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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Leisure travel tops charts for reasons people choose rail [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Leisure travel tops charts for reasons people choose rail [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 9 April 2025.

    The railway network connects people across the country, fuelling business, growth and opportunity.

    • new research from the Department for Transport shows that leisure is the most common reason for travelling by train
    • post-pandemic trends continue as results show the most common days to commute by train are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
    • whether its visiting friends and family, going on holiday or the usual commute, our railway provides vital connections across the country, boosting growth and fuelling our economy as part of the Plan for Change

    Passengers are more likely to take the train for leisure travel while commuters would rather take the train midweek are the key takeaways from a new research report published today (9 April 2025) by the Department for Transport (DfT).

    The railway connects communities across the country, moving people to get to work, education, healthcare and leisure. It provides vital infrastructure essential for delivering growth, providing opportunity and raising living standards as part of the Plan for Change.

    The government is undertaking a once in a generation overhaul of the rail network, bringing train operating companies into public ownership and setting up Great British Railways (GBR), bringing track and train together to put passengers first.

    In order to better understand how passengers use the railway and deliver a network that works for their needs, DfT did an investigation into the reasons passengers take the train. The report found that:

    • 54% respondents said they were travelling for leisure
    • 30% were commuting for work or education
    • 15% were travelling for business
    • 61% said they travelled by rail for leisure at least once a month
    • 41% said they used the railway for commuting at least once a week, with Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday being the most popular days

    This shows a return to midweek office working, demonstrating how essential the railway is for connecting people to get to work, providing a path for opportunity and catalysing economic growth.

    Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said:

    Our railway is the backbone of our economy, connecting people across the country and fuelling business, growth and opportunity, supporting the Plan for Change.

    This research shows thousands of passengers choose the train for their leisure travel. To go and see family and friends, go on holiday or go to big events whether its concerts, festivals or a football match, the train is the best way to get there.

    Resetting industrial relations has meant there have been no national strikes since 9 May 2024, which has protected passengers from significant disruption and delays, avoiding further impacts to the hospitality industry and wider economy. This has meant the network has been able to start getting its financial footing back, with green shoots appearing in rail revenue with an increase of 8% from the latest quarter (October to December 2024) compared to the same quarter in 2023. Public ownership will turn the page on fragmentation and mean every penny can be spent for the benefit of passengers rather than private shareholders.

    A key barrier to more people taking the train is still a lack of consistency in reliable services as delays and cancellations mean people miss days of work, hospital appointments or social events. The latest passenger data shows cancellations in the latest quarter (October to December 2024) was 5.1%, with 70,000 fully cancelled trains across the network.

    The government is determined to drive up performance, and the Rail Minister is meeting with all train operators to address concerns and demand immediate action. On top of this, last month the Transport Secretary announced a new era of rail accountability, making performance information available at over 1,700 stations showing the punctuality and reliability of trains visiting those stations.

    This year’s rail sale was the biggest one yet, encouraging more people to take the train with over one million tickets sold and top destinations including Manchester, York and London Bridge. Great British Railways will have a relentless focus on putting passengers at the centre of every journey, encouraging more people to take the train by improving standards and driving up performance.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK remains a steadfast supporter of UN peacekeeping as a vital tool in global peace and security – UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK remains a steadfast supporter of UN peacekeeping as a vital tool in global peace and security – UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 April 2025.

    Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Minister Counsellor, at the UN Security Council meeting on UN peacekeeping operations.

    The UK remains a steadfast supporter of UN peacekeeping and of the unique contribution it makes to international peace and security.

    Mr President, implementing and monitoring ceasefires has been a key function of UN peacekeeping from its very beginning and UN peacekeeping operations continue to effectively support ceasefire agreements around the world.

    The UN will not always be the right body for this, but in many cases it is, with a unique status and legitimacy for monitoring ceasefires effectively.

    This has historically been an important part of UN mandates across the world, for example in Cyprus or the Golan Heights.

    We must consider each mandate on a case-by-case basis.

    Today, we would like in particular to address the situations in Lebanon and the DRC given the briefings we’ve had.

    In Lebanon, the UK has welcomed the US’ announcement of talks to resolve key issues between Lebanon and Israel.

    This is a big step forward.

    We urge all parties to use the talks as a pathway towards securing lasting peace and security for the citizens of Israel and Lebanon, rather than returning to conflict.

