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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government and police join forces to tackle drink and drug driving this festive season [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government and police join forces to tackle drink and drug driving this festive season [December 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 11 December 2025.

    No one should get behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs.

    • Local Transport Minister joins forces with Sussex Police Chief to spotlight enforcement operations and raise awareness of the dangers of drink and drug driving during the busy festive season
    • minister also teams up with Captain Morgan to raise awareness of the THINK! campaign to encourage drivers to opt for a 0% drink before getting behind the wheel
    • comes ahead of the Road Safety Strategy and follows launch of new THINK! drug driving campaign – the first in a decade – which delivers a hard-hitting warning to young male drivers about the life-changing consequences of getting behind the wheel under the influence of drugs

    To tackle drink and drug driving during the festive period, Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood today (11 December 2025) joined Sussex Police Chief Constable Jo Shiner on a drive along to see first hand how frontline enforcement teams are keeping our roads safe this Christmas.

    The minister met with local officers to take part in their annual seasonal crackdown on offenders, as part of ongoing collaboration between government, police forces and local partners to tackle dangerous driving behaviours.

    This builds on the government’s commitment to make communities safer and ease pressure on the NHS.

    Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said:

    No one should get behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs.

    This festive season, we’re working with police and well-known brands including Captain Morgan, Peroni and Heineken to remind drivers to make the right choice – and stick to non-alcoholic drinks – to make our roads safer for themselves and others.

    We’re determined to tackle this growing issue, to help make our communities safer and ease pressure on the NHS.

    Chief Constable Jo Shiner is National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for roads policing. She said:

    Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is selfish and incredibly dangerous, putting the lives of your passengers, other road users and yourself at risk. We’re pleased to be partnering with THINK! On their new campaign which is highly impactful and coordinates with our enhanced enforcement of drink and drug driving offences over the December period through Operation Limit.

    The message is simple, do not get behind the wheel if you have been drinking or taking drugs. Make the right decision and together, we will save lives.

    The government has also teamed up with police enforcement operations and launched new adverts as part of its THINK! campaign, running online and out of home to target drug driving ‘hotspots’ across England and Wales using police data.

    It is the first THINK! drug driving campaign in 10 years, a targeted, hard-hitting series of messages aimed at young male drivers, who remain disproportionately represented in drug-related road casualties. Latest figures show that around 90% of drivers impaired by drugs in collisions are male, with 4 in 10 aged between 17 and 30.

    Earlier this week, the minister visited a pub in London to officially launch the Captain Morgan 0.0% x THINK! 0% ‘Captain of the Night’ campaign, spotlighting the importance of alcohol-free options for motorists. As part of the initiative, drivers will be offered a free Captain Morgan 0.0% and cola in selected Stonegate pubs nationwide.

    The launch marks the continued and growing partnership between the government and major drinks brands to normalise 0% choices. Fronted by TV personality and radio presenter Sam Thompson, the first wave of the Captain Morgan partnership was designed to reach 17–24-year-old male drivers.

    Both Heineken and Peroni have confirmed large-scale activations in the lead-up to Christmas to encourage drivers to choose their 0.0% products under the THINK! 0% banner.

    These promotions follow THINK! 0% partnership activity delivered by both brands over the past year. Heineken will spotlight THINK! 0% messaging across its Star pubs, including on staff uniforms and via online advertising, and Peroni will team up with Greene King to share the THINK! 0% message via digital channels and promotions encouraging drivers to opt for 0%.

    Ian Smith, Corporate Relations Director at Diageo GB, said:

    Diageo is committed to supporting safe and responsible choices, particularly at a time of year when the risks on our roads increase. Captain Morgan 0.0’s partnership with THINK! highlights our continued focus on not only providing people with great-tasting alcohol-free alternatives, but also showcases a clear message that if you are driving, 0.0% is the correct choice for everyone’s safety.

