Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK is proud to have contributed to the significant progress the world has made in tackling HIV over the past decades – UK Statement at the UN General Assembly [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK is proud to have contributed to the significant progress the world has made in tackling HIV over the past decades – UK Statement at the UN General Assembly [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 June 2026.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN General Assembly meeting on HIV/AIDS.

    The United Kingdom welcomes this High-Level Meeting and its political declaration.

    The UK is proud to have contributed to the significant progress the world has made in tackling HIV over the past decades, reducing transmissions by 65% since 1995 and deaths by 74% since 2004. 

    This progress is particularly significant amongst children, where there has been a 69% reduction in transmissions since 2010.  

    Each of these numbers affects lives, people, and futures made possible brining hope to us all.

    This hope continues today, with new, innovative long-acting antiretroviral technologies also offering transformative potential, improving adherence, reducing stigma, and expanding HIV services.  

    The UK continues to support key partners in this work, including the Global Fund, World Health Organisation, Unitaid, and UNAIDS. 

    We also recognise the important roles that UNDP, UNICEF, and UNFPA play in delivering the response on the ground.

    But we are concerned about this progress reversing if we do not refocus our effort to end AIDS and ensure no one is left behind. 

    This is particularly critical for key populations and for women and girls. 

    Engagement, inclusion, and partnership with these groups and others at the grassroots of the HIV response remains essential. 

    Three things will be particularly important. 

    First, we need to continue to work together, including across the UN, to strengthen health systems, prevent new infections, and end AIDS-related deaths. 

    Second, we need stronger country-led, sustainable responses. 

    National leadership, integrated services, and efficient use of resources will be critical. 

    And third, community-led organisations must remain at the heart of the response. 

    Their leadership, resilience, and expertise are essential to reach those most in need and sustain long-term progress. 

    Innovation and evidence will continue to underpin successful partnerships, working with key populations, addressing structural barriers created by stigma and discrimination, and tackling drivers of new transmissions.  

    So colleagues, we must act with urgency to refocus our resources where they will have the greatest impact, and remain steadfast in our shared commitment to ending AIDS.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK welcomes continued progress on peace and security in the Central African Republic – UK statement at the UN Security Council [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK welcomes continued progress on peace and security in the Central African Republic – UK statement at the UN Security Council [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 June 2026.

    Statement by Jennifer MacNaughtan, UK Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on the Central African Republic.

    President, I will make three points.

    First, the United Kingdom welcomes the continued progress on peace and security in the Central African Republic, with the support of MINUSCA. 

    This includes the holding of national and local elections in December 2025, and the disarmament and demobilisation of over 1,300 ex-combatants since last July.

    We urge further efforts to consolidate progress. 

    This includes a halt to abuses of human rights and restrictions on civilian movement by some armed groups.

    We call on all parties to uphold their commitments under the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation and to work to translate recent gains into sustainable peace and inclusive governance.

    Second, the spillover of the Sudan conflict into the Central African Republic remains deeply concerning, with renewed armed activity along the border. 

    The United Kingdom condemns reports of attacks by the Rapid Support Forces in Vakaga, resulting in displacement and human rights abuses.

    We call on the Government of the Central African Republic to strengthen further state presence in affected areas and to work with regional partners to enhance border security to protect affected communities. 

    Third, the protection of civilians remains a serious concern, especially in the Haut-Mbomou and Vakaga Prefectures. 

    Reports of conflict‑related sexual violence and grave violations against children continue at scale. 

    Women and girls remain disproportionately affected, while children are subject to recruitment, abduction, and other abuses.

    We call on the Government of the Central African Republic to strengthen accountability, prevent violations, and work with the UN to implement national action plans.

    Finally, the United Kingdom reiterates its strong support for MINUSCA and its vital role in protecting civilians and supporting lasting stability in the Central African Republic. 

    As the Mission adapts its posture, we encourage the Government to continue to work with MINUSCA and assume greater responsibility for its security and governance.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Accountability for attacks against United Nations personnel serving in peacekeeping operations is essential: UK explanation of vote at the UN Security Council [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Accountability for attacks against United Nations personnel serving in peacekeeping operations is essential: UK explanation of vote at the UN Security Council [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 June 2026.