    UNIFIL is playing a key role in deescalating tension and monitoring the cessation of hostilities across the Blue Line.

    The UK welcomes UNIFIL’s role in supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces deployment to southern Lebanon, consistent with the November ceasefire agreement and with resolution 1701.

    We welcome UNIFIL’s adaptation plan and urge it to be ambitious in implementing it.

    The UK encourages consideration by this Council on conditions under which MONUSCO should be tasked to monitor a ceasefire.

    The UK encourages an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue via the EAC-SADC process, in line with resolution 2773.

    Once agreed, we believe that MONUSCO would be well-placed to provide ceasefire monitoring as part of its mandate.

    However, this also requires restoration of MONUSCO’s freedom of movement.

    The UK condemns continued restrictions on MONUSCO which have constrained the mission’s ability to deliver key tasks mandated by this Council, including on the protection of civilians and the facilitation of aid.

    Mr President, let me finish with two more general comments.

    First, the safety and security of peacekeepers is essential to the successful monitoring of any ceasefire agreement.

    The UK strongly condemns all attacks on UN peacekeepers, who must never be targeted.

    Second, enhanced technology such as early warning systems and improved surveillance can help mitigate threats, including those arising from misinformation and disinformation, while allowing peacekeepers to carry out their mandates safely.

    And technology must be harnessed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of ceasefire monitoring capabilities.

    So as we look ahead to the Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin next month, and building on the Pact of the Future, the UK reaffirms our commitment to strengthening peacekeeping operations, so that they remain capable of addressing the challenges they face in a changing world.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of British High Commissioner to Malaysia – Ajay Sharma [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of British High Commissioner to Malaysia – Ajay Sharma [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 April 2025.

    Mr Ajay Sharma CMG has been appointed British High Commissioner to Malaysia in succession to Ms Ailsa Terry CMG. Mr Sharma will take up his appointment during April 2025.

    Curriculum Vitae

    Full name: Ajay Sharma

    Year Role
    2024 to present FCDO, Director and pre-posting training
    2023 to 2024 Cabinet Office, National Security Secretariat, Director International
    2022 to 2023 Ankara, Head of Mission and Chargé d’Affaires
    2021 to 2022 FCDO, Cyprus Settlement Co-ordinator
    2020 to 2021 FCDO, Deputy Political Director
    2015 to 2020 Doha, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
    2013 to 2015 FCO, Iran Co-ordinator and non-resident then resident Chargé d’affaires to Iran
    2012 to 2013 FCO, Head of Iran Department
    2008 to 2012 Paris, Deputy Head of Mission
    2007 to 2008 Tehran, Deputy Head of Mission
    2005 to 2007 FCO, Deputy Head of Security Policy Department
    2003 to 2005 Ankara, First Secretary and Head of Political Section
    2002 to 2003 Moscow, First Secretary and Head of Economic/ Energy Section
    2001 to 2002 FCO, Pre-posting training (Russian)
    1997 to 2000 Ankara, Second Secretary (Political/ Press)
    1996 to 1997 FCO, Pre-posting training (Turkish)
    1995 to 1996 FCO, Central European Department
    1995 Joined FCO
  • PRESS RELEASE : Update on Cabinet Office Audit and Risk Committee [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Update on Cabinet Office Audit and Risk Committee [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 8 April 2025.

    Maura Sullivan has been appointed as Chair of the Cabinet Office Audit and Risk Committee for a term of three years.

    The Cabinet Office Audit and Risk Committee offers an independent perspective on the department’s financial, risk, and control arrangements. It also reviews and recommends the approval of accounts for the Cabinet Office, Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists, Civil Superannuation, and the Royal Mail Statutory Pension Scheme.

    The Committee supports the Cabinet Office Board, which provides strategic and operational leadership for the department. It comprises of Cabinet Office ministers, senior executives, and non-executives from outside government.

    Maura is a finance professional with an executive career spanning Board level CFO roles in Banking, Asset Management and Pensions.

    She has worked in complex international organisations, managed large teams and led and supported large transformation programmes.

