Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Historic Garden of England protected with new sparkling National Nature Reserve [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 30 May 2025.

Eighth Kings Series National Nature Reserve to be announced.
- The North Kent Woods and Downs National Nature Reserve is home to around 1700 ancient and veteran trees, as well as a mosaic of natural habitats including wildflower meadows, rare arable plants and chalk grasslands.
- Around 400,000 people live within 5 miles of the new reserve, and will have new opportunities to connect with this unique landscape.
- First National Nature Reserve to include an organic and carbon-negative vineyard, bringing a boost for both nature recovery and the local economy.
Kent has reaffirmed its reputation as the ‘Garden of England’ with the announcement of a new National Nature Reserve (30 May) boasting flagship species including, Man and Lady orchids, the Maidstone mining bee, Hazel dormouse and skylarks.

The county is said to have been given its famous nickname by Henry VIII to acknowledge its beautiful green landscape and abundant supply of food and drink. While much has changed over the centuries, modern day visitors to the newly opened reserve will find that it is still worthy of this title. The site offers access to a rich mix of wildflower meadows, chalk grasslands and ancient woodlands which have maintained tree cover since the Tudor era.

Many people have enjoyed the picturesque North Kent countryside, including Charles Dickens, who praised the fresh greenery and bustling wildlife of Kent, and frequently returned to the area in his writings, drawing inspiration from this idyllic landscape. The natural beauty of the area has now been put back in the spotlight with this declaration.

Over 400,000 people live within five miles of the new North Kent Woods and Downs National Nature Reserve and 8 million people live just an hour’s drive away, making this opening an exciting opportunity for people to connect with internationally important nature.

The new National Nature Reserve covers 800 hectares, equivalent to over 1100 football pitches, and partners will be working to support conservation efforts beyond the boundary of the reserve, helping to create a joined-up approach to nature recovery for a further 1100 hectares in the surrounding area.

Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England said:

Creating bigger, better and more joined up natural areas is one of the most vital and fundamental steps we must take in meeting our national targets for Nature’s recovery. This new reserve, with its hundreds of ancient trees set amid extensive chalk grasslands, lays the foundations for multiple partners to work together to improve Nature across a significant area of countryside. This reserve presents one further excellent example of the progress that can be made when people decide to work together across landscapes.

Millions of people visit our National Nature Reserves and having a new one accessible to so many people and with such fantastic Nature is truly a cause for celebration.

Nature Minister Mary Creagh said:

This new National Nature reserve will give people the opportunity to explore Kent’s magical landscapes from wildflower meadows to ancient woodlands.

Reserves like this one, and others in the King’s Coronation Series, will deliver on our promise to improve access to nature and protect nature-rich habitats, as well as boosting the local economy in line with our Plan for Change.

Alongside long-term management for the precious habitats found at the site, the declaration of the newest National Nature Reserve in the King’s Series also offers the prime example of how conservation and economic growth can go hand in hand.

The site is home to the Silverhand Estate, the largest single organic and carbon-negative vineyard in the UK. For organisations like Silverhand, a healthy natural environment is essential to business, which serves as a reminder that nature underpins all parts of our economy.

The creation of the reserve will offer a boost to tourism in the Garden of England, as National Nature Reserve status highlights the internationally important nature found in the area. More than 20 million people visit National Nature Reserves each year, helping to put the natural beauty and ecological importance of our landscapes in the spotlight and boost the visitor economy of the areas around them.

This new National Nature Reserve directly supports the government’s commitment to restore and protect our natural world by expanding nature-rich habitats where people can explore and wildlife can thrive.

This is the 8th reserve to be launched as part of the King’s Series of National Nature Reserves, which will leave a lasting public legacy for people and nature by creating or extending 25 National Nature Reserves by 2027.

With support from Natural England and Kent Downs National Landscape, the Reserve will be managed by a number of partners including the National Trust, Woodland Trust, Kent County Council, Plantlife, Silverhand Estate (Vineyard Farms Ltd), and the West Kent Downs Countryside Trust. Affiliated partners include Gravesham Borough Council, Birling Estate, Shorne Parish Council, Tarmac and Forestry England.
31/05/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Patients and pupils to benefit from school and hospital repairs [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 30 May 2025.