    Explanation of Vote by Jennifer MacNaughtan, UK Minister Counsellor, at the UN Security Council meeting on UN Peacekeeping Operations.

    The United Kingdom welcomes the unanimous adoption of this resolution, and we thank Denmark and Pakistan for their efforts.

    This resolution makes clear that accountability for attacks against United Nations personnel serving in peacekeeping operations is essential. 

    This year has seen unacceptable attacks on Blue Helmets.

    Our deepest sympathies are with the families of those killed and injured.

    We stress the importance of ensuring that investigations into recent incidents progress.

    And we commend the courage and professionalism of personnel serving in UN peacekeeping operations.

    Finally, President, the United Kingdom is committed to ensuring that UN Peacekeeping remains an effective tool in support of international peace and security. 

    And we look forward to receiving the Secretary-General’s report on the future of all forms of peace operations.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and allies demand Rapid Support Forces halt imminent assault in Sudan’s El Obeid [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and allies demand Rapid Support Forces halt imminent assault in Sudan’s El Obeid [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 June 2016.

    UK and allies urge halt to RSF attacks in El Obeid, as Foreign Secretary warns it is “on the precipice of an atrocity” as strikes hit civilians and cut vital services.

    • UK and allies call on all parties to immediately halt attack and protect civilians to avoid further bloodshed 
    • Foreign Secretary warns El Obeid on “precipice of atrocity” amid escalating violence 
    • UN Security Council says there will be no impunity for those committing war crimes

    UK and allies are deeply concerned over continued Rapid Support Forces (RSF) drone attacks targeting civilian infrastructure in El Obeid, Sudan. The UK, alongside France, Germany, Netherlands, Ireland, Italy and Norway have released a joint statement calling for an immediate halt to escalating violence in El Obeid, Sudan.

    In the past 24 hours, drone strikes and attacks on critical civilian infrastructure have continued to escalate. Key supply routes across North Kordofan and White Nile states have been hit, alongside fuel stations and electricity lines, cutting off access to basic services for over 500,000 people – including 200,000 internally displaced people already forced to flee elsewhere in Sudan.  

    The fighting has already caused huge numbers of civilian casualties and is raising urgent fears of a major escalation and a heightened risk of atrocities.

    Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    Last year, the world watched in horror as the Rapid Support Forces raped, pillaged, and murdered their way through El Fasher – leaving nothing but devastation and death in their wake. This cannot be repeated.

    El Obeid is on the precipice of an atrocity that will deepen the wounds already inflicted on Sudan in El Fasher.

    I’ve met survivors of El Fasher, haunted by the trauma they went through. We cannot let this happen again.

    The UK and allies have warned that as rainy season approaches, continued attacks on fuel infrastructure risk worsening food shortages and plunging the region into darkness due to limited electricity supplies. The Foreign Secretary has also made clear that any human rights violations in El Obeid will weaken the pathway to a credible political process and lasting peace.

    Today’s joint statement follows on-going support from the UK, working closely with several other countries, to establish a path out of the conflict. 

    The UK has also galvanised support for Sudan at the United Nations Security Council to mobilise international efforts to bring the war to an end. On 20 June, the UK worked closely with partners on the UN Security Council to raise the alarm over the fraught situation at El Obeid, pressing for the warring parties to end the fighting, to protect civilians, and for unimpeded humanitarian access. 

    The UK continues to engage with international partners, urging those with influence to press the RSF to pull back and bring all parties to the negotiating table. The Foreign Secretary has personally raised this with counterparts in Egypt during her recent visit to Cairo, as well as with partners in the UAE and the United States.

    In April, during the International Sudan Conference in Berlin, the UK announced £146 million in humanitarian support for Sudan, increased funding for local aid groups to £15 million, and doubled funding to groups who document and investigate human rights violations. 

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and allies Joint Statement on the situation in El Obeid [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and allies Joint Statement on the situation in El Obeid [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 June 2026.

    The United Kingdom and E4+deliver a joint statement on the situation in El Obeid, Sudan.