    Her non executive portfolio currently includes Chair of Audit and Compliance Committee for Marsden Building Society and Chair of Audit & Risk for Gov Facilities Management Services Limited (GovFSL), an arms length body of the MoJ.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Technology and Energy Secretaries chair first meeting of AI Energy Council [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Technology and Energy Secretaries chair first meeting of AI Energy Council [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 8 April 2025.

    The UK’s new AI Energy Council held its first meeting in Westminster today.

    Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology Peter Kyle and Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband today convened the first meeting of the AI Energy Council in Westminster.

    Joined by industry representatives from across the energy and technology sectors, this inaugural round of discussions centred on how the UK can drive forward its AI and power goals – supporting the growth, jobs and opportunities which are central to the government’s Plan for Change.

    The Technology Secretary reflected on the desire across the country to benefit from the AI revolution – with over 200 applications from local areas putting themselves forward to become AI Growth Zones. Meanwhile the Energy Secretary highlighted how it is not only about making the UK’s energy grid fit for the age of AI, but how AI can serve the energy system too.

    After delivering opening remarks, the Secretaries of State led discussions which included an agreement on the council’s 5 areas of focus for the coming year. These will be centred on ensuring the UK’s energy system is ready to support the country’s AI and compute infrastructure, promoting sustainability and the use of renewable energy solutions, and placing a strong focus on promoting the safe and secure adoption of AI across the energy system whilst also advising on how AI can be adopted to support the transition to net zero, unlocking opportunities to make the grid more flexible.

    Attendees reflected on the importance of making sure sustainability is at the heart of efforts to take advantage of AI and the need to make sure the UK has what is needed to drive further investment – including quick access to the grid, accelerated planning permission and skills.

    The 5 main areas of focus for the council were agreed, with attendees committing to meet quarterly – with an ambition to bring proposals to the table to make quick progress and deliver for people across the country.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The Kremlin’s actions reflect no desire for peace that I can detect – UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : The Kremlin’s actions reflect no desire for peace that I can detect – UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 April 2025.

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

    As we’ve heard on Friday, Russia’s ballistic missile attack on Kryvyi Rih struck a residential area in the city, resulting in the deaths of 20 people, including nine children, the youngest of whom was just three years old.

    At least 70 people were injured.

    The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights described this as the deadliest single strike harming children since the start of the full-scale invasion.

    As High Commissioner Türk said, this attack was an unimaginable horror, nine children killed, most while playing in a park, as a military weapon exploded into shrapnel above them.

    We also saw Russia’s attacks this weekend on Kharkiv and Kyiv, resulting in at least 5 more civilian deaths and many more injured.

    So we find ourselves here once again to condemn yet more Russian attacks that have killed and injured many Ukrainian civilians in violation of the UN Charter and in violation of Russia’s responsibilities as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

    President Putin continues to stall the ceasefire proposal, dragging his feet and insisting on maximalist conditions.

    While intensifying drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities.

    Which have now resulted in the deaths of nine more innocent children.

    The Kremlin’s actions reflect no desire for peace that I can detect.

    They are the actions of a government that remains hell-bent on destroying Ukraine; a government that disdains mediation efforts, and holds cheap the lives of civilians.

    Under US leadership, a ceasefire proposal is on the table.

    The ball has been in Russia’s court for weeks now.

    It’s time for the Kremlin to stop stalling.

    It’s time they show that they are committed to peace as they claim to be.

    Because President Zelenskyy has made Ukraine’s will clear.

    He wants to see the war end and has agreed to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire, subject to Russia’s agreement.

    It is time for the killing to stop.

    It is time for the Kremlin to end its aggression against Ukraine and to uphold its obligations under the UN Charter.

    It is time for President Putin to agree to a full and immediate ceasefire, as a vital step towards negotiations to end the war for good.

    So our message to the Kremlin is that we will not be deterred by your reckless and barbaric actions.

    The UK will continue to stand resolutely by Ukraine to secure a just and lasting peace, in line with the principles of the UN Charter.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and OSCE partners present the Democracy Defenders Award to the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and OSCE partners present the Democracy Defenders Award to the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 April 2025.

    Minister of State Stephen Doughty congratulates the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association for its efforts to protect democracy and human rights for Georgians.

    Minister for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty, said:

    “I congratulate the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) on winning the prestigious Democracy Defender Award gifted by the UK and seven OSCE partners. The GYLA is providing essential support to human rights activists and civil society organisations in Georgia who are coming under increasing pressure from repressive legislation.