  • PRESS RELEASE : AUKUS Defence Ministers’ Meeting Trilateral Joint Statement [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : AUKUS Defence Ministers’ Meeting Trilateral Joint Statement [December 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 11 December 2025.

    AUKUS Defence Minister’s meeting reaffirmed shared commitment to the AUKUS partnership at the Pentagon in Washington D.C.

    Today the Honorable Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of War, hosted the Honourable Richard Marles MP, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, and the Right Honourable John Healey MP, United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defence, at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. to reaffirm the shared commitment to the AUKUS partnership.

    In line with shared intent to move “full steam ahead” on AUKUS, the Principals recognized the work underway to deliver priority infrastructure and workforce uplift in support of an enhanced trilateral submarine industrial base.

    Through the discussions today, the three Principals discussed ways to continue to strengthen AUKUS and reiterated their shared commitment to inject pace and focus on delivery to ensure the long-term success of the AUKUS partnership.

    The Principals recognized the critical importance of submarine cooperation under AUKUS Pillar I to ensure a robust deterrent.  Additionally, they recognized the importance of advanced capabilities development under AUKUS Pillar II and discussed opportunities to further accelerate delivery of such projects, with particular focus on near-term warfighting objectives.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK remains committed in our support for the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa – UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK remains committed in our support for the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa – UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 December 2025.

    Statement by Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Central Africa and UNOCA.

    The United Kingdom remains steadfastly committed in our support for the work of UNOCA and its good offices. UNOCA’s role in early warning, preventive diplomacy, and regional coordination is critical.  

    Today, I will make three points focused on the situations in Gabon, Cameroon and the impact of the Sudan conflict on peace and security in the region. I will not address today the very concerning situation in DRC, recognising that the Council will be considering the DRC specifically in our meeting tomorrow.  

    First, the United Kingdom welcomes the completion in November of local, legislative and senatorial elections in Gabon. This is an important step, building on April’s presidential elections, which complete Gabon’s political transition. 

    We encourage Gabon to continue building on the progress made by implementing necessary governance and electoral reforms to consolidate its democratic institutions.  

    Second, the United Kingdom is concerned at continued violence and insecurity in Cameroon, including the recent post-election violence that saw loss of life. Conflict in the North-West and South-West regions continues to impact civilians. We welcome UNOCA’s efforts to promote dialogue. We urge continued engagement towards a peaceful resolution to the Anglophone crisis and call for a Cameroonian led dialogue. 

    We also underscore the importance of regional cooperation to tackle Boko Haram and ISWAP threats in the Lake Chad Basin, including through the Multinational Joint Task Force. This is critical to support communities in Cameroon’s Far North region.     

    Third, in addition to the dire impact on Sudanese civilians, the ongoing conflict in Sudan continues to destabilise the region, driving significant displacement of the local population and grave humanitarian needs. The UK commends the authorities in Chad for their efforts in hosting large numbers of refugees. 

    We encourage continued international coordination to support civilians in the region and to press for an end to the conflict. The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting the UN’s humanitarian response including through the £125 million the United Kingdom has contributed to humanitarian support in Sudan this year.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK training helps Pakistani border force catch criminals and prevent human trafficking [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK training helps Pakistani border force catch criminals and prevent human trafficking [December 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 December 2025.

    Combatting people smuggling was the focus of Development Minister Baroness Jenny Chapman’s visit to Pakistan this week.

    • UK development Minister visits Pakistan to re-enforce joint work on migration and sustainable growth efforts. 
    • New projects to boost growth and support UK education sector, as trade with Pakistan passes £5 billion, with 200 British companies now operating in Pakistan.
    • Partnership to deliver mutual benefits for UK and Pakistan through climate development investments.

    Combatting people smuggling was the focus of Development Minister Baroness Jenny Chapman’s visit to Pakistan this week.