    We, the Foreign Ministers of like-minded partners (France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, UK), are deeply concerned by reports of a continued assault on El Obeid, despite calls for a halt to the attack and protection of civilians.  

    Last year, the world witnessed with horror the atrocities in El Fasher –  crimes that are assessed to bear the “hallmarks of genocide”. We must not allow such failures to be repeated.   

    In recent weeks, repeated drone strikes on El Obeid have killed civilians and driven acute shortages of fuel, food and water. With the rainy season fast approaching, humanitarian workers continue to provide life-saving assistance but are being deliberately targeted. 

    There are now credible signs of an imminent offensive. This is a critical moment, and the international community must act.  

    We call on the RSF to halt its attack immediately. Civilians must be able to leave safely, and all parties must ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. The RSF and the SAF, and their allies, must de-escalate, uphold international humanitarian law, and honour their commitments under the Jeddah Declaration. 

    External support continues to sustain this conflict. We call on those fuelling the conflict to cease, and those with influence must exercise it now to avoid further bloodshed.  

    We will continue to work closely at the UN Security Council and with regional and international partners to secure a clear and unified response: the violence must end, civilians must be protected, and those responsible must be held to account. We remain committed to supporting a credible path to peace through the Quintet-led process and call on all parties to engage in good faith.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government backs high street with acceleration of cheap import reforms and crackdown on dodgy online sellers [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government backs high street with acceleration of cheap import reforms and crackdown on dodgy online sellers [June 2026]

    The press release issued by HMRC on 23 June 2026.

    High street businesses are set to benefit from action to level the playing field as the government sets out tax and customs reforms.

    • High street businesses backed with tax changes that will level the playing field.  
    • Government accelerates plans to scrap the duty relief on cheap imports and introduce new controls, supporting fair competition between high street and online retailers. 
    • New review into online sellers paying VAT they owe with government using new revenue to improve the business rates system for the high street.
    • Package includes plans to reform VAT on sale of land, enabling affordable homes to be delivered quicker. 

    High street businesses are set to benefit from action to level the playing field as today (23 June 2026) the government sets out tax and customs reforms to make the system fairer, simpler and digital first.  

    To back the high street, the government is bringing forward changes to low value imports by six months in a move that targets cheap imports and puts Britain’s high streets first.  

    At Budget 2025, the Chancellor announced the scrapping of customs duty relief on low value imports (LVIs), meaning goods valued at £135 or less will be subject to customs import duties.  

    These changes ensure fairer competition between high street and online retailers. The government has since listened to industry and chosen to accelerate delivery of the reforms by six months to October 2028.  

    Meanwhile, with high street businesses frequently undercut by online-only sellers who dodge their tax obligations, minsters are reviewing how VAT is collected for businesses trading through online marketplaces.  

    They are seeking views on how the current online marketplace rules can be extended to ensure that all businesses comply with UK VAT rules. The revenue raised from this will go towards improvements to the business rates for pubs, restaurants, hotels and other businesses that are the lifeblood of the high street. 

    Together, these measures will support fair competition on the high street and online and help make sure that the right tax is collected in a way that better reflects how people buy and sell goods today. 

    Dan Tomlinson, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said:  

    This action tackles the unfair competition and dodgy businesses that are doing real damage to our high streets.  

    And by making sure that tax is paid when its owed, we can raise revenue to put back into improvements to the business rates system for pubs, restaurants, hotels and other high street businesses.

    The changes also include a consultation on reforming VAT on land for new social housing, helping speed up delivery of affordable homes. 

    The proposal would ensure the tax system better reflects how social housing is developed, focusing VAT relief specifically on land used for delivering social homes while remaining balanced and affordable for taxpayers. 

    The plans announced today mark significant progress towards delivering a simpler, more customer-focused, tax and customs system that enables growth, reduces burdens and strengthens fairness across the economy.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government fraud squad hunts down Covid loan scams [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government fraud squad hunts down Covid loan scams [June 2026]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 23 June 2026.

    A new government counter-fraud squad has launched investigations against those who defrauded the public during the Covid pandemic.