Government investing £1.2 billion to fix crumbling hospitals and schools across England.
- Government to deliver vital maintenance in hospitals to help prevent cancelled appointments and operations
- Focus put back on education as classrooms and school facilities upgraded to be safe and warm
- Combined £1.2 billion funding is part of government’s promise to deliver public infrastructure improvements through its Plan for Change
Patients and pupils across England are set to benefit from nearly £1.2 billion worth of essential maintenance fixes being rolled out at hospitals and schools.

Over 400 hospitals, mental health units and ambulance sites will be handed £750 million to tackle long-term problems such as leaky pipes, poor ventilation and electrical issues, helping to prevent thousands of cancelled operations and appointments.

And children at 656 schools and sixth forms will benefit from a share of £470 million for projects like fixing crumbling roofs and removing dangerous asbestos – restoring pride in our classrooms and undoing years of dangerous neglect.

The funding is part of the government’s mission to fix the dire state of public service infrastructure it inherited and deliver investment and reform through its Plan for Change.

It will help people benefit from better services and facilities across the health system, and support children to get the best start in life.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said:

A decade and a half of underinvestment left hospitals crumbling, with burst pipes flooding emergency departments, faulty electrical systems shutting down operating theatres, and mothers giving birth in outdated facilities that lack basic dignity.

We are on a mission to rebuild our NHS through investment and modernisation.

Patients and staff deserve to be in buildings that are safe, comfortable and fit for purpose. Through our Plan for Change, we will make our NHS fit for the future.

Fixing the backlog of maintenance at NHS hospitals will help prevent cancellations, with services disrupted over 4,000 times in 2023 to 2024 due to issues with poor quality buildings.

A wide range of facilities and services will benefit, including over £100 million for maternity units to enable better care for mothers and their newborns. This will fund critical improvements such as replacing outdated ventilation systems in neonatal intensive care units, creating optimal environmental conditions for vulnerable babies and their families during challenging times.

The funding will also support schools and sixth form colleges that urgently need repairs – giving parents the confidence that their children are learning in safety and comfort.

It is part of the £2.1 billion investment into the school estate this year, as the government forges on with delivering for the public through our Plan for Change – by investing in our children, their futures and the future of this country.

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said:

The defining image of the school estate under the previous government was children sitting under steel props to stop crumbling concrete falling on their heads. It simply isn’t good enough.

Parents expect their children to learn in a safe warm environment. It’s what children deserve, and it is what we are delivering.

This investment is about more than just buildings – it’s about showing children that their education matters, their futures matter, and this government is determined to give them the best possible start in life.

This investment will deliver energy efficient, warm classrooms with safe outdoor spaces that are not just fit for lessons, but for the future – creating a welcoming and supportive school environment for generations of children so they can achieve and thrive as they progress through their education.

The school and hospital funding packages were confirmed in last year’s Autumn Budget, in which an extra £26 billion was secured for the NHS.

Simon Corben, Director and Head of Profession for NHS Estates and Facilities at NHS England, said:

I welcome this funding as a long-overdue step toward tackling the unacceptable state of parts of the NHS estate. Too many buildings have been allowed to fall into disrepair, putting patient safety and staff working conditions at risk.

It is now vital that NHS England and local leaders deliver – every pound must be spent wisely, with clear accountability and a laser focus on improving frontline care.

The government has already delivered over 3 million additional NHS appointments since June 2024, exceeding its 2 million target. Additionally, over 1,000 GP surgeries are being modernised to enable 8.3 million more appointments annually.

It has also invested in new technology, including 13 DEXA scanners delivering 29,000 extra bone scans and £70 million in radiotherapy machines delivering up to 27,500 additional treatments per year by March 2027.

The Department for Education confirmed a £2.1 billion investment for the school estate for 2025 to 2026, almost £300 million more than the previous year, to fix the foundations of our school estate.

A further £1.4 billion will back the acceleration of the school rebuilding programme this year, with a commitment to kickstart projects at 100 schools this year alone – rejuvenating the school estate by delivering new, high-quality buildings that are not just energy efficient but fit for all pupils needs.

This will provide high-tech facilities that will raise the standards of education through new sports halls, IT rooms, school kitchens and playgrounds that children and staff can enjoy for years to come.