    During a three-day visit to Pakistan, which included high-level meetings focused on joint security, migration, sustainable growth priorities, the Minister saw how UK training is helping immigration officials from both countries to better combat human trafficking. This training is delivered as part of a wider UK funded programme to tackle illegal migration and serious organised crime from Pakistan that has a direct impact in the UK, protecting communities and keeping our streets safe.

    The project, which is being delivered by Home Office International Operations, is designed to identify safeguarding opportunities and support early intervention of criminals at Pakistan’s borders to disrupt journeys and detect abuse. By giving front line officers expertise in spotting potentially vulnerable people and illegal activity early, this enables them to protect innocent victims and apprehend those trying to escape justice by making their way to other countries, including the UK. She also heard from the enforcement officers about UK provided state of the art security scanners, helping to disrupt the movement of illegal and dangerous items across the region.

    Baroness Chapman also used the visit to announce a new partnership with Pakistan that will see British expertise used to help boost development projects in Pakistan, and it comes as part of an ongoing effort by the Government to go from development donor to investor, supporting countries overseas to use their own resources to maximum effect, while boosting growth at home in the UK.

    The recent devastating floods in Pakistan demonstrated the dangerous effects of climate change, destroying homes, damaging the economy and driving the displacement of communities. The UK is Pakistan’s third largest trading partner, so this has a direct effect on the British economy.

    Minister for Development, Baroness Chapman, said:  

    The UK and Pakistan are working together to stop criminals in their tracks, ensuring they face justice for their actions, rather than making their way to our shores.  

    For too long exploiting borders has been used by those flouting the law to avoid prosecution. Equipped with UK training and intel sharing, Pakistani border officials can now better spot and detain people at the border, as part of a region-wide effort to crack down on human trafficking and illegal activity.

    Pakistan is also a country suffering the devastating consequences of climate change, with extreme flooding putting lives at risk, stifling economic growth, and damaging key infrastructure. British expertise will help Pakistan strengthen its adaptation to climate change, its resilience to extreme weather events, and the speed of its response and recovery when crises occur.

    With over 1.6 million British people of Pakistani descent, our partnership is based on a genuine mutual fondness and respect. Together we’re delivering prosperity to both our countries, strengthening ties on education and trade, while fighting the root causes of illegal migration and climate change.

    The Government remains committed to utilising every tool at our disposal to meet the challenge of illegal migration as part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change. Discussions with Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, covered joint efforts in this space, as well as collaboration to boost growth and tackle climate change. 

    The new partnership is designed to utilise the UK’s considerable development experience to tackle the root causes of climate change, and help Pakistan invest wisely in its own climate resilience. This in turn provides the conditions needed to support trade with the UK, address the drivers of illegal migration, while supporting vulnerable communities at the forefront of the climate change threat.

    During the visit, Baroness Chapman launched the next phase of an education agreement with Pakistan. The agreement is expected to deliver greater investment in the British education sector, promoting UK university courses to Pakistani students, giving them the chance to build skills at a British university, without leaving Pakistan.

    Background:

    • The training the Minister saw forms part of the extensive capacity building work between Pakistani and UK law enforcement authorities, central to sharing experiences of detecting harm, safeguarding measures and modality of irregular migration to the UK. This includes strengthened data sharing, and targeted support to improve cooperation on cross border cases. This work will lead to a clear system for criminal background checks being established and forms part of system improvements to align border security measures which disrupt transnational crime.
    • Pakistan’s sex-offenders register, supported by the UK, not only improves community protection in Pakistan, but also in the UK by ensuring that these offenders are unable to travel. 
    • Tackling illegal migration is a priority for this Government and a key part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change. The FCDO is using every tool at its disposal to meet this challenge in source and transit countries before the borders of Europe, to protect the vulnerable and stop criminal gangs who risk lives for their own profit. Working in partnership with countries like Pakistan is the most effective way to combat this shared challenge, and the transnational nature of the threat requires a whole of system approach to addressing these threats together. 
    • In addition to disrupting organised immigration crime networks through the UK Government’s Global Irregular Migration Sanctions Regime, the FCDO is working with source and transit countries to deter would-be migrants from making a dangerous journey in the first place, and with the Home Office to facilitate the return of people who have no right to be here to their countries of origin, including criminals and failed asylum seekers.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Clearance work to begin at Kidlington waste dump [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Clearance work to begin at Kidlington waste dump [December 2025]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 11 December 2025.