    • New enforcement unit pursues billions lost to British taxpayers during pandemic
    • Recovery efforts intensify as nearly 2,000 company directors banned and 86 criminals prosecuted
    • Investigators will be able to search properties, seize assets, and recover money directly from the bank accounts and wages of those who cheated the system

    The Public Authorities Fraud Investigation and Enforcement Service (PAFIES) has begun pursuing suspected fraudsters, armed with the strongest investigatory tools in a generation.

    Now, new powers will give investigators the ability to search the premises of suspected fraudsters and seize money directly from fraudsters’ bank accounts if they do not pay back what they owe. On top of that the window to pursue Covid fraudsters has been doubled from six to twelve years with all new powers becoming available to the government fraud squad this autumn.

    The further action comes as measures introduced at the 2024 and 2025 Budgets are calculated to have protected £7.5 billion of public money from fraud over two years.

    Chancellor Rachel Reeves said:

    “In contrast to the last government, who left the door open to £10.9 billion of pandemic era fraud and error, we have taken action to protect £7.5 billion of public money.

    “My message to those who owe the public purse money is clear – those who profited, will pay.”

    Satvir Kaur, Parliamentary Secretary in the Cabinet Office said: 

    “Those who chose to exploit a national crisis to line their own pockets now have nowhere left to hide.
    “Our decision to go after those who have cheated the system as part of our wider crackdown on fraud against public services has already helped save £7.5 billion. We will use every tool at our disposal to protect public money and fund the frontline services the British people rely on.”

    The crackdown comes as the Chancellor announced the government’s response to the Covid Counter Fraud Commissioner’s final report, which laid bare the full scale of pandemic fraud. £10.9 billion— money that should have funded the NHS and our schools — was initially lost to fraud.

    Nearly 2,000 company directors have already been banned and 86 criminals prosecuted to date.

    Powers from the PAFER Act 2025 extended the limitation period for civil claims relating to Covid fraud against public authorities from six years to twelve, meaning that suspected fraudsters can be pursued until 2032.

    The Act will also give the government fraud squad powerful new tools to tackle fraud, including enhanced investigation, search-and-seizure, and information-gathering powers, with the authority to compel information from third parties.

    It also introduces civil financial penalties to accelerate enforcement and enables the direct recovery of fraud-related debts from earnings and bank accounts following a PSFA investigation.

    Those who did not respond to Voluntary Repayment Scheme last year will now face the full force of the new powers in the autumn.

    A Covid fraud reporting website, set up in September last year, has received over 1,000 reports of suspected fraud.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor Announces Jonathan Haskel as Preferred Chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor Announces Jonathan Haskel as Preferred Chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility [June 2026]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 23 June 2026.

    Professor Jonathan Haskel CBE has been nominated as candidate for the Chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).

    Today, the Chancellor has announced Professor Jonathan Haskel CBE as her nominated candidate for the Chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR)

    Professor Haskel is a Professor of Economics at Imperial College London. His research focuses on productivity and growth, and he has held senior roles across academia, public policy and independent oversight.

    He served as an External Member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee from 2018 to 2024, a non-Executive Director of the UK Statistics Authority from 2016 to 2022, and an External Member of the Reporting Panel of the Competition and Markets Authority from 2001 to 2009.

    The Treasury Committee approves all appointments to the Budget Responsibility Committee, including the Chair. Professor Haskel will appear before the committee for a pre-appointment hearing in due course and it is anticipated he can could take up his post in good time to oversee the OBR produce its forecast alongside the Budget later this year.

    In the interim, Budget Responsibility Committee members Professor David Miles and Tom Josephs will continue to lead the OBR. 

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

    Jonathan Haskel is an outstanding nominee for Chair. His depth of expertise in economics and his track record of independent, rigorous analysis make him exactly the right person to lead the OBR – supporting the credibility of our fiscal framework and ensuring our economy is underpinned by sound public finances. 

    Professor Jonathan Haskel said:

    I am honoured to be nominated as the next Chair of the OBR. The OBR plays an indispensable role in maintaining the transparency and integrity of the UK’s public finances, and I am committed to upholding that. I would thank the Imperial College staff and students I have worked with over the past years. I also want to thank Professor David Miles and Tom Josephs for their outstanding leadership of the OBR during this period.