Projects across schools and hospitals will be delivered during the 2025 to 2026 financial year, with the first upgrades expected to begin this summer.
31/05/2025
PRESS RELEASE : East London charity given Official Warning over loss of £1 million [May 2025]

The press release issued by the Charity Commission on 30 May 2025.

The Charity Commission has taken regulatory action against East London Mosque Trust for failing to responsibly manage charity funds.

The Commission has issued an Official Warning to East London Mosque Trust over an investment deal which resulted in the loss of £1 million. The regulator found trustees failed to have sufficient oversight of the charity’s activities and it has given the charity six months to take remedial action or possibly face further regulatory scrutiny.

The charity has existed in some form since 1910, and the mosque is considered one of London’s oldest. East London Mosque Trust was established to advance the Islamic faith by maintaining and managing a community centre and mosque, and provides a range of spiritual and community services.

The charity had invested £1 million in an NHS-approved supplier, expecting a 20% return in 6 months, but the supplier was forced into administration, resulting in a loss for the charity. The charity’s trustees reported the matter to the Commission in February 2023, which the regulator reviewed as part of wider engagement with the charity.

The Commission found the charity’s due diligence regarding the investment deal was not thorough enough. The regulator is also critical of the trustees’ lack of effective oversight and failure to properly scrutinise key documents concerning the investment. The regulator would expect any charity to conduct substantial checks on any investment which uses charitable funds, particularly one of this size.

The Commission had previously told the charity to ensure it had sufficient control over its funds and had warned of potential for further action. The trustees’ failure to act with reasonable care and skill, which contributed to the loss of the charity’s funds, is misconduct and/or mismanagement.

The Official Warning sets out that the charity is to ensure financial controls are put in place and that there is oversight of the charity’s funds to protect the charity’s assets going forward. The charity is now expected to conduct an independent review of the charity’s governance, reporting findings to the Commission. The regulator also expects the charity to do all it reasonably can to recover the lost funds.

Charity Commission Head of Compliance Visits and Inspections, Joshua Farbridge, said:

When people donate to a charity, they put their faith in those running it to manage those funds with care and in line with its aims. In this case, we found the trustees lacked the oversight we’d expect of such a large investment, nor did they ensure thorough due diligence had been undertaken.

The East London Mosque Trust has been advised on more than one occasion about having appropriate oversight of funds and so we have now issued a formal warning. We expect all charities to promptly act on steps provided in an Official Warning and will be monitoring this charity’s progress.

31/05/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Putin claims to share values of dignity and peace, yet continues to violate them – UK statement at the UN Security Council [May 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 May 2025.

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

Colleagues, we convene today to address the situation in Ukraine, as we collectively mourn the lives lost due to Russia’s recent attacks.

This weekend saw two of the largest mass air attacks of the war, back-to-back.

Over three days, Russia launched over 900 drones and missiles at Ukrainian cities, reportedly resulting in the deaths of 30 people and injuring a further 150.

And these deaths were not an accident. Russia’s missile and drone strikes struck major urban centres and densely populated regions.

Over the night of 24 May, among those killed were three children, specifically, three siblings: Stanislav, aged 8, Tamara, aged 12, and Roman, aged 17. Each of them on the edge of a new chapter of childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, all of them robbed of life too soon.

Such acts are a stark reminder of the urgent need to bring this war to an end.

Russia’s attacks are not only sustained, they are worsening. As OHCHR has verified, in the first three months of this year alone, there have been 2,641 civilian casualties. That’s nearly 900 more than during the same period in 2024, and over 600 more than early 2023.

The increased killing of civilians is an affront to our shared values of human dignity and peace.

Values which President Putin claims to share, yet continues to violate.

Putin’s priorities are demonstrated by his timing. These attacks were launched days after talks in Istanbul, in which Russia, yet again, refused to agree to an unconditional ceasefire.

Presented with another opportunity for meaningful progress towards peace, Putin chose war.

President, while Ukraine stands ready for an unconditional ceasefire, Russia sustains its aggression. And once again, innocent civilians are paying the price. Russia’s actions speak much louder than its words.

So we call on Russia to comply with international law, including the UN Charter, and to stop the killing of innocent civilians.

Russia’s unrelenting invasion of its sovereign neighbour will only redouble our resolve to help Ukraine defend itself and to use the necessary measures to restrict Putin’s war machine.