    The Environment Agency has already begun preparations to ensure the site is cleared as soon as possible.

    Planning work has begun to clear the illegal waste dump in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, the Environment Agency has announced (Thursday 11 December).

    New information regarding the likelihood and potential impact of a fire at the site means that an exceptional decision has been made to progress works to entirely clear the site of waste.

    Following the appalling large-scale dumping of waste earlier in the summer, Environment Agency officers have been working round the clock to monitor the site, restrict access to prevent further dumping, install environmental safeguards and consider next steps to ensure the community is protected.

    The Environment Agency is not legally responsible for clearing illegal waste, and is not funded to do so. While the organisation continues to support the principle that the criminals responsible should cover the costs of clearance, it retains the power to take action in wholly exceptional circumstances. 

    Additional advice from the Fire and Rescue Services has indicated the possibility of a fire on site, which could have widespread impacts on the community, including closing the A34 major highway, raising air quality issues from the smoke, and interrupting electrical supplies.

    The scale of this fire risk sets this case apart from other illegal waste dumps in England and presents an overriding public imperative. As such, preparatory works for clearance will begin imminently. Further details on the timeframe for clearance will be set out shortly.

    Environment Agency chief executive Philip Duffy said:

    The brazen criminality at Kidlington has appalled all of us at the Environment Agency. Our local teams have been at this site working with partners to reduce harm and minimise risks while we pursue those responsible.

    This week, new information on the risk of fire was received from the Fire and Rescue Services and the Police and a decision made to clear the site as soon as possible on a wholly exceptional basis. The EA and our local partners are now working through the most effective way to manage this work.

    We will update the public on progress with that as soon as we are able. We are determined that waste criminals will see justice for this serious offending.

    Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:

    This site has been a blight on the community.

    I’ve been in regular conversations with the Environment Agency and strongly welcome the decision to clear the site. I will continue working with them to make sure that those responsible pay for their crimes.

    The Environment Agency expects to fund the clearance efforts through making efficiencies in its operations, without impacting or scaling back any of its other services. However it is not funded to clear up waste sites nationally and will only make these decisions under truly exceptional circumstances.

    We will continue to work closely with local partners to manage the risks from the site and ensure the community is protected. Additional security measures have been installed and we are closely monitoring the location.

    Further details will be set out in due course.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor appoints new Women in Finance Champion [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor appoints new Women in Finance Champion [December 2025]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 11 December 2025.

    Over 440 firms now committed to improving female representation at the top of the industry.

    • Dame Amanda Blanc steps down as Women in Finance Champion after 5 years in the role, with senior female representation rising from 32% to 36% under her tenure 
    • Nationwide CEO Dame Debbie Crosbie appointed as new Women in Finance Champion, as Government pushes for more women in senior City roles.

    The Chancellor has appointed Nationwide Building Society CEO Dame Debbie Crosbie as the new Women in Finance champion, as ministers step up the pressure on the City to go further and faster on women’s progression to senior roles. 

    Dame Debbie succeeds Aviva CEO Dame Amanda Blanc, whose tenure saw senior female representation in key finance roles jump from 32% to 36% as well as leading the charge on strengthening the pipeline for women into financial services. 

    As Champion, Dame Debbie will continue to drive momentum behind the HM Treasury Women in Finance Charter, which covers more than 440 firms and aims to improve the representation of women in senior leadership to boost the productivity and growth of UK financial services.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

    When I became Chancellor, I said my time in office would be a success if more young women and girls knew there should be no ceiling on their ambition and no limit to what they can achieve. 