    The OBR has executive responsibility for producing the official UK economic and fiscal forecasts, assessing the Government’s performance against its fiscal rules, and reporting on the sustainability of and risks to the public finances. As an independent institution, the OBR is committed to providing objective, transparent and impartial analysis. 

    As with all Treasury appointments, the recruitment process was designed to ensure the most qualified candidate was appointed from the broadest possible pool of applicants.

    Further information

    • Professor Haskel’s appointment will be confirmed subject to the Treasury Select Committee’s pre-appointment scrutiny and consent, in line with the requirements of the Governance Code for Public Appointments.
    • Jonathan Haskel has been Professor of Economics at Imperial College Business School since 2008. His research focuses on productivity and growth. He served as an External Member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee from 2018 to 2024, a non-Executive Director of the UK Statistics Authority from 2016 to 2022, and an External Member of the Reporting Panel of the Competition and Markets Authority from 2001 to 2009. He has held academic positions in both the UK and the United States.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Plans for prominence of trusted news sources on social media alongside measures to reform Public Service Media in the UK [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Plans for prominence of trusted news sources on social media alongside measures to reform Public Service Media in the UK [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 23 June 2026.

    Media Green Paper published by Government today sets out plans to improve access to reliable news sources in online apps.

    • Reform of the UK’s Public Service Media system to ensure it delivers for the public and give BBC, ITV, Channel 4, 5 and others more flexibility to attract audiences online
    • Options for a managed transition to internet-based TV in either 2034 or 2044 with support to ensure no one is left behind
    • On-demand rights for major sporting events to be added to the Listed Events Regime – protecting fans’ free access to the World Cup and Olympics

    The Government has outlined plans to make it easier for people to discover trusted news sources on social media, as part of wider reforms to protect the long-term future of the UK’s media ecosystem, including our public service broadcasters.

    There has been a shift in how people consume news, with figures from Ofcom showing that social media services remain the main way to access news for three-quarters of all young people aged 16-24. More than half of adults in the UK now include social media as one of the ways they get updates. While this allows access to a greater range of news from around the world, it increases the risk of mis- and disinformation, with the potential for less accurate material to replace trustworthy sources as content is increasingly shaped by algorithms and AI.

    Today (23 June) the government has published a Green Paper, Watch this Space: A new strategic direction for UK media, to consult on options to require social media companies and video sharing platforms to make sure that news content from public service media (PSM), which includes the BBC, ITV, STV, Channel 4, S4C and 5, and other trustworthy providers, is prominent and easy to find on their platforms. It could include, for example, a range of national and local news publishers all being more likely to be at the top of people’s social media feeds when they search for news. This will be key for helping to tackle mis- and disinformation, particularly during times of social unrest or crisis.

    The government is also looking at options to ensure PSM content – the beloved shows and valued services that the nation’s trusted and regulated broadcasters provide – is prominent, discoverable and promoted wherever audiences are watching TV, including on third-party platforms, such as video sharing sites. 

    These measures are being considered as part of a wider package of reforms aimed at reforming the UK’s PSM system to give the sector more flexibility and allow public service broadcasters to lean into the opportunities of new technologies and better align with the ways audiences are viewing video content online. 

    Changes are being considered to make the system more flexible – this could mean that other broadcasters and YouTube channels could be designated as PSM providers in the future.

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

    It is vital that we make sure that people have better access to trusted and accurate news and that our regulated public service media is seen and heard in the fierce battle against mis and disinformation.

    As the media landscape moves further and further online away from traditional broadcasting we must act so that our world-leading TV sector continues to thrive and top quality UK content keeps being produced.

    TV remains at the heart of our society. It is key to supporting social cohesion and is a cornerstone of our democracy, which is why, as the technology underpinning it changes, we are making sure it is protected for generations to come.

    Alongside this, options for improving media literacy are also being considered to make sure that people of all ages have the skills they need to critically think about the content they are consuming online and on social media. The government is exploring the possibility of introducing a new duty on PSM providers to deliver and report on media literacy activity, allowing best practice to be shared more widely, with the aim of building on work already being done under the Media Literacy Action Plan.