    “After months of democratic backsliding, arbitrary arrests, and the use of excessive force against protestors, politicians and journalists, Georgian Dream has shown no indication they will return to their European path and uphold the democratic wishes of its own electorate.

    “I urge the Georgian authorities to reverse this isolationist behaviour, and I thank the GYLA for their important work protecting the fundamental rights of Georgian people.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : New appeals process to provide independent assurance about Horizon redress awards [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New appeals process to provide independent assurance about Horizon redress awards [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 8 April 2025.

    Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas has announced the launch of the new, independent, appeals process for eligible postmasters in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme.

    • New independent appeals process for Horizon Shortfall Scheme victims
    • New applications for postmasters who claimed under HSS to begin this month
    • Provides assurance that those who were unjustly impacted by the Horizon IT scandal will receive full, fair and swift redress

    Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas has announced in Parliament today [Tuesday 8 April] the launch of the new, independent, appeals process for eligible postmasters in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS).

    Postmasters who feel their financial settlement did not reflect the true extent of their losses and trauma will be able to appeal their settlement ensuring they receive full, fair and swift redress.

    Eligible postmasters and their legal representatives will be written to later this month and applications for the new Appeals process will begin to be accepted by the end of April.

    Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas said:

    It is our priority that all those who were unjustly affected by the Horizon IT scandal receive full, fair and swift redress and today’s measures are the next step in providing that.

    Since taking office, the total amount of redress paid to victims has increased by more than three and a half times with £892 million having now been paid to over 6,200 claimants. There is still more to do, and I am committed to this task until every affected postmaster receives the redress they rightly deserve.

    The Government also announced that each Directly Managed Branch (DMBs) will be franchised so that Post Office services remain available to local communities. We have listened to concerns and made it clear that DMBs should not be closed as we continue to work with the Post Office as it develops its transformation plan.

    There will also be a further £276.9 million in funding for the Post Office to help support the breadth of the network. This will enable Post Office to deliver technology transformation and give them the resources to continue administering redress payments to postmasters.

    There will also be a scheme launched next month to provide redress to postmasters who faced issues with Post Office products, polices or processes.

    These updates will help rebuild trust with postmasters and ensure past failings are fully addressed.

    Notes to editors

    As of 31 March 2025, approximately £892 million has been paid to over 6,200 claimants across 4 schemes:

    • £454 million in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS), including interim payments
    • £67 million in the Overturned Convictions (OC) scheme, including interim payments
    • £150 million in the Group Litigation Order (GLO) scheme, including interim payments
    • £221 million in the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS), including interim payments
  • PRESS RELEASE : Update on Free Trade Agreement negotiations with South Korea [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Update on Free Trade Agreement negotiations with South Korea [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department of Business and Trade on 8 April 2025.

    Update following round 4 of negotiations on an upgraded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with South Korea.

    Negotiations took place in London between 10 and 21 March 2025.

    The fourth round of negotiations to upgrade the existing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Republic of Korea (RoK) took place in London between 10 and 21 March 2025. As with previous rounds, negotiators from both sides engaged productively across a broad range of areas in an ongoing effort to enhance and solidify the economic partnership between us.

    Negotiations continue to centre around three key objectives:

    1. Securing and future proofing existing arrangements: Progress was made in rules of origin discussions. Product Specific Rules were discussed for a range of important exporting sectors. Negotiators will continue to seek a chapter which accounts for both existing and future supply chains.
    2. Capturing recent advances in Trade Policy: Negotiations on a new and comprehensive Digital Trade chapter progressed positively, with commitments on data, trade digitisation and business safeguards under discussion this round.
    3. Supporting our strategic relationship with the Republic of Korea: During the round good progress was made towards agreeing new cooperation commitments covering areas such as the Environment, Trade and Gender Equality and Supply Chains.

    Economic growth is the core mission of this government, and this FTA has an important role to play in supporting our £15.3 billion trade relationship with the Republic of Korea.

    The government will only ever sign a trade agreement which aligns with the UK’s national interests, upholding high standards across a range of sectors, including protections for the National Health Service.

    The fifth round of negotiations is currently expected to take place in Seoul in the Summer of 2025.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Royal Navy aircraft carrier in final preparation to lead multinational deployment to Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Royal Navy aircraft carrier in final preparation to lead multinational deployment to Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 8 April 2025.

    Nearly 4,000 British personnel will support the deployment, which will deliver trade events in Singapore, Japan, and India, promoting Britain’s world-leading industry.

    Final preparations are underway for a multinational deployment, led by the Royal Navy flagship HMS Prince of Wales, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to the security of the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific, while providing an opportunity to promote British trade and industry.

    Aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales is scheduled to sail from Portsmouth on 22 April, where it will proceed to join a formation of warships, supply ships, and aircraft off the coast of Cornwall, before departing for the Mediterranean where it will conduct exercises to reinforce European security.

    Around 2,500 personnel from the Royal Navy and 592 from the Royal Air Force will be involved in the eight-month deployment, which will see the group sail through the Indian Ocean to conduct exercises and port visits with partners including the US, India, Singapore, and Malaysia. They will be joined by around 900 personnel from the British Army for exercises during the deployment.

    The deployment, named Operation Highmast, provides an opportunity for the UK’s Armed Forces to conduct a major global deployment and a chance to exercise complex operations alongside partners and allies in the region, with 12 other nations supporting the deployment with ships or personnel.

    The Indo-Pacific is a critical region for UK trade, with imports and exports in the region worth billions of pounds for the UK economy, and the deployment will provide a chance for UK companies to take part in trade events during port visits.

    Trade between the UK and Indo-Pacific accounted for 17% of total trade between the UK and all trading partners in the 12 months to September 2024, with the total amount traded in goods and services between the UK and Indo-Pacific standing at £286 billion in the same period.

    As the biggest class of ship in the Royal Navy, the flight decks of HMS Prince of Wales and her sister ship are roughly the size of three football pitches and defended by advanced weapons. A maritime strike force of this size is composed of multiple types of ship, frigates, destroyers, submarines, and supply ships to support logistics.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

    I want to thank the thousands of our Armed Forces personnel involved in the delivery of this immensely complex operation, demonstrating the UK’s world-leading capability to deploy a major military force around the world.

    This is a unique opportunity for the UK to operate in close coordination with our partners and allies in a deployment that not only shows our commitment to security and stability, but also provides an opportunity to bolster our own economy and boost British trade and exports.

    As one of only a handful of countries in the world able to lead a deployment of this scale, the Royal Navy is once again demonstrating its formidable capability while protecting British values and sending a powerful message of deterrence to any adversary.

    Of the 12 other nations supporting the deployment, Norway will provide a warship to support the carrier strike group for the entire duration of the deployment. Canada and Spain are among the other nations providing support to the deployment.

    After its compliment of up to 24 Royal Air Force F-35B Lighting fighter jets is embarked on board HMS Prince of Wales, and the departure for the Mediterranean, the group will initially be placed under NATO command as it joins Exercise Neptune Strike – testing the Alliance’s ability to use high-end maritime strike capabilities, including multiple aircraft carrier and amphibious strike groups.

    The group will transit though the Indian Ocean, conducting exercises and port visits with partners including the US, India, Singapore and Malaysia, before joining 19 partner nations for Exercise Talisman Sabre near Australia, and then training alongside the Japanese Self Defence Forces and conducting a port visit to India.

    Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP, said:

    Through this deployment of our Carrier Strike Group and 4,000 Service Personnel, we will stand firm with our allies against those who challenge the international order. Reminding the world that the security of the Euro Atlantic and Indo-Pacific are fundamentally indivisible.

    This isn’t just about hard power; it’s about building influence and opening new trade opportunities both for defence and other sectors of our economy which will deliver British jobs and growth.

    This deployment follows the Prime Minister’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, demonstrating this Government’s commitment to keep the UK secure at home and strong abroad.

    Following the inaugural deployment in 2021, the Carrier Strike Group 2025 highlights the strength of the UK’s leadership in seeking to uphold stability in the Indo-Pacific. This has been bolstered by the Royal Navy’s persistent presence in the region through HMS Spey and HMS Tamar, as well as the landmark Global Combat Air Programme collaboration.

    Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority and is the foundation of its Plan for Change. The strength, capability and global reach of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, demonstrated through Operation Highmast, is critical to the security and stability of the UK, supporting the delivery of the Government’s five missions.