    The Women in Finance Charter is a key tool to achieve that progress. I thank Amanda for her exceptional leadership over the past 5 years, and look forward to working with Debbie as she takes on the mantle.

    Dame Amanda Blanc said:  

    I am incredibly proud of the progress made during my time as Women in Finance Champion. 

    There is still plenty more to do to reach parity and I know that Debbie will be a powerful driving force in bringing about further progress and ensuring even more talented women are given the opportunities they deserve to thrive and lead.

    Dame Debbie Crosbie said: 

    When women succeed in business they inspire the next generation and ensure economic growth is sustainable and inclusive. The Charter is key to driving even more growth in financial services and harnessing all of the sector’s skills and talents.  I look forward to building on the excellent progress made by Amanda, and working with the Chancellor and across our industry to encourage even more growth and progress.

    Over the last 5 years, Dame Amanda has driven progress in the sector through developing a blueprint for change, advocating for women in underrepresented spaces such as tech, strengthening the talent pipeline through the Mirror Taskforce of talented mid-level women, and convening leaders – including the Women in Finance Climate Action Group for COP26 and Accountable Executive Taskforce – to focus on greater gender parity. 

    Dame Debbie Crosbie will take up the Women in Finance Champion role from 1 January 2026, serving in an unpaid, direct ministerial appointment reporting to the Economic Secretary to the Treasury.  

    Dame Debbie joined Nationwide as its first-ever female CEO in June 2022 and was appointed a Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE) in June 2025 for services to the financial sector.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Reappointment of the Chair of the Bank of England’s Court of Directors and Non‑Executive Directors [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Reappointment of the Chair of the Bank of England’s Court of Directors and Non‑Executive Directors [December 2025]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 11 December 2025.

    David Roberts reappointed as Chair of the Bank of England’s Court of Directors and Dame Anne Glover and Diana Noble reappointed as Non‑Executive Directors.

    • David Roberts has been reappointed as Chair of the Court of the Bank of England by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP. 
    • Following his reappointment, he will serve a second four‑year term as Chair of Court, commencing on 24 October 2026. 
    • The Chancellor has also reappointed two Non‑Executive Directors on the Bank’s Court:
      • Dame Anne Glover has been reappointed as a Non‑Executive Director until 31 May 2028; and 
      • Diana Noble has been reappointed as a Non‑Executive Director until 31 May 2027.

    The Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said:

    I am pleased to confirm the reappointment of David Roberts as Chair of the Bank of England’s Court, alongside the reappointments of Dame Anne Glover and Diana Noble as Non‑Executive Directors.

    Each of them brings exceptional experience and expertise from across financial services, investment and the wider economy. Their continued service will support the Bank to deliver its core missions of monetary and financial stability.

    Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, said: 

    I am delighted that David Roberts, Diana Noble and Anne Glover have been reappointed to serve on the Bank’s Court, and I welcome their continued contributions to the organisation

    About David Roberts 

    David Roberts is Chair of the Bank of England’s Court, leading the board in setting strategy, risk appetite and key organisational decisions. 

    He also holds advisory roles at The Mentoring Foundation, Henley Business School, and Campion Willcocks. Previously, he chaired Beazley plc and Nationwide Building Society, was Vice Chair of NHS England, and Group Deputy Chair at Lloyds Banking Group. David spent 24 years at Barclays, becoming a Main Board Executive Director, and later served as Chair and CEO of Bawag PSK AG. 

    He holds an MBA and two honorary doctorates and has been recognised with a CBE and the Chartered Management Institute’s Gold Medal for Management. 

    About Dame Anne Glover 

    Dame Anne Glover is a Non‑Executive Director on the Bank of England’s Court of Directors and Chief Executive and Co‑Founder of Amadeus Capital Partners. With over 35 years’ experience as a venture capitalist, she has a strong background in science, engineering and business. 

