSC in December last year, to take up the role of Cabinet Secretary.

    The Health and Social Care Secretary, the Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, said:

    I am delighted to welcome Samantha in her new role as Permanent Secretary.

    Samantha brings a wealth of experience from the frontline of healthcare as a general and paediatric nurse – she knows what it is like to be working on wards and will translate that expertise to her work across the department.

    Equally, her work in senior management roles across both Whitehall and the health and social care sector will prove invaluable as we reintegrate NHS England back into the department to cut red tape, reduce duplication and make it fit for the future as part of our Plan for Change.

    Cabinet Secretary, Sir Chris Wormald, said:

    I am delighted to see Sam take up the role of Permanent Secretary at DHSC, having worked with her closely during my time there. Samantha is an outstanding public servant, who has spent much of her career working to improve and enrich the lives of people across the country.

    This is a critical time for DHSC, as they look to welcome their NHS England colleagues back into the department, and work to deliver the government missions and Plan for Change. Samantha is uniquely positioned to drive forward this work, and I look forward to working with her.

    I also want to put on record my thanks to Professor Chris Whitty for his leadership of the Department since my departure.

    Samantha Jones said:

    It is an absolute privilege to be appointed Permanent Secretary at DHSC, working with colleagues across health and social care to support the government’s Plan for Change and deliver a rebuilt NHS, fit for the future.

    Having worked alongside the brilliant team at DHSC over the past few years, serving on their board, I look forward to leading a department of committed public servants to improve the health of our nation.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Appointments made to the Forestry Commission Board [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Appointments made to the Forestry Commission Board [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Forestry Commission on 22 April 2025.

    A series of appointments and reappointments have been made to the Forestry Commission Board.

    By Royal Warrant, His Majesty King Charles III has appointed Kate Cheetham as a Non-Executive Commissioner. Her appointment began on 1 April 2025 and will run for three years until 31 March 2028.

    Jennie Price has been reappointed for a third term of two years as Non-Executive Commissioner. This will run from 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2027.

    Peter Latham will continue as a Non-Executive Commissioner for an additional six months from 1 April 2025 until 30 September 2025.

    All appointments have been made on merit and in accordance with the Ministerial Governance Code on Public Appointments.

    Biographies

    Kate Cheetham

    Kate is the Chief Legal Officer and Company Secretary of Lloyds Banking Group (LBG), where she advises the Board and executive team on legal and governance matters and leads the Group’s Legal and Secretariat function. She joined LBG in 2005, having previously worked as a corporate lawyer at Linklaters and run a commercial art gallery in London. Kate is passionate about inclusion and diversity, and has been a champion for social mobility and women’s leadership within the Group. She also served as a trustee of the Lloyds Bank Foundation for seven years, supporting grassroots charities across the UK.

    Jennie Price

    Jennie Price was the CEO of Sport England. Jennie is a qualified lawyer and has previously been the CEO of WRAP, a Defra-supported environmental organisation specialising in recycling and resources management. She retains an active interest in sport and is Chair of the international supervisory board on integrity in tennis. She is also a trustee of the Canal and River Trust and until very recently was Chair of Trustees of the Scouts in the UK. Jennie brings considerable expertise in engaging wide sectors of the community in outdoor activities and has an excellent understanding of the links to health and wellbeing.

    Peter Latham

    Peter Latham is a director of Association Technique Internationale des Bois Tropicaux (ATIBT or the International Tropical Timber Technical Association) and a trustee of the Commonwealth Forestry Association. He was previously CEO and chair of the timber distributor James Latham Plc., and chair of the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification International. Peter brings extensive knowledge of the timber industry and experience of successful stakeholder engagement on an international level.

    Notes for Editors

    • The Forestry Commission increases the value of woodlands to society and the environment.
    • It is a non-ministerial department, supported by Forest Research and Forestry England.
    • Non-Executive Commissioners play a pivotal role in establishing a strong, sustainable future for the organisation.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Two new Board Members appointed to the Charity Commission for England and Wales [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Two new Board Members appointed to the Charity Commission for England and Wales [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 22 April 2025.

    The Secretary of State has appointed Tasnim Khalid and Alan Mather as Board Members to the Charity Commission for England and Wales for a 3 year term commencing 23 April 2025 to 22 April 2028.

    Tasnim Khalid

    Tasnim Khalid, Solicitor, is the founder and Managing Partner of “Private Client Solicitors” which is a boutique law firm that specialises in private wealth planning, charity law and practice. Tasnim is ranked in leading legal directories such as “Chambers HNW Guide” and “Legal 500”. Tasnim was listed in the “100 Female Entrepreneurs to Watch” in the Telegraph list and won the Northern Power Woman Award 2024 and the Legal 500 “Private Client Partner of the Year” for the Northern Powerhouse award 2025.

    Alan Mather

    Alan Mather is an experienced digital transformation leader with a strong track record in leading complicated technology programmes across the public and private sectors. He is a recognised pioneer of UK digital government launching the first transactional services such as Self Assessment, UK online, the Government Gateway and Direct.gov.uk; more recently he has delivered and/or designed digital services for organisations including Defra, Livestock Information Ltd, National Physical Laboratory and the Home Office. He has held CEO, CIO and COO positions in large organisations and led the turnaround of major programmes. He has previously been a Non-Executive Director in the hospitality and energy sector.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    Trustees of the Charity Commission are remunerated £350 a day. 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. Tasnim Khalid and Alan Mather have not declared any significant political activity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : One year until Making Tax Digital for Income Tax launches [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : One year until Making Tax Digital for Income Tax launches [April 2025]

    The press release issued by HM Revenue and Customs on 22 April 2025.

    • Making Tax Digital for Income Tax goes live on 6 April 2026 – supporting the government’s Plan for Change to deliver economic growth
    • Eligible taxpayers encouraged to sign up to a testing programme now to get ahead of the changes
    • Digital record-keeping will deliver time-saving benefits for taxpayers

    There is less than a year to go until sole traders and landlords with an income over £50,000 will be required to use Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax.

    The launch on 6 April 2026 marks a significant and ultimately time-saving change in how these individuals will need to keep digital records and report their income to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

    By keeping digital records throughout the year, sole traders and landlords can save hours previously spent gathering information at tax return time – allowing them to spend more time focusing on their business activities and in turn, driving economic growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    Quarterly updates will spread the workload more evenly throughout the year, bring the tax system closer to real-time reporting and help businesses stay on top of their finances and avoid the last-minute rush.

    HMRC is urging eligible customers to sign up to a testing programme on GOV.UK and start preparing now. Agents can also register their clients via GOV.UK.

    James Murray MP, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said:

    MTD for Income Tax is an essential part of our plan to transform the UK’s tax system into one that supports economic growth.

    By modernising how people manage their tax, we’re helping businesses work more efficiently and productively while ensuring everyone pays their fair share.

    This is a crucial step in this government’s decade of national renewal and our Plan for Change, as we clear away barriers that hold back growth.

    Craig Ogilvie, HMRC’s Director of Making Tax Digital, said:

    MTD for Income Tax is the most significant change to the Self Assessment regime since its introduction in 1997. It will make it easier for self-employed people and landlords to stay on top of their tax affairs and help ensure they pay the right amount of tax.

    By signing up to our testing programme now, self-employed people and landlords will be able to familiarise themselves with the new process and access dedicated support from our MTD Customer Support Team, before it becomes compulsory next year.

    From April 2026, individuals with qualifying income above £50,000 will need to keep digital records, use MTD-compatible software and submit quarterly summaries of their income and expenses to HMRC. These digital requirements will help businesses save time through more efficient record-keeping, reduce errors in tax calculations, and provide a clearer picture of their tax obligations throughout the year.

    Qualifying income includes gross income from self-employment and property before any tax allowances or expenses are deducted. Those with qualifying income above £30,000 will also be required to use MTD for Income Tax from April 2027. The threshold will then decrease to £20,000 from April 2028.

    The phased introduction of MTD for Income Tax follows the successful implementation of MTD for VAT, which now helps more than two million businesses reduce errors and save time on their tax affairs. Businesses which joined the MTD for VAT testing phase were better prepared for the move to quarterly reporting.

    An independent report published in 2021 found that 69% of mandated businesses experienced at least one benefit from MTD for VAT, while 67% reported that it reduced the potential for mistakes in their record keeping.

    Further information

    MTD was first introduced for VAT-registered businesses in April 2019, with all qualifying businesses required to join from April 2022.

    Penalties for late quarterly updates will not apply during the testing phase, providing an ideal opportunity to get used to the new process without risk.

    Around 780,000 self-employed individuals and landlords will be required to use MTD for Income Tax from April 2026, with a further 970,000 joining from April 2027.

    More information on MTD for Income Tax

    More information on finding compatible software

  • PRESS RELEASE : Independent review turns to tackling Britain’s biggest crime [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Independent review turns to tackling Britain’s biggest crime [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 22 April 2025.

    Jonathan Fisher KC has begun work on part 2 of his Independent Review of Disclosure and Fraud Offences.

    Better protections for the British public against fraud, and tougher enforcement against the perpetrators, will be the goals of the first independent review carried out in 40 years into the UK’s fraud laws.

    Jonathan Fisher KC has begun work on part 2 of his Independent Review of Disclosure and Fraud Offences which marks the first independent review of fraud legislation in the UK since 1986. During this time, the nature and scale of fraud has evolved considerably, with fraud now constituting over 40% of all offences recorded by the Crime Survey for England and Wales.

    Where Lord Roskill’s 1986 review focused mostly on the serious fraud committed by corporate entities, the huge increase in fraud offences over the last decade has come at the expense of ordinary consumers and small businesses, targeted by highly organised gangs, many of them based overseas.

    The resulting harm to society is severe, with fraud against individuals in England and Wales alone recently estimated to cost more than £6.8 billion every year.

    Fraud has also been transformed by the impact of modern technology, with the increasing use of artificial intelligence to create scambots, deepfakes, and websites impersonating established businesses and public authorities. Fraud gangs have the ability to target tens of thousands of Britons every hour through social media, email and telephone, and only need to persuade a small fraction of those individuals to fall for their scams in order to make millions of pounds.

    The Home Office will place these emerging threats at the heart of its new, expanded fraud strategy to be published later this year, but it will also be vital to have the independent analysis provided by Jonathan Fisher KC to inform the response required from government, law enforcement and industry. And with international cooperation to disrupt threats a key national security commitment within its Plan for Change, the government is also building a united global response as part of its strategy to tackle fraud.

    Part 2 of the Fisher Review will therefore examine the largest challenges faced by law enforcement in bringing criminals committing fraud offences to justice in England and Wales. Specifically, it will consider key issues in each following stage of the fraud life cycle:

    • detection and reporting
    • disruption
    • investigation
    • prosecution and offences
    • courts
    • penalties
    • rehabilitation

    This follows the publication of part 1 of Jonathan Fisher KC’s review, Disclosure in the Digital Age, which recommended a range of measures to modernise the disclosure system and free up police time, and which is now being taken forward by the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice and the Attorney General’s Office.

    Fraud Minister Lord Hanson said:

    Fraud is a crime which can devastate lives, and I am determined to do everything possible to bring these criminals to justice.

    I welcome Jonathan Fisher KC’s review which will help us expand our knowledge base about how to better detect, disrupt and deter fraudsters and deliver a swifter justice for the victims, as part of our Plan for Change.

    The government is determined to continue our fight against this appalling crime, and I look forward to the outcome of this important review.

    Attorney General Lord Hermer KC said:

    Fraud is one of the most pernicious crimes. The criminals driving these schemes are using ever more sophisticated tactics to scam their victims. It is crucial that our criminal justice system keeps pace.

    Fraud doesn’t discriminate against age, gender or sex and it leaves victims suffering financial loss and emotional distress. I welcome this independent review of fraud and look forward to considering any findings as part of our Plan for Change.

    Independent Review Chair, Jonathan Fisher KC said:

    With the advances in digital technology, it has become much easier for fraudsters to avoid detection, and indeed prosecution, outright.

    This review aims to scrutinise the main challenges in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting fraud offences, and what can be done to better equip law enforcement to deliver swifter justice for victims.

    I am greatly appreciative of the criminal justice system-wide engagement since the launch of this independent review and for the continued encouragement as I turn my focus to examine fraud offences.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Brazilian teak plantation investments boss banned after customers lost more than £8.5 million [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Brazilian teak plantation investments boss banned after customers lost more than £8.5 million [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Insolvency Service on 22 April 2025.

    Director banned following Insolvency Service investigation into sale of investment bonds.

    • Guy Conroy was a director of Green IS Group Limited and GIS Forestry Limited, which offered customers the opportunity to invest in teak trees on plantations in Brazil
    • Conroy allowed Green IS Group and GIS Forestry to mislead their customers, breaching contractual obligations in the process
    • At least £8.525 million was owed to investors when the companies went into liquidation in March 2022

    The director of two companies which claimed to run teak plantations in Brazil has been banned after investors lost more than £8.5 million.

    Guy Conroy, 57, was the director of Green IS Group Limited and GIS Forestry Limited which offered customers the opportunity to invest in teak trees on its plantations.

    Conroy allowed the companies to provide misleading information to customers telling them their investments were secured and there were safeguards to protect their money.

    However, at least 250 investors were owed millions of pounds when the companies went into liquidation in 2022.

    Conroy, of Upper Richmond Road, London, has been disqualified as a company director for 11 years.

    Ann Oliver, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:

    Green IS Group and GIS Forestry traded in a manner which was completely unacceptable and not in the public interest.

    Guy Conroy was a director of both these companies. He allowed them to mislead investors who lost out on millions of pounds as a result of his actions.

    Conroy’s conduct is not what we would expect of company directors which is why we have taken steps to remove him from the corporate arena until March 2036.

    Both Green IS Group and GIS Forestry generally sold bonds for £5,000 each with a fixed term between two and 10 years and interest rates of between 8% and 11%.

    At the end of each bond’s term, they were to be redeemed by the companies, repaying the initial investment amount to the customer.

    Customers thought they were buying rights to teak trees or saplings on plantations in Brazil, but the companies selling the bonds did not have the correct ownership rights.

    No debenture over Green IS Group’s assets was ever registered at Companies House and security over GIS Forestry’s assets was only registered in October 2020 despite the company issuing bonds from December 2014.

    Investors lost out on at least £8.525 million as a result of these investments.

    The majority of investors were based in the UK and the largest claim from a creditor in the liquidation process was £636,000.

    Both Green IS Group and GIS Forestry were placed into compulsory liquidation on the same day in March 2022 following winding-up petitions from creditors.

    The Secretary of State for Business and Trade accepted a disqualification undertaking from Conroy, and his ban started on Thursday 27 March 2025.

    It prevents him from being involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court.

    The liquidator has also obtained records and met with Conroy and the other directors in an attempt to identify and recover company assets.

    Further information

    • Guy Conroy is of Upper Richmond Road, London. His date of birth is 22 June 1967
  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Netherlands – Chris Rampling [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Netherlands – Chris Rampling [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 April 2025.

    Mr Chris Rampling has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands in succession to Ms Joanna Roper CMG. Mr Rampling will take up his appointment during July 2025.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Christopher Maxwell Rampling

    Date Role
    2023 to 2024 FCDO, Director-General (acting) Defence & Intelligence
    2020 to 2024 FCDO, National Security Director
    2018 to 2020 Beirut, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
    2014 to 2018 Brussels, UK Permanent Representation to the EU, Foreign Policy, Defence and Development Counsellor
    2013 to 2014 FCO, Head Corporate Services Programme
    2013 Secondment to The Prince’s Trust
    2009 to 2013 Amman, Deputy Head of Mission
    2007 to 2009 FCO, Deputy Head, Counter Proliferation Department
    2005 to 2007 FCO, Team Leader, Turkey Team
    2003 Jerusalem, Political and Press Officer
    2002 to 2005 Tripoli, Political and Press Officer
    2000 to 2002 Pre-posting training (including Arabic language training, Cairo)
    1999 to 2000 FCO, Desk officer, Turkey/Malta
    1999 Joined FCO
    1996 to 1999 Private sector (Insurance)