    Sports fans are also set to enjoy new protections that will prevent increasingly popular streaming and catch-up rights to some of the world’s biggest fixtures such as the World Cup, Olympics and Wimbledon being put behind a paywall. The Green Paper confirms that the government intends to add on-demand rights to the free-to-air Listed Events regime. Bringing on-demand rights in scope of the regime will make sure these sporting moments continue to be provided for free in the future by PSM on digital and online platforms – rather than just traditional TV channels.

    Television remains one of few places where the nation comes together to share major milestones, such as royal occasions, sporting events, breaking news and series finales. It is essential for maintaining a sense of belonging and making sure that society is well-informed.

    However, more people are now switching from traditional terrestrial broadcasting to watching TV over the internet, where they can view live and on-demand content across devices with greater choice, flexibility and accessibility. The government remains committed to the continuity of digital terrestrial television (DTT) until at least the end of 2034, but must now consider long-term models for the future of TV distribution in the UK to ensure the sector thrives for decades to come and continues to be sustainable as technology advances.

    This Green Paper sets out the government’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind as services move online. Any transition will be supported by a package of measures developed with industry, including public service media providers, charities and platform operators to help the public. This will provide targeted support, practical assistance and clear information on what people need to do and when.

    Major work is already underway to strengthen the UK’s digital infrastructure, including progress towards near-universal access to high-quality broadband by 2032. Enabling people to access TV over the internet could also support wider digital participation, from healthcare and financial management to communication and job applications.

    The government is seeking views on two potential timelines for a managed transition to internet-based TV services: 2034 and 2044. While the government sees a strong case for a 2034 transition, it recognises the challenges involved and is consulting on both options to ensure the process is handled in a way that protects all audiences. Responses to the consultation will inform the final decision on the preferred timeline, which the government intends to set out later this year.

    Carolyn McCall, Chief Executive at ITV, said:

    UK viewers still love original British content from the PSBs and trust and value PSB News which helps to underpin our democracy. It’s the PSBs that also underpin the wider creative economy, commissioning original British content right across the UK. But the way people watch content has changed radically in recent years and brought challenges to sustaining these investments. We therefore welcome a Green Paper that will help enable PSBs to continue to effectively serve the UK public interest through trusted, high quality, easily accessible content delivered on the platforms and services that people use both now and in future.

    Vicki Sellick, CEO at the Good Things Foundation, said:

    Ensuring that no one is left behind as services move online is at the heart of our mission at Good Things Foundation. We welcome the government’s commitment to this goal today and its proposals to tackle the growing challenge of mis and dis-information online.

    If TV distribution moves solely online then every home will need affordable, reliable internet access. Done well this is a once in a generation opportunity to connect the millions of households in the UK who are either not online or digitally confident, and give them the skills to navigate the digital world. With the right package of training and support from trusted local providers, millions could access healthcare, banking and essential public services alongside their favourite TV shows. 

    Nobody must be left behind in any transition. We look forward to responding to the government’s consultation with tried and tested solutions from our 4,000+ partners around the UK on how to make this happen.

    Azzurra Moores, Associate Director (Information Ecosystems), at Demos said:

    At a time of democratic backsliding and deepening polarisation, the government is right to ensure the visibility and discoverability of public interest news online is a real policy priority.

    Today, most people get their news on social media and video-sharing platforms, yet unlike on traditional linear TV, there are no rules and no transparency governing how platforms curate and rank the content that appears in their feeds. The result is a media environment where trust is eroding and misinformation is spreading unchecked.

    Extending prominence requirements to social media platforms will be a critical step towards strengthening our information environment and building democratic resilience. We look forward to working with the government on a regime that supports trustworthy journalism, promotes informed public debate, and puts our democracy first.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government steps up action to tackle illegal deforestation [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government steps up action to tackle illegal deforestation [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 23 June 2026.

    New rules will ensure everyday products sold in the UK including coffee and cocoa do not contribute to illegal deforestation around the world.

    The world’s rainforests are to be better protected from deforestation as the government will confirm today (Tuesday 23 June), during London Climate Action Week, that plans to take forward new rules in Great Britain including using powers in the Environment Act alongside legislation strengthening the UK Timber Regulation.

    Under the proposals UK businesses who trade in commodities sourced from rainforests such as soy, palm oil, cocoa and rubber will need to check that their supply chains are not contributing to illegal deforestation. These products are commonly found in everyday supermarket products including chocolate, cooking oils, shampoo and cosmetics.

    UK companies have been at the forefront of global efforts to tackle deforestation within their supply chains, but voluntary action alone cannot tackle this global challenge, and several major supermarkets have been calling for stronger regulation.

    This move will protect the habitats of some of the world’s most precious and endangered species, while giving British consumers confidence that the products in their shopping baskets are not contributing to illegal deforestation.

    Rainforests and other forests are vital for storing carbon and sustaining biodiversity, yet they are increasingly threatened by deforestation. Around 90% of global deforestation is driven by agricultural expansion, much of it linked to the production of internationally traded commodities. In 2023, the UK’s consumption of these goods was associated with approximately 29,000 hectares of deforestation worldwide – around one and a half times the size of Manchester – and 9.4 million tonnes of related carbon emissions.

    Nature Minister Mary Creagh said:

    “Tackling global deforestation is one of the most effective ways we can address climate change and protect some of the world’s most unique and precious wildlife.

    “That is why we are leading by example and scrutinising our own supply chains. Eliminating products linked to illegal deforestation not only helps to protect precious ecosystems but is good for our collective resilience and long-term prosperity.”

    Andrew Opie, Director of Food & Sustainability at the BRC, said:

    “Retailers welcome today’s announcement. We have long called for UK deforestation regulation as an important step in driving forest conservation across retail supply chains in line with business commitments, while supporting alignment with the EU where possible to avoid unnecessary costs and complexity for retailers and their customers.

    “However, with the EU regulation due to take effect in Northern Ireland at the end of the year, it is important that the Government takes a pragmatic approach to enforcement to minimise disruption for businesses and consumers.”

    Gavin Crowden, Director of Advocacy at WWF, said:

    “The UK Government has warned that the collapse of tropical forests in places like the Amazon and Indonesia is a national security risk, not just an environmental one. We rely on these forests for food and climate stability, and they’re home to extraordinary wildlife. With new rules finally coming into force in Northern Ireland at the end of the year, there is no excuse for further delay that would leave shoppers in the rest of the UK still unwittingly driving the destruction of the rainforest.”

    These new measures will help businesses better identify and reduce the risk that their imported products are linked to illegal deforestation and land clearing. The government will consult businesses, civil society and international partners later this year on the details of the proposed GB deforestation policy. This will include consulting on the introduction of these mandatory due diligence requirements for businesses in Great Britain including using powers such as under the Environment Act which target illegal deforestation, and by strengthening the existing UK Timber Regulation.

    To maintain Northern Ireland’s unique dual market access to both the UK Internal Market and the EU Single Market, the EU Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR) will apply in Northern Ireland in phases starting 30 December 2026.

    Crucially, to protect the UK Internal Market and streamline compliance, the upcoming consultation will propose that the GB regime covers the same core commodities and underlying information requirements as the regulation in Northern Ireland. This aligned approach is designed to prevent administrative duplication across the UK while helping British exporters to the EU meet consistent data and traceability standards. Businesses in Northern Ireland are encouraged to begin preparations now.

    In due course, the Government’s ambition is to transition to a deforestation-free standard which will require relevant products to be produced free from any deforestation, building on stakeholder efforts globally to decouple supply chains from forest loss and land conversion.

    These changes help deliver on the UK’s commitment under the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use, agreed at COP26, to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030. It also supports the cross-government 2035 International Climate, Nature & Energy Strategic Framework.

    The changes will improve the transparency, traceability and resilience of UK agricultural commodity and timber supply chains, and support smooth trade with the EU through delivering on our Windsor Framework commitments.

    Further details on the GB deforestation regulations consultation process will be announced in due course.