    Anne was awarded a DBE in 2025 and a CBE in 2006 for her services to business and engineering. She holds honorary fellowships with the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and Clare College, Cambridge. 

    Her career includes roles in manufacturing with Cummins Engine Company, consulting at Bain & Co, investing at Apax Partners, and operational leadership at Virtuality Group. She has chaired both the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association and Invest Europe, and serves on investment committees for British International Investment and the Yale Endowment. 

    About Diana Noble 

    Diana Noble is Deputy Chair of the Bank of England’s Court and Chair of the Remuneration Committee. She also serves on the boards of Wellcome Trust and Brookfield Asset Management, and is a Trustee of The Children’s Society. 

    Diana was CEO of CDC (now British International Investment), the UK’s development finance institution, from 2011 to 2017, leading a period of significant transformation and growth. Her career spans private equity, venture capital and international development, including senior roles at Schroder Ventures (now Permira), founding two venture funds, and serving as Executive Vice President, Operations at the Clinton Foundation’s Health Access Initiative. 

    Diana holds a first‑class Law degree and was awarded a CBE in 2017. 

    About the Court of the Bank of England 

    The Court of the Bank of England acts as the Bank’s board. It is responsible for overseeing the Bank’s strategy, governance, budget and risk framework, and for ensuring the effective discharge of the Bank’s statutory functions. 

    The Court consists of the Chair and eight other Non‑Executive Directors, the Governor and four Deputy Governors. The Bank’s Chief Operating Officer also attends Court, although they are not technically a full member. Non‑Executive Directors bring independent judgement and a breadth of experience to the Court’s deliberations. 

    About the appointment process 

    Reappointments to the Court of the Bank of England are not automatic. Each case is considered on its own merits. 

    The reappointment of David Roberts for a second four‑year term as Chair of Court, commencing on 24 October 2026, and the reappointments of Dame Anne Glover as a Non‑Executive Director until 31 May 2028 and Diana Noble as a Non‑Executive Director until 31 May 2027, have been made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Economic Secretary to the Treasury in line with the requirements of the Governance Code on Public Appointments. 

    David Roberts, Dame Anne Glover and Diana Noble have confirmed that they have not engaged in any political activity in the last five years.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Enhanced UK-Turkey Free Trade Agreement negotiations update [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Enhanced UK-Turkey Free Trade Agreement negotiations update [December 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 December 2025.

    An update following the third round of negotiations on an Enhanced Free Trade Agreement with Turkey.

    The third round of negotiations on an enhanced Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Turkey took place in Ankara during the week commencing 17 November 2025.

    The UK and Turkey have a strong economic relationship, with trade between the two totalling around £28 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q2 2025, making Turkey the UK’s 17th largest trading partner. Trade with Turkey’s growing market of 86 million people directly supported around 57,100 jobs across the UK in 2020.    

    Economic growth is our first mission in government and FTAs have an important role to play in achieving this. A stronger trade relationship with Turkey will contribute to jobs and prosperity in the UK.

    Negotiations were productive, with positive progress being made in a number of areas including Financial Services, Professional and Business Services, Domestic Regulation and Entry and Temporary Stay.

    Discussions on Goods Market Access focused on unlocking commercially meaningful opportunities for UK exporters. Progress was also made on Customs and Trade Facilitation, as well as Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.

    Further exchanges advanced work on Labour, Anti-Corruption, Environment, Good Regulatory Practice, Dispute Settlement and Intellectual Property enforcement, as well as approaches on Government Procurement, State Owned Enterprises, Subsidies and Trade Remedies, which were further refined to build common understanding.

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

    The fourth round of negotiations is expected to take place in early 2026. Ministers will update Parliament on the progress of discussions with Turkey as they continue to progress.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Report by OSCE Special Representative on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings – UK Statement [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Report by OSCE Special Representative on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings – UK Statement [December 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 December 2025.