We will work in unison with the US, Ukraine, our European and international partners until a just and lasting peace is no longer an aim, but an enduring reality.

30/05/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Drought declared in north-west of England [May 2025]

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 29 May 2025.

Many reservoirs in the region are at historic low levels for the time of year.

The Environment Agency has declared drought status for the north-west of England following the driest start to spring in 69 years.

River flows have been declining along with groundwater levels due to the dry March, April and start of May.

Reservoir storage levels in the region are also receding and are currently lower than they were at this time during the 1984, 1995 and 2022 drought years.

The recent rain, while welcome, is not enough to reverse the dry start to the year and expected hotter weather in the coming weeks is set to exacerbate the situation.

The decision by the EA to move into drought status sees the regulator increase their operational response while ensuring water companies step up the actions agreed in their drought plans.

This includes fixing leaks, communicating with customers and supporting them to reduce demand, and submitting drought permits to take more water, as needed. These actions if taken in a timely manner will help preserve supplies for people and the environment.

In the North West, the EA continues to work to ensure United Utilities acts in accordance with their drought plan.

Although the North-west has experienced a dry start to the year, it is a mixed picture in other parts of England. The Environment Agency and Defra ministers will convene a meeting of the National Drought Group on 5 June to assess the situation across the country and ensure that water companies are enacting their drought plans to conserve water supplies.

Andy Brown, Water Regulation Manager at the Environment Agency said:

Drought is a naturally occurring phenomenon. As we see more impacts from climate change heavier rainfall and drier summers will become more frequent. This poses an enormous challenge over the next few decades.

Despite the rain over the weekend levels remain low and we are encouraging people to be aware of the impacts of drought as we enter the summer period.

With further unsettled periods and rainfall over the coming weeks we will continue to closely monitor the situation and implement our Drought Plan.

Water Minister Emma Hardy said:

I am receiving regular updates from the Environment Agency.

I’m doing everything in my power to hold United Utilities to account to ensure we have the regular supply of water that is needed across the region.

The government is taking decisive action to secure our water supply for the decades to come. That’s why we are building 9 new reservoirs and upgrading pipes to cut leakage by 17%.

Periods of dry weather and low rivers can have several environmental consequences such as deoxygenating water. This can lead to fish kills, as well as more algal blooms and diminished river flow that prevents wildlife from moving up or downstream.

The Environment Agency is encouraging the public to report environmental incidents to their 24/7 hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

Defra announced today that the Environment Secretary was stepping in to speed up delivery for the first two major reservoirs since the 1990s as part of government action to secure our water supply for future generations.

Further information

A decision to declare drought is taken based on reservoir levels, river flows and moisture in the soil along with consideration of the long-term weather forecasts. Droughts are often long-term events, starting as far back as the previous Autumn with effects felt throughout the following seasons. Declaring drought status enables the Environment Agency to plan, deliver and manage actions in drought plans.

However, there is no single definition for drought, so while it’s caused by a period of low rainfall, the nature, timing and impacts on people, the environment, agriculture or business will vary. Some droughts are short and intense like a hot, dry summer, while others are long and take time to develop over multiple seasons.

30/05/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Outcomes of the UK/EU Summit on 19 May – UK statement to OSCE [May 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 May 2025.

Ambassador Holland briefs on the outcomes of the UK/EU Summit, which took place on 19 May in London, including the leaders’ commitment to the Helsinki Decalogue and resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

Thank you, Chair. On 19 May the UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer welcomed Presidents Von Der Leyen and Costa and High Representative Kallas to Lancaster House, for the first ever Summit between the UK and the EU. It was an important forward-looking discussion at which our leaders confirmed our steadfast dedication to the fundamental tenets of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law. They restated our commitment to the Helsinki Decalogue and to the rules based international order, with the United Nations at its core.

Our leaders stressed our resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and underlined our commitment to hold Russia accountable for its aggression. Our leaders also offered continued support to Moldova and reaffirmed our commitment to the stability and prosperity of the Western Balkans.

Europe faces a generational threat to our shared security and against this backdrop the discussion included global and strategic priorities of joint concern and agreement to strengthen cooperation across a range of issues for the security, safety and prosperity of all people across the UK and EU.

During the Summit the UK and the EU reached agreement on a Security and Defence Partnership. The Partnership is broad and ambitious and will upgrade our cooperation on areas ranging from defence industry, mobility of military material and personnel, maritime security and space security, to illicit finance, irregular migration and working together to protect our critical infrastructure. These are issues relevant to the work that we do each day here in Vienna and our partnership will contribute to our shared security.

Madam Chair, this Summit underpinned the importance of UK and EU cooperation and our new geopolitical partnership that drives closer coordination, builds on our OSCE principles and commitments and will underpin our comprehensive approach to security.

Thank you.

29/05/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Insolvency Service publishes new Individual Voluntary Arrangement protocol to help protect people in debt [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Insolvency Service on 29 May 2025.

New protocol is the result of the agency working with organisations across the sector to improve support for people considering an IVA.
- The changes to the IVA protocol bring further clarity and certainty for both consumers and creditors.
- Research published in October 2024, showed concerning evidence of poor practice by some providers.
- The revised protocol comes into effect from 1 June 2025 and is the product of the agency working alongside regulators, creditors, IVA providers and charities.
The Insolvency Service has published a revised Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) protocol to improve the service currently offered to people in debt and safeguard them from poor practice.

IVAs are a legally binding agreement between a person who is insolvent and their creditors.

The new protocol includes an easy-to-read ‘key facts’ document which will be given to people in debt before they sign up to an IVA. The protocol also gives greater clarity to Insolvency Practitioners about their responsibilities when giving advice about IVAs.

It is the result of a collaboration between the Insolvency Service, regulators, the trade association R3, creditors, providers and charities following 2024 research which found poor practice among some IVA providers.

Claire Hardgrave, the Head of Insolvency Practitioner Regulation for the Insolvency Service said:

It is vital that people with debt problems are always given quality advice.

At the same time, Insolvency Practitioners need access to clear guidance in order to provide the best service possible.

Since the publication of our report, we have been working with regulators and have met with Insolvency Practitioners to discuss our plans.

This protocol provides much-needed safeguards and transparency for all concerned, ensuring there are fewer grey areas for the practice, and that people in debt are supported from the very start.

Marcial Boo, Chief Executive of the Insolvency Practitioners Association, added:

It is vital that Insolvency Practitioners meet high standards when supporting people in financial distress.

The revised IVA Protocol marks a significant improvement in the framework for the fair, efficient administration of consumer IVAs, including changes that the IPA, as the largest regulator for the sector across the UK, has long been advocating for.

We will continue to work with the Insolvency Service and others to ensure that the new protocol is applied in practice to bring benefit to debtors and creditors alike.

In 2024, the Insolvency Service published research into the provision of IVAs, looking at 310 which had been both registered and terminated between 2021 and 2023, finding that 60 per cent showed evidence of poor practice in the early stages.

The new ‘key facts’ document, will be given to consumers before they agree an IVA proposal and provides greater clarity on what to expect. It covers key areas, including implications for homeowners, fees charged by IVA providers, how monthly repayments are calculated and individual credit scores.

Some of the main changes to the protocol include:
- Clearer guidance for when an IVA is not suitable, for example, if a consumer qualifies for a Debt Relief Order.
- The consumer’s family home will no longer form part of their IVA if the providers and creditors follow the protocol.
- Where an IVA is terminated, a requirement that the supervisor should signpost the consumer to free, regulated debt advice.
The revised protocol is the product of the IVA standing committee (IVASC) of which the Insolvency Service is a member alongside the Recognised Professional Bodies (RPBs).

It involved all parties working together to agree a product which was easier to understand and provides greater clarity and certainty for consumers, creditors and Insolvency Practitioners.

Across England and Wales, a total of 64,050 IVAs were registered in 2024.

IVAs are administered by licensed Insolvency Practitioners, usually last for between five and six years, to pay off debts affordably monthly contributions

Anyone in problem debt should seek free, regulated debt advice and ask about the breathing space service while they explore possible solutions to suit their circumstances.
29/05/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Second UK-Maldives Strategic Dialogue [May 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 May 2025.

The UK and Maldives held a second Strategic Dialogue on 28 May 2025 in Malé, Maldives, where they reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

The Second Strategic Dialogue between the Republic of Maldives and the United Kingdom (UK) at the Senior Officials level was held on 28 May 2025 in Malé, Maldives.

Building on the outcomes of the inaugural Strategic Dialogue in 2023, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the Maldives-UK partnership through structured and regular engagement. Discussions focused on key thematic areas including economic and trade cooperation, security and defence collaboration, governance, human rights and the rule of law, higher education, visas and immigration, environment and climate change, and regional and multilateral co-operation.

Acknowledging the importance of enhancing economic links to elevate the bilateral partnership, the Maldives and the UK reviewed progress on trade and investment since the first Dialogue and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral economic ties. Both sides celebrated the growing trade and investment relationship and discussed further avenues to advance collaboration in fisheries, tourism, renewable energy and financial services. Cooperation on customs matters were discussed to facilitate trade.

The UK and the Maldives reiterated their shared commitment towards maintaining regional security, countering terrorism, violent extremism as well as serious and organised crime. The UK reaffirmed its support for capacity-building initiatives, including technical assistance and joint exercises in policing, defence, and maritime security.

Both sides reviewed UK support to governance, criminal justice reform and judicial independence in the Maldives. The UK reiterated its commitment to continue supporting the Maldives in its endeavours to consolidate democratic governance and strengthen human rights, and, welcomed continued dialogue on shared values.

The Maldives and the UK reaffirmed the importance of educational exchange and agreed to explore increasing opportunities for higher education through Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships. Recognising the increasing number of Maldivian students travelling to the UK for higher education, the Maldives raised visa and immigration matters, and both sides agreed to continue discussions to facilitate smoother processes for visa issuance.

Both countries recognised the importance of people-to-people exchanges in promoting mutual understanding between the 2 countries. They recognised the increasing numbers of visitor arrivals from the UK to the Maldives, and agreed to explore opportunities to strengthen collaboration at local levels, promote cultural co-operation, and conduct friendly exchanges between the 2 countries.

The UK and the Maldives discussed ongoing collaboration under the Ocean Country Partnership Programme and agreed to strengthen co-operation in marine conservation and climate resilience. Opportunities to co-operate in multilateral climate fora including the forthcoming COP30 were discussed and the key role that Maldives plays amongst Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) was recognised.

The Maldives and the UK exchanged views on regional developments and multilateral co-operation, including within the United Nations and the Commonwealth. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to leverage international support towards global issues impacting SIDS.

The Second Strategic Dialogue was convened in a hybrid format. The Dialogue was co-chaired for Maldives by Dr Hala Hameed, Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and for the UK by Ben Mellor, Director, India and Indian Ocean Directorate at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office with delegations comprised of senior officials from both governments. The Dialogue concluded with a shared commitment to continue the Strategic Dialogue on an annual basis and to explore other opportunities to support a continued deepening of the bilateral relationship.

29/05/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Report of the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo – UK statement [May 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 May 2025.

Ambassador Holland welcomes new Head of OSCE Mission in Kosovo Gerard McGurk to the Permanent Council, underlining continued support for the work of the Mission amid the difficult political and security context in the last six months.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

Firstly, I would like to welcome Ambassador McGurk – dear Gerard – to the Permanent Council for the first time as Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo. Thank you for your informative presentation on the Mission’s recent work, so soon after your arrival, and to your team for the comprehensive written report.

The United Kingdom welcomes the peaceful and competitive parliamentary elections held in Kosovo in February, and the important support provided to the Central Election Commission by the Mission. We continue to underline to Kosovo interlocutors the urgency of government formation.

Mr Chair, the United Kingdom shares the concerns highlighted in the Mission report on the level of tensions in the four northern municipalities during the reporting period. We are particularly concerned by the uncoordinated nature of closures of institutions and facilities in northern Kosovo which provide vital services to Kosovo-Serbs and other non-majority communities. The UK will continue to encourage the Government of Kosovo to ensure that non-majority communities can play a full and equal role in the country’s future, and to uphold Kosovo’s commitments as an inclusive and multi-ethnic state.

The UK also underlines the importance of ensuring justice and accountability for all acts of violence. We continue to call on Serbia to cooperate fully with efforts to hold to account those responsible for the 2023 attacks on KFOR troops and in Banjska, and to fulfil its pledge to cooperate in the investigation of the attack on the Ibar-Lepenc Canal.

We urge both Kosovo and Serbia to engage constructively in the EU-facilitated Dialogue and to deliver on their respective obligations, including establishing an Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities. It is vital that Kosovo and Serbia abide by their commitments and not renege on Dialogue agreements. Failing to meet these commitments has negative implications for the daily lives of ordinary citizens and for wider stability in the Western Balkans.

The UK commends the work of the OSCE Mission during the last six months across the three core pillars of its mandate. We particularly appreciate the Mission’s focus on electoral support, and continued prioritisation of monitoring and early warning functions. We also value the Mission’s support on human rights and inter-community relations, including on interfaith dialogue and assistance to the Kosovo-Serb community in language and documentation. We welcome ongoing efforts to address challenges to the right to freedom of religion or belief and the preservation of cultural heritage.

While we recognise Kosovo’s progress in tackling corruption and its improved score in Transparency International’s corruption perceptions index, we note with concern the issues highlighted in the World Press Freedom Index on the protection and independence of journalists. We share the concerns highlighted in the Report over political influence in media institutions, and welcome the Mission’s planned activity to advance media freedom and journalist safety.

Mr Chair, the United Kingdom is a longstanding and strong supporter of Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state. During his visit to Kosovo in early April, my Foreign Secretary reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and its development of an inclusive, diverse and multi-ethnic democracy. The UK will continue to support stability, security and economic cooperation in the Western Balkans, including through the work of our Special Envoy, Dame Karen Pierce, and hosting the Berlin Process Summit in London this autumn.

Finally, I wanted to again thank you, dear Gerard, for taking on the leadership of the Mission at this critical time. We highly appreciate the continued hard work and expertise of your team, and wish you every success during your time in the role.

29/05/2025
PRESS RELEASE : £85 million to support arts and cultural organisations across the country [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 29 May 2025.

Local people’s access to arts venues across the country set to be protected with cash to support vital repairs and upgrades.
- Investment supports the Government’s Plan for Change by helping to boost local economies and increase opportunities to gain creative skills
- Expressions Of Interest to open at the end of June
Arts and cultural organisations will soon be able to apply for a share of £85 million from the government for vital repairs and upgrades, ensuring everyone has access to high quality institutions in the places they call home.

The new Creative Foundations Fund will help arts venues across England to address a range of issues, such as repairing building infrastructure, outdated or failing systems, inefficient energy systems and inaccessible spaces. It will ensure beloved local venues like theatres, performing arts venues, galleries, grassroots music venues and contemporary arts centres can continue to offer opportunities, boost skills and attract more visitors from across the country.

Arts and cultural organisations across England are encouraged to apply for a share of up to £10 million each from the fund, which recognises the huge contribution they make towards boosting growth and breaking down barriers to opportunities for young people by helping them to learn vital creative skills.

This £85 million investment into arts and cultural organisations is part of the £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund announced by the Culture Secretary in February, which delivers on the government’s Plan for Change to support economic growth and increase opportunities for people across the country.

Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said:

Everyone, everywhere, deserves to enjoy arts and culture in the places they call home. This funding will be vital in ensuring that our much loved venues are fit for the future, so they can continue to boost growth and provide young people with the space to learn vital creative skills.

Our Plan for Change is boosting opportunities everywhere and it will support these vital institutions to flourish.

Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England said:

Our cultural buildings are home to thrilling performances and amazing exhibitions in towns and cities across England. This new investment helps to secure the future of those buildings at the heart of their communities, ensuring that artists, performers, curators and creators can continue to share their brilliant work with audiences for years to come.

The fund will open for Expressions Of Interest on Monday 30 June 2025. Full guidance, including eligibility criteria and details of how to apply, can be found on Arts Council England’s website.

Notes to editors:
- In February, Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy announced more than £270 million in funding for arts venues, museums, libraries and the heritage sector in a major boost for growth.
- Arts Council England will deliver this fund on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), including administering, awarding and monitoring the grants.Guidance has been published today by Arts Council England to provide further information for arts and cultural organisations considering making an application to these schemes.
- The online portal to register Expressions of Interest for the Creative Foundations Fund opens on Monday 30 June 2025. Full guidance, including eligibility criteria and details of how to apply can be found on Arts Council England’s website.
29/05/2025