    The UK reaffirms our thanks to Special Representative Dr Kari Johnstone for the work of her Office.

    Thank you Chair and thank you, Special Representative, for your report. The UK recognises and welcomes the valuable contribution of your Office to anti-trafficking efforts across the OSCE region.

    It is critical that we continue to monitor emerging risks of trafficking and exploitation resulting from conflicts and humanitarian crises. Russia’s war against Ukraine leaves many vulnerable, particularly women and children. Russian authorities have forcibly deported over 19,500 Ukrainian children to Russia or the temporarily occupied territories. We must strengthen protection measures, and we commend your Office’s efforts in supporting states to do so. With that in mind what innovative approaches can you see frontline actors adopting to detect and prevent trafficking during humanitarian and conflict crises, and how can these practices be scaled across the OSCE region?

    In line with the UK’s commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7, we work with international partners, including the OSCE, to eradicate modern slavery, forced labour, and human trafficking. We face increasingly complex forms of exploitation, including a rise in trafficking for forced criminality. The UK is proud to support your Office’s work on forced criminality in online scamming operations. We must enhance prevention, early identification, and reintegration for victims and survivors across the OSCE region.

    We also welcome your Office’s efforts to include survivors and those with lived experience. Their voices and expertise are vital to tackling and preventing modern slavery. The UK is supporting UNDP to develop guidance for investors on engaging survivors in human rights due diligence and grievance mechanisms.

    Special Representative, thank you again for your report. It highlights the impressive contributions of your Office and reminds OSCE states of the need for greater cooperation on this agenda. We look forward to continued UK engagement with your Office to support its valuable work.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Major potato pest eradicated from UK [December 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Major potato pest eradicated from UK [December 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 11 December 2025.

    The Colorado beetle, a major threat to potato crops, was found in Kent in 2023.

    A major potato pest has been eradicated from the UK, the government has outlined today (Thursday 11 December 2025), following extensive operational investigative work and surveillance.

    The Colorado beetle was discovered in Kent in July 2023 following laboratory diagnosis of samples, with one finding later that year. The beetle can completely strip the leaves from potato plants and several other crops, including tomatoes, aubergines and peppers, and can have a significant economic impact if left uncontrolled.

    No further beetles have been found in the space of two years, in a boost for farmers, gardeners and allotment holders who grow potatoes. This has meant eradication status has been reached.

    Colorado beetle, which does not pose a risk to human health, has previously been detected on imported plant products, such as leafy vegetables, salad leaves and fresh herbs. The beetle is highly distinctive: orange-yellow in colour with 10 characteristic black stripes on its body.

    The co-operation and vigilance of farmers, gardeners and allotment holders has played a key part in the eradication campaign along with effective biosecurity measures from the Animal and Plant Health Agency and Defra.

    Farming Minister Angela Eagle said:

    “This is great news for British farmers. We will continue to work with partners and stakeholders to maintain UK biosecurity and protect British crops from future threats.”

    Defra Chief Plant Health Officer Professor Nicola Spence said:

    “Colorado beetle can pose a significant threat to plants and the wider potato industry, and I’m grateful for the role of farmers, home gardeners and allotment holders in helping us take the action needed to protect our national crops.

    “This has been a huge team effort and is good news for the potato industry, but in order to prevent further outbreaks, it is vital the public continue to be vigilant and report suspected sightings to the Animal and Plant Health Agency with a photo and location details.”

    Animal and Plant Health Agency Chief Executive Richard Lewis said:

    “This is a significant achievement for APHA operational teams, working with Defra, the potato industry, farmers, home gardeners and allotment holders.”

    Surveillance activities included regular inspections of original outbreak fields and selected potato fields in Kent to rule out incursions resulting from blow over from mainland Europe. Periodic outbreaks of the pest between 1901 and the 1970s also saw it swiftly eradicated due to inspections and public vigilance.

    Additional information: