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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : 20,000 UK jobs secured as Türkiye buys 20 Typhoon jets in biggest fighter jet deal in a generation [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : 20,000 UK jobs secured as Türkiye buys 20 Typhoon jets in biggest fighter jet deal in a generation [October 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 October 2025.

    Thousands of skilled UK jobs have been secured for years to come as the UK and Türkiye sign a deal worth up to £8 billion for 20 UK Typhoon fighter jets – the biggest fighter jet exports deal in a generation.

    • £8 billion deal struck with Türkiye for first new orders for UK Typhoons since 2017, as the Prime Minister visits Ankara for the first time. 
    • Deal strengthens NATO’s collective deterrence and ties between UK and Türkiye.  
    • Skilled jobs on production lines sustained across the UK for years to come, including in Warton, Salmesbury, Bristol and Edinburgh, delivering on this government’s Plan for Change.

    Thousands of skilled UK jobs have been secured for years to come as the UK and Türkiye sign a deal worth up to £8 billion for 20 UK Typhoon fighter jets – the biggest fighter jet exports deal in a generation.

    The multi-billion pound deal was signed as the Prime Minister was hosted by the President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, during his first visit to Ankara today. 

    The deal will help to sustain a 20,000 strong UK wide workforce, with production lines in Edinburgh, Warton, Salmesbury and Bristol.  

    The Turkish agreement is a major boost for the British order book, representing the biggest fighter jet deal in almost 20 years and saving the Warton production line. 

    It will also strengthen Türkiye’s advanced combat capabilities, bolstering NATO’s strength in a key region and enhancing interoperability between both our air forces. 

    The deal comes just weeks after the UK’s Type 26 frigates were selected by Norway, adding a further £10 billion to Britain’s economy and securing 4,000 jobs.

    Both deals underline the government’s work to make defence an engine for growth, delivering highly skilled jobs and putting money in the pockets of working people through the Plan for Change.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:  

    This landmark agreement with Türkiye is a win for British workers, a win for our defence industry, and a win for NATO security. 

    At either ends of Europe, the UK and Türkiye are vital to tackling the challenges of our time and this will allow our Armed Forces to work even closer together as we deter threats and protect our national interests. 

    Delivering highly skilled, well-paid jobs, including in Warton, Edinburgh and Bristol for years to come, this is yet another example of our Plan for Change in action, driving renewal and opportunity up and down the country.

    The deal also follows the Prime Minister and the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signing a new agreement in July to boost world-class UK defence exports such as Boxer armoured vehicles and Typhoon. 

    During the Prime Minister’s visit today, he also met Turkish military and RAF Typhoon pilots to hear firsthand how the jets will contribute to European security. 

    The Prime Minister also laid a wreath at the Anitkabir Ataturk Mausoleum, before finalising the Typhoon deal at the Presidential Palace. 

    The Typhoon workshare agreement sees more than a third (37%) of each aircraft manufactured in the UK; the rest of each aircraft would be produced by the Eurofighter Partner Nations. The UK jobs include:   

    • Nearly 6,000 jobs directly support the Typhoon programme at BAE Systems sites in Warton and Samlesbury, where production and final assembly of each Typhoon fighter jet takes place.  
    • The Typhoon programme supports more than 1,100 jobs in the South West region. That includes Rolls-Royce in Bristol producing critical modules and components for Typhoon’s EJ200 jet engines and acting as main hub for maintenance of the engines.  
    • The Typhoon programme supports more than 800 jobs in Scotland. That includes Leonardo in Edinburgh manufacturing the fighter jet’s cutting-edge radar for identifying enemies.

    Defence Secretary John Healey, who travelled with the Prime Minister to Ankara to finalise the deal, said:  

    This is another major export deal for the UK and is the biggest jet exports deal in a generation. It will pump billions of pounds into our economy and keep British Typhoon production lines turning long into the future. This deal goes far beyond the procurement of aircraft. It is the leading edge of the growing defence and industrial partnership between our two nations.

    Türkiye is an important NATO ally and the gatekeeper to the Black Sea. By equipping them with top-of-the-range Typhoon fighter jets, this deal will strengthen NATO deterrence and help make us all safer.  

    I’m determined this government will make defence an engine for growth across the UK.

    The first delivery to Türkiye is expected to take place in 2030.

    Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive, BAE Systems said:   

    Türkiye’s procurement of Typhoon marks the start of a new chapter in our longstanding relationship with this important NATO ally and reinforces the outstanding operational support the aircraft delivers across Europe and the Middle East as a fundamental pillar of defence and security.

    Typhoon is an export success story and demonstrates how investment in defence can fuel significant economic growth and returns across the UK. Today’s announcement extends Typhoon production and preserves crucial sovereign skills which underpin the UK’s defence and security.

    Typhoon jets continue to demonstrate their formidable capabilities as the mainstay of RAF combat air operations. Deployments include:   

    • NATO Air Policing: Securing NATO’s eastern border and reinforcing collective defence.   
    • Quick Reaction Alert: Providing 24/7 protection of UK airspace for homeland security.   
    • Operation Shader: Supporting counter-Daesh operations in Iraq and Syria.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK national statement on signing the UN Convention against Cybercrime [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK national statement on signing the UN Convention against Cybercrime [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 October 2025.

    The UK national statement was given at a signing ceremony for the UN Convention against Cybercrime in Hanoi on 25 and 26 October 2025.

    Thank you, Your Excellency, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     We thank Vietnam for their hospitality and for hosting us here in Hà Nội.

    The agreement by consensus, of the text of the of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, just under a year ago, signalled a landmark moment for international cooperation on this critical and complex issue.

    I am proud that the United Kingdom has signed the Convention here in Hà Nội, in line with our international efforts to combat cybercrime.

    Cybercrime poses a serious and growing threat to every part of society, from private citizens to public institutions. It often targets our most vulnerable.

    The UK’s vision is clear: by 2030, we aim to significantly reduce the risk posed by cybercrime to our citizens and national interests.

    In a globalised and interconnected world, we cannot do it alone. Tackling cybercrime globally requires a joined-up response, that brings together governments, law enforcement, civil society organisations, the tech industry and private sector partners. Together they play a critical role in effectively addressing the complex, transnational, and rapidly evolving challenges posed by cybercrime, and are often at the frontline of detecting and responding to cyberattacks.

    The UK stands ready to engage with States who respect the letter and the spirit of the Convention. Let us be clear, any attempt to misuse the Convention would undermine its viability. The human rights safeguards sit at the heart of this Convention and are vital for building trust and unlocking a greater level of international cooperation.

    The UK will play close attention to the implementation of, and adherence to, the safeguards and we will not cooperate with any country that does not comply with the safeguards required by this Convention.

    The UK has already seen the practical benefits of cooperation on this area under the Budapest Convention. The UN Convention against Cybercrime complements existing international instruments and includes much needed provisions on online fraud, a global scourge, which urgently needs our focus and attention.

    The Global Fraud Summit hosted by UNODC and Interpol will add valuable momentum to States efforts to tackle online scams. We invite you all to join these discussions in Vienna in March 2026.

    We also welcome the opportunity to work together to fight the heinous proliferation of child sexual abuse material online, and for the first time, this Convention facilitates international action to tackle the non-consensual dissemination of intimate images. This is a historic achievement and opportunity for the multilateral system to be a powerful force for the rights of our most vulnerable citizens.

    But States cannot do this alone. The UK is indebted to civil society experts for their significant contributions including the Southwest Grid for Learning, who have joined us here in Hanoi.

    We continue to harness and share the expertise of tried and tested methods to protect the most vulnerable, and the UK is heartened by the wide level of participation and the active discussions underway.

    The UK stands ready to work with international partners to build resilience, share intelligence, and uphold a secure and open digital environment for all. We will support the effective establishment of the Conference of State Parties, working with Member States and expanding our close work with global stakeholders.

    Cybercrime is a global challenge. We can only tackle these crimes if we work together. We look forward to making a start today. Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Millions of tenants safe from black mould through Awaab’s Law [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Millions of tenants safe from black mould through Awaab’s Law [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 27 October 2025.

    New laws are now in force protecting social housing tenants from emergency hazards and damp and mould. The changes are a lasting legacy to Awaab Ishak.

    • New rules will protect tenants and force social landlords to urgently fix dangerous homes. 
    • Emergency hazards to be addressed within 24 hours under landmark changes.
    • Reforms are a legacy to two-year-old Awaab Ishak who tragically died from prolonged exposure to mould. 

    Millions of tenants across the country will benefit from safer homes thanks to new rules coming into force today (Monday 27 October). 

    The first phase of Awaab’s Law will force social landlords to take urgent action to fix dangerous homes or face the full force of the law, improving lives for tenants and families living in all four million of England’s social rented homes. 

    The new legal duties will finally put tenants’ safety first with landlords forced to fix emergency health and safety hazards within 24 hours of reporting. They must also investigate significant damp and mould within 10 working days of being notified and then make properties safe in five working days. For both types of hazards, they must also write the findings to tenants within three working days of inspection.   

    As part of the reforms, landlords now must also consider the circumstances of tenants which could put them at risk – including young children and those with disabilities or health conditions. Alternative accommodation must also be offered if homes cannot be made safe within the required timeframes. 

    These vital reforms will not only keep tenants safer in their homes, but hold landlords to account. Those who fail to comply with the rules face being taken to court, where they could be issued enforcement orders, forced to pay compensation and legal costs – as well as loss of rent if homes were uninhabitable.

    Awaab’s Law is a lasting legacy to two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died after being exposed to mould at his Rochdale home in December 2020. In the wake of this tragedy, Awaab’s family has fought to secure justice, not only for their son but for all those who live in social housing. 

    Housing Secretary Steve Reed said:   

    Everyone deserves a safe and decent home to live in and Awaab Ishak is a powerful reminder of how this can sadly be a matter of life or death. 

    Awaab’s family has fought hard for change and their work to protect millions of tenants’ lives will live on as a legacy to their son.  

    Our changes will give tenants a stronger voice and force landlords to act urgently when lives are at risk, ensuring such tragedies are never repeated.

    More of Awaab’s Law will be phased in next year and in 2027 to make homes safer from more hazards, alongside work to build 1.5 million new homes, including the biggest boost of social and affordable housing in a generation. 

    To bring further transformative and lasting change in the safety and quality of social housing and give tenants a stronger voice, a new £1 million fund has been launched by the government today to create new ways of helping tenants engage with their landlords and have more influence over decisions that affect them. 

    Up to £100,000 will be granted to successful bidders who propose strong ideas for improving communication between landlords and tenants and help tenants have more of a say in how their homes are managed.

    Examples of innovative ideas could include online platforms, marketing campaigns or recruiting specialist personnel who can support tenants to improve their experiences in social housing. 

    This will help replace the outdated, inefficient ways of communicating that leave tenants feeling unheard and waiting too long to get issues resolved by their landlord. 

    ENDS  

    Notes to editors

    Gavin Smart, Chief Executive at the Chartered Institute of Housing said:

    “We welcome Awaab’s Law as a significant step in ensuring that all social housing tenants live in safe and decent homes.

    “It is the culmination of committed efforts by Awaab Ishak’s family and provides an important new framework for addressing serious health and safety concerns, beginning with damp and mould.

    “Social landlords have been preparing for this change and have new processes in place to respond to these new requirements.

    “We also welcome the new funding to enhance tenant engagement, a vital investment to help build cultures of trust, accountability, and safety in social housing.”

    Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, said:

    “The quality and safety of residents’ homes is housing associations’ top priority, and today represents an important milestone in our sector’s drive to ensure all our homes are the standard residents deserve.

    “Since 2020 housing associations have increased spending on repairs and maintenance by 55%, with plans to spend a further £50bn over the next five years. This is why 90% of our homes meet the decent homes standard, more than all other tenures.

    “But as landlords rooted in social purpose, we want all of our residents to enjoy the highest standards of comfort, safety and quality. This is why, following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak, we have supported this law from the beginning and have worked closely with the government to ensure its introduction will provide the most positive outcomes for residents. 

    “These reforms, alongside the government’s 10-year funding settlement and commitment to a decade of renewal for social and affordable housing, put housing associations on the sure footing needed to both continue investing in existing homes while having the confidence to build new ones. This will ease overcrowding pressures, which are a major contributor to damp and mould, and get to the root of addressing the housing crisis once and for all.”

    More background:

    • More details on the £1 million Social Housing Innovation Fund will be available on gov.uk from Monday 27 October.
    • Phase two of Awaab’s Law next year will expand tenant protections to cover more hazards like excess cold and heat, fire and electrical risks and hygiene hazards – and phase 3 in 2027 will extend it to all remaining hazards covered by the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, except overcrowding.    
    • The government has also committed to extending Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector to ensure all renters in England are empowered to challenge dangerous conditions. This will be made law through the Renters’ Rights Bill which completed its passage through Parliament on 22 October.  
    • Landlord failure to comply with Awaab’s Law could result in legal action, empowering tenants to hold landlords accountable for unsafe living conditions. New guidance on gov.uk from Monday 27 October will help tenants understand and implement their new rights under Awaab’s Law.
    •  A refreshed guidance for landlords on Awaab’s Law is now also available on gov.uk, to help them understand their new legal duties: Awaab’s Law: Guidance for social landlords – Timeframes for repairs in the social rented sector – GOV.UK  
    • The Make Things Right campaign helps social housing tenants understand their rights and escalate when they have an issue with their home or landlord. The campaign will now feature new information on Awaab’s Law to reach social housing residents and ensure they understand their landlord’s new legal duties to them.   
    • Awaab’s Law forms part of wider social housing reforms introduced through the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, which aims to rebalance the relationship between tenants and landlords and improve housing standards in England.  
    • New regulations ensuring all landlords meet robust standards of electrical safety will also come into force on 1 November 2025 for new tenancies and then in 2026 for all existing tenancies.   
    • To help tenants feel safe in their homes, these new laws will require social landlords to carry out electrical safety checks at least every five years, as well as mandatory appliance inspections on all electrical appliances that are provided by the landlord.   
    • The electrical safety regulations also increase the maximum fine for non-compliance – for all landlords, private and social – from £30k to £40k.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Better protection for victims at risk of violence as fee scrapped [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Better protection for victims at risk of violence as fee scrapped [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 27 October 2025.

    From next month, survivors of violence and domestic abuse will no longer have to pay over £300 to ensure their abuser cannot track them down via public records.

    • Person at Risk of Violence (PARV) Order fees will be scrapped, saving victims hundreds of pounds
    • Changes will remove costs as a barrier to safety and protect survivors facing debt and financial hardship 
    • Move part of Government’s Plan for Change to stand up for victims and halve violence against women and girls

    Ministers have today confirmed plans to scrap the Person at Risk of Violence Order fee. The move means from November, vulnerable people involved in debt proceedings will no longer have to pay £318 to have their personal details – including name and address – removed from the Insolvency Register and the official public record, the Gazette.

    For women fleeing domestic abuse, having the peace of mind that their abuser can’t search public records to find their new address is invaluable – yet the steep cost is a barrier to many. Today’s announcement will mean this cost will no longer be an obstacle to their safety.

    The abolition of this unnecessary fee is the latest measure in the Government’s mission to halve violence against women and girls within a decade – and a key part of the Plan for Change to protect victims and restore faith in the justice system.

    Minister for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman KC, said:

    Women who experience domestic abuse can spend their lives on the run. They deserve protection. The publication of victims’ personal details on the Insolvency Register must not be another tool perpetrators can use to torment their victims.

    This simple change can be the difference between a life of peace and one of fear. I hope that abolishing this fee gives some degree of relief to the people who need it.

    As part of our Plan for Change, we are determined to protect more victims from abuse and halve Violence Against Women and Girls in the next decade.

    The move builds on the actions the government has already taken to meet its commitment to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) in a decade.

    These include a National Centre for VAWG and Public Protection; Raneem’s Law which embeds domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms in the first five police forces to improve the police response to domestic abuse; and the rollout of Domestic Abuse Protection Orders – the strongest order of its kind yet to protect victims from perpetrators.

    Sam Smethers, CEO of Surviving Economic Abuse said:

    We welcome the government’s decision to abolish the fee for Persons at Risk of Violence Orders when applying for insolvency solutions.

    Until now, survivors have been forced to pay extra just to stay safe and avoid having their names and addresses published on a public insolvency database. This blocked many from accessing vital insolvency options because the perpetrator’s economic abuse left them unable to afford the fee. Removing this cost is an important step towards ensuring survivors can seek protection without taking on yet more financial burden when trying to resolve coerced debts. 

    We commend Money Wellness for their work in securing this vital change but it does not stop here. SEA will continue to advocate for systemic changes that tackle economic abuse at the root and ensure victim-survivors are better protected.

    Adam Rolfe, Policy and Public Affairs Officer at Money Wellness, said:

    We are delighted the government has listened to our campaign and taken this important step to protect survivors of abuse. Scrapping the PARV order fee removes a huge financial barrier for people already facing unimaginable hardship. It means survivors can focus on rebuilding their finances and moving forward without the fear that seeking debt help could put them at risk.

    We now hope to build on this progress to make sure the entire insolvency system truly supports people to recover from an abusive relationship safely and with dignity.

    ENDS

    Further information

    • When someone applies for an insolvency debt solution, such as bankruptcy, a debt relief order, or an individual voluntary arrangement, their name and address are published on the Insolvency Register as a statutory requirement.
    • A PARV Order is the only legal route to prevent personal details from being published.
    • Individuals must demonstrate that disclosure of their address would reasonably expect to lead to violence. Currently, to apply for a PARV Order, individuals must complete an application form which is accompanied by a witness statement, attend court, and paying the applicable court fee.
    • They do not have to prove that they have experienced violence, only that they reasonably believe they may.
    • On its mission to halve VAWG in a decade, the government has also actioned:

    o   Nearly £20 million in funding for specialist VAWG services which support victims of abuse including a range of vital helplines.

    o   A new criminal offence for spiking and new spiking training for thousands of pub, club and bar staff to ensure they have the skills to support victims and prevent incidents.

    o   New measures to tackle stalking, including giving police guidance on a victim’s right to know the identity of online stalkers for the first time and widening the use of Stalking Protection Orders.

    o   The roll out of The Drive Project across England and Wales which, backed by £53 million, will target high-harm, high-risk domestic abuse perpetrators – taking the responsibility for the abuse away from the victim and putting it firmly on the perpetrator where it belongs.

    o   Criminalising pornography that depicts acts of strangulation through the Crime and Policing Bill.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New Beaulieu Park station pulls in ahead of schedule thanks to £141 million government investment [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New Beaulieu Park station pulls in ahead of schedule thanks to £141 million government investment [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 27 October 2025.

    New station will unlock thousands of new houses and create over 2,000 jobs in the East of England.

    • brand-new Beaulieu Park rail station opens to passengers ahead of schedule, backed by £141 million government investment and marks first new station on the Great Eastern Mainline in more than 100 years
    • landmark development will support 2,500 new jobs, connect hundreds of thousands of people across the East and deliver thousands of new homes, supporting government’s pledge to build 1.5 million new homes over the next 5 years   
    • new station to be operated by newest publicly-owned operator Greater Anglia, one of the UK’s best performing operators, helping deliver a railway that is more accountable, efficient and reliable for passengers

    Hundreds of thousands of people across the east of England now have access to faster, more reliable services as Beaulieu Park Station opens to the public ahead of schedule (27 October 2025).

    It is the first new station on the Great Eastern Mainline in more than 100 years and is set to generate a £250 million economic boost for the region.

    Funded by £141 million from the government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, this milestone marks a significant step in its commitment to unify track and train under Great British Railways, ensuring that new infrastructure delivers maximum benefit for passengers and communities.

    It offers passengers up to 4 trains per hour during peak times and 2 trains per hour during off-peak periods, as well as direct rail access to London Liverpool Street in just 40 minutes and Colchester in 25 minutes, cutting car journeys and reducing pollution for local communities. It is also set to generate a £250 million economic boost for the region.

    The station will be operated by Greater Anglia, opening just 2 weeks after Greater Anglia became a publicly-owned operator, marking a major step towards a simpler, unified railway under Great British Railways.

    Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said:

    With over £140 million of government investment, the opening of Beaulieu Park station marks a major milestone for economic growth in the East of England, unlocking thousands of new houses, creating over 2000 jobs and driving prosperity across the region.

    Under the trusted services of publicly-owned Greater Anglia, we’re delivering on our Plan for Change by building a simpler, more modern rail network that supports communities and powers the UK’s economy.

    With half of all rail operators now publicly owned, the government is delivering a network that prioritises accountability, efficiency and reliability, putting passengers at its heart.

    Greater Anglia, consistently rated among the UK’s best-performing operators, will continue to thrive under public ownership – engaging with local communities, sharing best practice and driving improvements across the network.

    The new station is also a cornerstone of the Chelmsford Garden Community project, which will deliver 10,000 new homes alongside vital infrastructure such as shops, healthcare facilities and schools.

    Backed by government investment, the station supports its pledge to build 1.5 million new homes over the next 5 years, helping to create thriving communities and better connectivity for generations to come.

    Martin Beable, Managing Director, Greater Anglia, said:

    Beaulieu Park station will benefit from a regular and reliable service, making rail travel simple and convenient for passengers. Services will be operated by our fleet of new, comfortable, air-conditioned class 720 trains, which also offer plug/USB points and free wifi and have helped us deliver annual punctuality of over 95% on the Great Eastern Main Line in Essex over the last 3 years.

    The new station will be staffed from the first train to the last train, 7 days a week. Staff will be on hand at all times to answer questions, help passengers buy tickets and support customers requiring assistance. Located right next to the Beaulieu housing development and the A12, we expect the new station to be a very attractive and popular option for travellers from that part of Essex.

    This opening was the latest in a wider range of transport improvements in the area, with thousands of motorists set to benefit from faster, smoother and safer journeys following an upgrade to a key junction of the M25.

    The government-funded scheme to improve Junction 28 between London and Essex saw the opening of a new section of road connecting the M25 to the A12 eastbound.

    It will help ease congestion in Brentwood, Chelmsford and the surrounding areas, as well as reducing the chances of collisions, improving connectivity and helping to boost economic growth.

    Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader at Essex County Council, said:

    Beaulieu Park station will both unlock economic development in the surrounding areas and transform travel in and around Chelmsford. As well as our own investment, at Essex County Council, we worked with partners to secure the additional funding needed to make the project a reality.

    In Essex, we are leading the way by making sure new developments are built in the right way, by providing the infrastructure that residents, visitors and businesses need. We are being bold and ambitious to future-proof the county and put investment where it’s most needed.

    It is fantastic to see Beaulieu Park station open and I thank everyone involved for their hard work in helping deliver it ahead of schedule.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Kent builder, Wayne Miller, hid bankruptcy from customer who paid for home improvements he did not complete [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Kent builder, Wayne Miller, hid bankruptcy from customer who paid for home improvements he did not complete [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Insolvency Service on 21 October 2025.

    • Wayne Miller hid his bankrupt status from a customer who he convinced to pay £30,000 for home renovations 
    • The home improvements, which included a new kitchen and two-storey extension, were never completed despite numerous promises by Miller 
    • Miller was handed a suspended sentence and ordered to pay compensation following investigations by the Insolvency Service 

    A bankrupt builder who persuaded a customer to pay him more than £30,000 for home improvements he never completed has been sentenced. 

    Wayne Miller deliberately concealed his status as a bankrupt from his victim and abandoned the building project in Canterbury when it was nowhere near finished. 

    Miller was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 12 months, when he appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday 15 October. 

    The 55-year-old, of Romney Road, Lydd, Kent, was also ordered to repay £18,000 in compensation to his victim and a further £1,000 in costs. 

    Miller also made a payment of £7,500 to the victim at an earlier date. 

    Chris Wood, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: 

    Wayne Miller convinced a customer to pay him more than £30,000 for home renovations which he did not complete. 

    His actions in concealing his bankrupt status involved a significant amount of deception which caused a great deal of distress and inconvenience to his victim. 

    The public deserves protection from those who have been unable to pay their debts previously. That is why those declared bankrupt are required to inform would-be creditors of their status so they can make informed decisions on whether to hand money over to them or not. 

    The customer in this case was not afforded this opportunity and would never have engaged his services or handed over such substantial sums of money if he had known about Miller’s financial history.

    Work on the project which was supposed to include a new kitchen and two-storey extension was due to start in March 2018 and Miller told the customer it would take around eight weeks to complete. 

    Miller and the customer agreed that the total cost of £43,528 would be paid in five equal instalments of £8,705.60, with the first payment made in December 2017, prior to any work on the property starting. 

    Just weeks before work began on the project, Miller arranged for the customer to speak with a kitchen designer. Miller told the customer he could order the kitchen on his behalf as he had a trade account with the company. 

    The victim paid Miller a further £7,823 directly into his account. Miller never made any payments to the kitchen company for the purchase.  

    Work on the project ground to a halt by April 2018. Miller made a number of excuses and did not carry out any further building work on the property. 

    In total, the victim made payments of £36,190 to Miller. 

    Miller had been previously declared bankrupt in January 2016 following a petition from HM Revenue and Customs. His bankruptcy remains ongoing as he failed to make all the payments required of him under the terms of an income payment agreement with the Official Receiver. 

    Individuals subject to a bankruptcy order must disclose their status if they borrow or obtain credit of £500 or more. Those declared bankrupt who are self-employed or are going to start their own business as a sole trader must use the same name the bankruptcy order was made in.   

    Further information  

    • Wayne Miller is of Romney Road, Lydd, Kent. His date of birth is 6 October 1970 
  • PRESS RELEASE : Growth placed at the heart of regulators’ remit alongside new measures to boost scrutiny and transparency [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Growth placed at the heart of regulators’ remit alongside new measures to boost scrutiny and transparency [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 21 October 2025.

    Business Secretary sets out new stronger duty for regulators to ensure they better prioritise helping businesses go for growth.

    • Business Secretary sets out new stronger duty for regulators to ensure they better prioritise helping businesses go for growth 
    • New public dashboard will allow businesses to review how regulators are performing and give direct feedback to government, holding regulators to account  
    • Independent reviews to scrutinise key regulators and recommend improvements  

    A major shake-up of accountability and transparency for UK regulators will be set out today (Tuesday 21 October) to support businesses and remove obstacles to economic growth. 

    A key part of this will be a stronger growth duty, cementing growth as a guiding principle for regulators, encouraging proportionate, business friendly regulation. Today, the Government will set out how these changes will ensure investment and innovation can thrive without compromising essential protections at the Regional Investment Summit in Birmingham. 

    A new dashboard which will allow the public to scrutinise regulator’s performance will also be announced.   

    The new Gov.uk site will be updated every quarter to empower firms, improve scrutiny, and create more responsive enforcement of regulation. It will collate performance data across key regulators in one place, as well as enabling direct feedback on regulator performance and service delivery.  

    Business & Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said:  

    “We will use every lever we have to grow the UK economy to boost business, create jobs, put money back in people’s pockets and pay for good public services. 

    “By stripping back unnecessary rules and pointless paperwork we will free business to grow while ensuring vital protections are enforced. Creating a stronger growth a duty for regulators is a key part of this while greater transparency will ensure that they can be held to account.  

    “Getting the balance of regulation right is key to achieving economic growth. This will help to back the UK’s businesses, creating jobs and growing the economy as part of our Plan for Change.”  

    Government has been working with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to put the competition watchdog on a more pro-growth footing, setting out a strategic steer on how the government expects the CMA to support and contribute to growth. Government has heard how changes such as this and their new “4Ps” approach are helping to increase business confidence to invest in the UK. 

    The reforms announced will help ensure that all key regulators have more clarity from government about how to align with its overriding mission to deliver economic growth, and stronger accountability to the government and the public.  

    In the coming weeks, the Business Secretary / Ministers will also meet with watchdog bosses, including the likes of Ofcom, Ofgem and the CMA, as part of a Regulator Council to develop a shared understanding of how regulators can support growth.  

    This week, the Treasury and Department for Business and Trade will be outlining further measures as part of its Regulatory Action Plan to reduce business burdens.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New blueprint for AI regulation could speed up planning approvals, slash NHS waiting times, and drive growth and public trust [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New blueprint for AI regulation could speed up planning approvals, slash NHS waiting times, and drive growth and public trust [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 21 October 2025.

    A new blueprint for AI regulation is being announced by the Technology Secretary today (Tuesday 21st October) to help drive innovation and growth.

    • AI Growth Labs will unlock new ways to accelerate innovation and cut bureaucracy in a safe environment
    • More new homes, better outcomes for patients, and world-leading innovations for professional services among potential wins for the public
    • This new approach to regulation will help drive forward growth and national renewal under the government’s Plan for Change

    More new homes, better outcomes for patients, and world-leading innovations are among the benefits people can expect to see from a new blueprint for AI regulation being announced today, as the government slashes bureaucracy and ramps up the safe adoption of AI to unlock its full potential.  

    At the Times Tech Summit today (21st October), the Technology Secretary will announce plans to look at how companies and innovators can test new AI products in real-world conditions, with some rules and regulations temporarily relaxed under strict supervision.

    Known as sandboxes, individual regulations are temporarily switched off or tweaked for a limited period of time in safe, controlled testing environments. They would initially be set up for key sectors of the economy like healthcare, professional services, transport, and the use of robotics in advanced manufacturing, to accelerate the responsible development and deployment of AI products.

    The announcement comes as the Chancellor also details progress made towards delivering on the government’s vision for a regulatory system that better supports growth and innovation. At today’s Regional Investment Summit, the Chancellor will announce a range of pro-growth reforms that will help deliver that vision set out March’s Regulation Action Plan, including a plan to save businesses across the country nearly £6 billion a year by 2029 by cracking down on pointless admin tasks.

    AI applications hold the potential to make the lives of citizens better, faster. The AI Growth Lab will pilot responsible AI which can otherwise be held back by certain regulation, and generate real-world evidence for the impact they can deliver. This will ramp up adoption of AI and deliver opportunities for people across the country, cutting bureaucracy that can choke innovation and supporting businesses to flourish to deliver tangible national renewal.

    For example, a testing ground focused on building AI tools could support health workers deliver better patient care on an accelerated timeline. This would also help reduce NHS waiting lists and time demands on frontline NHS staff, as well as ensure that public services are working around the lives of the British public.

    Currently, a typical housing development application racks up 4,000 pages of documentation and takes as long as 18 months from submission to approval. By reviewing regulations to explore how AI could support officials, those times could be slashed – speeding up decision making and putting the government’s plans to build 1.5 million new homes by the end of the current Parliament in the fast lane.

    Close working between businesses and regulators are already delivering transformations for the public. A sandbox led by the Information Commissioner’s Office has supported age verification company Yoti to fine tune their age estimation technology to help keep young people safe online, while another trial has helped FlyingBinary to develop online services which support mental health patients.

    Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said:

    To deliver national renewal, we need to overhaul the old approaches which have stifled enterprise and held back our innovators. 

    We want to remove the needless red tape that slows progress so we can drive growth and modernise the public services people rely on every day. 

    This isn’t about cutting corners – it’s about fast-tracking responsible innovations that will improve lives and deliver real benefits.

    In a further push to unlock benefits for the wider public through AI, a pot of £1 million is being set aside to support the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to pilot AI-assisted tools. These would support scientific expertise, speed up drug discovery and clinical trial assessments, and licensing to improve efficiency and consistency – while keeping all decisions firmly in human hands.   

    The continued safe and responsible development of AI would be central to the government’s plans for its proposed AI Growth Lab. It would not be a testing ground where regulations could be switched on or switched off at will, but would see strict, time limited restrictions being put in place to set out which specific regulatory hurdles could be avoided or modified under close supervision.  

    It will be overseen by tech and regulatory experts and backed up by a strict licensing scheme with strong safeguards, meaning any breaches of individual agreements, or the emergence of unacceptable risks would stop testing in its tracks and open users who have breached their terms up to potential fines. 

    While this would mark new ground in terms of AI, other regulatory testing grounds have already been put to effective use across the economy.  

    The Digital Securities Sandbox for example is helping finance firms and innovators by giving them the ability to test innovative tech solutions for some of the most urgent challenges in the financial sector. It is helping to deliver a more secure and efficient financial system by focusing on Distributed Ledger Technology, which creates a single bank of data on financial transactions to speed up efficiencies and help tackle fraud. 

    Internationally, countries are already using sandboxes to speed safe deployment. Jurisdictions such as the EU, USA, Japan, Estonia and Singapore have announced or implemented some form of regulatory sandbox for AI. The UK pioneered the global sandbox model with the launch of the FCA’s 2016 fintech sandbox – with transformative AI approaching, the UK must stay at the vanguard of international best practice in regulatory innovation – and the benefits this brings for UK innovation and jobs. 

    The government will now move ahead with a public call for views on its AI Growth Lab proposals. At the heart of that process will be considerations over whether the programme should be run in-house by the government, or overseen by regulators themselves. 

    The adoption of AI is the defining economic opportunity of the coming decade, but currently only 21% of UK firms are using the technology. The OECD currently estimates that AI could improve UK productivity by as much as 1.3 percentage points every year – worth the equivalent of £140 billion. The AI Growth Lab will provide a route to test and pilot responsible AI innovations hindered by regulation – driving AI adoption and economic growth.

    Further Information

    Exclusions from the sandbox would include consumer protection and safety provisions, fundamental rights, workers’ protections and intellectual property rights.

    Industry and stakeholder reaction

    David Wakeling, Head of AI, A&O Shearman, said:

    This call for evidence contemplates an agile approach to regulation, removing red-tape where it serves no purpose and breaking down silos between regulators.  These steps will be crucial for UK businesses, investors and capital providers to stay globally competitive in the AI race.

    Leo Ringer, Partner, Form Ventures, said:

    This is a strong signal of ambition to ensure the UK is a world leading place to start and scale an AI business. Existing regulatory frameworks weren’t created with AI in mind, and the sheer pace of tech progress means it’s no surprise that they risk slowing down innovation and adoption. 

    We have incredible talent and growing amounts of capital for AI startups in the UK – flexible, pro-innovation regulation is the third ingredient we need to really unlock investment and growth.

    Luther Lowe, Head of Public Policy, Y Combinator, said:

    The AI Growth Lab addresses a critical challenge: enabling AI startups to launch innovative products without waiting years for regulatory clarity.

    For Y Combinator companies, faster time to market matters—and if the Lab delivers on its promise while maintaining appropriate oversight, it sets a strong model for how governments can keep pace with AI innovation.

    Paul Murphy, General Partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners, said:

    As investors in many of the world’s leading AI labs, we know regulatory speed impacts where breakthrough companies scale. The UK can be a major player in this race with fast, fair, and globally competitive sandbox access.

    Vinous Ali, Deputy Executive Director at Start-Up Coalition:

    Startup Coalition has long campaigned for a cross-economy sandbox to help speed up startups’ route to market. The UK has historic strengths in sandboxing and this latest proposal takes it into the future helping bring regulators and businesses together to collaborate in a nimble and open way. 

    It is great to see government take a leaf out of the startup manual by adjusting their risk appetite to win the race.

    Vishal Marria, Founder and CEO, Quantexa, said:

    The UK has an incredible foundation in AI research and innovation, and to truly unlock its economic and societal potential, we need to accelerate how ideas are turned into reality to make tangible impact. An AI Growth Lab has the potential to provide the bridge between world-class research and real-world application, helping organizations of all sizes adopt AI responsibly, confidently, and at scale. 

    By combining trusted data, contextual understanding, and collaboration across industry, academia, and government as part of its broader set of strategic AI initiatives, the UK will continue to position itself as a world leader in turning AI from promise into performance.

    Antony Walker, Deputy CEO at TechUK, said:

    TechUK welcomes the launch of AI Growth Lab, which represents a strong, positive step towards a pro-growth regulatory approach that will help companies to safely develop, scale, and deploy AI in key sectors of the UK economy. 

    If we get this right, the AI Growth Lab can add real value by drawing on learnings from existing AI sandboxes and working closely with AI businesses to deliver tangible results and deliver real-world impact.

    Finn Stevenson, CEO at Flok Heathcare, said:

    The potential for AI to transform healthcare is enormously exciting, but good regulation is required to ensure that these novel technologies are safe and effective for patients. As we’ve shown with our Class IIa medical device clearance for AI physiotherapy, it is absolutely possible to certify products like this, but many more innovations could get to market faster if the rules were modernised for a software-driven world. 

    Regulators like the MHRA, and the notified bodies that assess AI products on their behalf, currently have the unenviable task of applying rules designed for physical products to advanced software systems that are radically different than anything that existed when the regulations were written. In revisiting those regulations, the AI Growth Lab is a valuable opportunity to make the UK a global destination for healthcare AI.

    Dr Hammad Jeilani, Medical Director and Co-Founder, Apian, said:

    Apian is helping the NHS focus on what matters most: humans caring for humans. 

    Our AI-powered autonomous robots increase productivity and cut costs – handling routine logistics so healthcare staff can dedicate more time to patient care. A cross-economy sandbox will let innovators like Apian safely test and scale these systems, making NHS logistics invisible, resilient and truly patient-centred.

    Rafie Faruq, Co-Founder & CEO at Genie, said:

    Genie has built the autonomous legal department for businesses by enabling them to create their personalised legal agents that can auto-draft, negotiate and review legal documents and deals. In one recent case, Cambridge Utd Football Club signed the first ever football player through Genie AI without a lawyer. But providing AI-generated legal advice, particularly for regulated legal areas like securities, employment, or housing – may constitute unauthorised practice of law.

    The AI Growth Lab would allow Genie to trial an autonomous legal agent in live commercial environments. We believe this sandbox could be transformative – both in reducing startup costs and helping UK businesses scale faster through AI-enabled contracting.

    Andrew Bennett, Centre for British Progress, said:

    Britain must move quickly to grow and secure our stake in the next industrial revolution. Yet too often, economic opportunities and British startups are held back by regulatory bottlenecks. 

    The AI Growth Lab can provide a safe, accelerated pathway for using AI to deliver better outcomes across the country.

    Karl Havard, Chief Commercial Officer, Nscale, said:

    Nscale is super supportive of the AI Growth Labs. The creation of safe sandbox environments will be a much needed catalyst to develop and test new products and services that will directly benefit the people of the UK. 

    It’s great to see the UK government leading the way on such an initiative, and Nscale is looking forward to playing a supporting role in making this a reality.

    Nigel Toon, Graphcore founder, said:

    Graphcore welcomes the launch of the AI Growth Lab as a means of encouraging innovators to push the boundaries of this transformative technology. 

    We hope that the UK’s forward-looking approach to AI will drive AI adoption and deliver the same sort of success stories that the financial technology regulatory sandbox did in the past.

    Michael Sellitto, Head of Global Affairs, Anthropic, said:

    We are really encouraged the UK government is looking in this direction, to create space for experimentation and promote innovation.

    Hugh Milward, Vice President External Affairs, Microsoft, said:

    Widespread AI diffusion across the economy is fundamental to delivering the UK’s economic growth ambition and we welcome the government’s continued progress on the AI Opportunities Plan towards this goal. 

    The AI Growth Lab is an interesting and creative initiative to provide the flexible regulatory approach that will support faster UK AI innovation and we look forward to hearing more.

    Matthew Wright, Head of U.K., Delian Alliance Industries, said:

    AI and autonomous systems will be integral to the future of defence and civil protection, but startups leveraging these technologies face considerable regulatory barriers today. 

    We therefore welcome the AI Growth Lab’s ambition to minimise these hurdles. In doing so, the Lab will help such startups to drive economic growth while enhancing national security.

    Dr. Tim Bazalgette, Chief AI Officer at Darktrace, said:

    Darktrace welcomes the government’s ambition for monitored AI sandboxes. 

    Allowing innovators to test transformative applications of AI in safe conditions and demonstrate that they have genuine real-world value will help to accelerate the deployment of effective AI solutions across critical areas of the British economy, supporting the public good and driving growth.

    Jon J. Paull, COO, Octopus Energy Group, said:

    At Octopus, we’ve shown how responsible AI can supercharge innovation, from forecasting renewable generation to transforming customer service.  

    Outdated rules can too often slow progress so we welcome government’s proposal for an AI Growth Lab, a safe, collaborative space where UK innovators and regulators can test responsibly, and evolve the frameworks that govern new technology.

    Aidan Gomez, Co-Founder and CEO, Cohere, said:

    Today’s announcement will accelerate the speed that AI can improve people’s lives, especially in critical, regulated areas like healthcare. 

    The UK government’s leadership on policies that enable quick, but responsible, development and deployment of transformative, cutting edge technology is why Cohere has consistently invested in the country since our founding.

    Nik Storonsky, CEO and Co-Founder, Revolut, said: 

     >Accelerating AI adoption is critical for the UK banking sector and the entire economy. This initiative will give innovators like Revolut the clarity and speed we need to build and deploy groundbreaking AI services, reinforcing the UK’s leadership and delivering real value to millions of customers.

    Dr Marc Warner, CEO and founder, Faculty AI said:

    The UK AI sector is growing 30 times faster than the rest of the economy and has world-leading companies – yet there are no guarantees the next DeepMind will found and grow here.

    If ministers want more domestic AI success stories, they must make conscious choices today about how they support our start ups and scale ups.

    Removing red tape to allow safe testing and iterating of AI products is a welcome step in backing the sector to build the faster, cheaper, more efficient public services we need.

    Max Jamilly, co-founder and CEO, Hoxton Farms, said:

    At Hoxton Farms, we’ve seen both sides of the innovation equation. Our AI-enabled control software for manufacturing biologic medicines is held back by outdated AI rules, yet our positive experience in the FSA’s Cell Cultivated Products Sandbox for Novel Foods shows that forward-thinking regulation can unlock markets and accelerate new technology.

    Sandboxes work: they enable fast, efficient collaboration between innovators and policymakers while minimising risk. Pragmatic and efficient rules for AI will help to turn UK start-ups into global leaders.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Regional Investment Summit delivers almost £800m boost to West Midlands, creating hundreds of jobs [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Regional Investment Summit delivers almost £800m boost to West Midlands, creating hundreds of jobs [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 21 October 2025.

    Hundreds of jobs in the West Midlands are set to be created after almost £800m of investment was announced at today’s Regional Investment Summit.

    • £635 million of private investment for West Midlands announced at Regional Investment Summit, with huge boost to sectors including AI, pharma, dairy and real estate.
    • New £125m skills and housing package from Combined Authority, to train 12,000 construction workers and to deliver 1,000 social homes.
    • Birmingham Sports Quarter investment to deliver transformational 14,000 new jobs and £700 million boost to the region’s economy, updated data shows.

    Hundreds of jobs in the West Midlands are set to be created after almost £800m of investment was announced at today’s Regional Investment Summit, cementing the West Midlands as a powerhouse for investment and turbocharging growth into the region.

    The huge announcement follows the Regional Investment Summit held in Birmingham today where over 350 business leaders, investors and local mayors met to announce £10 billion of new investment for key growth sectors around the UK, delivering on the Plan for Change to create new jobs and opportunities for people in every region.

    Investments in the West Midlands include Hines and Woodbourne Group announcing a £400 million investment to support the £4 billion Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, a centrepiece of the West Midlands Investment Zone, driving innovation, regeneration, and economic growth in the region. Blackstone will invest £200m to ensure the NEC remains the UK’s leading live events business with world class venues across exhibitions, conventions and arenas.

    Building on the UK-India free trade agreement, Indian parent company of Freshway Dairy will also invest £25 million in building a new processing facility in West Bromwich, creating at least 200 new jobs and allowing them to process 25% more milk.

    In a boost to the Industrial Strategy, the Government is also announcing that Sterling Pharmaceuticals will receive a share of £30m of Life Sciences funding, which will help them build a 60,000 sq ft centre in Birmingham, creating 48 jobs and boosting UK production of medicines  for the NHS and sales overseas. To boost the digital sector, Atos is announcing £10m for AI centres, cementing the Midlands role as a key hub and creating 50 jobs.

    In further good news for the region, the West Midlands Combined Authority has confirmed a £75m skills package to train over 12,000 people in construction trades and technical roles over three years. Backed by WMCA and government funding, the initiative supports a regional construction boom driven by major housing, transport, retrofit, and regeneration projects.

    £40 million will also be made available by the WMCA to accelerate delivery of 1,000 new social rent homes across the region. The funding unlocks properties ready or under construction, building on 750 affordable homes already secured.

    Earlier success for the region this year includes Knighthead announcing plans to invest at least £3 billion in a new Sports Quarter in Birmingham, which will feature a new 62,000-capacity stadium, new sporting facilities as well as entertainment and residential spaces and create 14,000 jobs – up from initial projections of 10,000. New data shows the Quarter will transform the region’s economy, with a £700 million boost to growth. Birmingham Airpor t will invest £300 million over four years to upgrade baggage, immigration, retail, and airfield infrastructure, boosting growth.

    This latest vote of confidence follows Britain becoming the most attractive place to invest in the world according to a survey from Deloitte.

    Peter Kyle, Business and Trade Secretary said:

    The West Midlands is a thriving business hub, and these funding announcements are a major vote of confidence in our economy and demonstrate how our modern Industrial Strategy is helping to secure the investment we need to deliver growth in the West Midlands.

    This huge boost to the region shows our Plan for Change is working in encouraging more companies to invest here, creating new jobs and exciting opportunities for local communities in the West Midlands.

    Jason Stockwood, Minister for Investment said:

    The West Midlands is a powerhouse for foreign direct investment, and today’s announcements at the Summit cements the region’s position as a top destination to do business.

    Our modern Industrial Strategy is giving investors the confidence they need to plan not just for the next year, but for the next 10 years and beyond – helping to create economic growth as part of our Plan for Change.

    Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands said:

    The first-ever Regional Investment Summit in the West Midlands has been a huge success. It’s given us the platform to showcase our innovation, talent, and can-do approach – and it’s already paying off, with world-class businesses like Knighthead Capital, Freshways and Atos choosing to invest, drive growth and create jobs.

    The Government is backing us with new funding and new powers to go further and faster. I’m determined to make sure everyone shares in the opportunities this brings – building prosperity that reaches every community. The time to invest in the West Midlands is now.

    Today’s announcements at the Regional Investment Summit builds on recent landmark trade deals struck with the US and India and the launch of the modern Industrial Strategy in the summer, helping to hardwire stability for investors looking to invest in the UK.

    Securing investment is central to the government’s mission to deliver economic growth which will create jobs, improve living standards, and make communities and families across the country better off as part of our Plan for Change.  

    Bali Nijjar, Freshways Managing Director said: 

    Our £25m investment in West Bromwich will deliver 200 new jobs, from engineers to food safety technicians, and deliver one of the most efficient dairy processing plants in Europe, capable of processing 500 million litres of fresh British milk a year.

    The West Midlands is a key strategic location for Freshways, providing access to national transport networks and skilled job seekers. It’s also good news for our British dairy farmers and our customers as we’ll be able to process 25% more fresh milk from the new site, helping us keep up with growing demand. We’re working around the clock to get things ready and hope to have the site fully operational by the end of the year.

    Michael Herron, Head of Atos UK&I, said:

    Atos is delighted to invest in the Midlands, establishing new technology centres that will help drive digital innovation and create opportunities for local talent. Our commitment reflects the region’s growing reputation as a national hub for AI and digital transformation, and we look forward to supporting businesses and communities as they embrace the benefits of new technology.

    List of West Midlands investments announced in today’s Regional Investment Summit:

    • Hines, a global real estate firm, in partnership with Woodbourne Group, have announced a £400 million investment to support the £4 billion Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, a centrepiece of the West Midlands Investment Zone, driving innovation, regeneration, and economic growth in the region.
    • Blackstone owned National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham has announced a new public commitment to invest £200 million over the next decade. The investment will support a modernisation programme to ensure that it remains the UK’s leading live events business with world class venues across exhibitions, conventions and arenas.
    • Atos, a leading provider of AI-powered digital transformation, has announced a new £10 million investment in the Midlands, unveiling two flagship technology centres that will cement the region’s role at the heart of the UK’s AI-led digital future and creating 50 jobs.
    • Freshways is investing £25 million in a cutting-edge dairy hub in West Bromwich, creating at least 200 jobs. The facility will process 500 million litres of British milk annually, making it one of the UK’s most advanced and efficient dairy operations.
    • Sterling Pharmaceuticals will build a 60,000 sq ft centre in Birmingham, creating 48 jobs and boosting UK production of generic medicines for the NHS and export, following a share of £30m from the Government’s Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund.
    • The West Midlands Combined Authority has unveiled a £75 million skills package to train over 12,000 people in construction trades and technical roles over three years. Backed by WMCA and government funding, the initiative supports a regional construction boom driven by major housing, transport, retrofit, and regeneration projects.
    • The West Midlands Combined Authority has launched a £40 million Social Housing Accelerator Fund to deliver 1,000 new social rent homes across the West Midlands. The funding unlocks properties ready or under construction, building on 750 affordable homes already secured.

    Recent Investments in the region:

    • Knighthead will invest at least £3 billion in a new Sports Quarter in Birmingham which will feature a 62,000-capacity stadium with a retractable pitch, a dedicated women’s stadium, indoor arena, training grounds, and residential and entertainment spaces. The development is expected to create around 14,000 jobs, transforming the derelict site into a major sporting and cultural hub and generate £700m of growth for the region.
    • Birmingham Airport will invest £300 million over four years to upgrade baggage, immigration, retail, and airfield infrastructure. Millions will also be directed toward sustainable growth, including solar energy and efficient terminal systems. A new Masterplan process will forecast growth beyond 2040, building on strong passenger demand.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK removes Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham from terrorist organisation list [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK removes Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham from terrorist organisation list [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 21 October 2025.

    An order has been laid in Parliament to deproscribe Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), enabling closer engagement with the new Syrian government.

    The government’s decision to remove Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from the list of proscribed terrorist organisations will mean closer engagement with the new Syrian government and support UK foreign and domestic priorities, from counter-terrorism to migration and chemical weapons destruction.  

    Deproscribing HTS is part of the UK’s response to the significant developments in Syria since forces led by President Ahmed Al Sharaa toppled the Assad regime last December. HTS was originally listed as an alias of proscribed organisation Al-Qa’ida in 2017.   

    The former Foreign Secretary’s visit to Syria in July renewed the diplomatic relationship between the UK and Syria. The UK will continue to press for genuine progress and hold the Syrian government accountable for its actions in fighting terrorism and restoring stability in Syria and the wider region. We will continue to judge the new Syrian government on their actions not on their words. 

    Daesh remains a significant threat in Syria. The deproscription of HTS will support this government’s engagement on the counter-Daesh mission in Syria, in turn reducing the threat to the UK. 

    Deproscription will also support closer working with Syria to eliminate the Assad regime’s chemical weapons programme. This government welcomes the Syrian President’s commitment to destroy these weapons once and for all.  

    This decision aligns with the announcement made by the United States earlier this year to remove HTS from its list of Foreign Terrorist Organisations.  

    This government will always put the safety and security of the British people first, which is why any deproscription decision is not taken lightly. The decision to remove HTS from the proscribed list has been made following detailed consultation with operational partners and other departments, and a robust assessment by the cross-government Proscription Review Group.  

    The government reserves the right to reassess proscription decisions in response to any emerging threats and will always take swift and decisive action in the interests of national security. 

    The deproscription of HTS will mean that the proscription offences set out in the Terrorism Act 2000, including the offences of membership and inviting support for proscribed organisations, will no longer apply to HTS. On completion of this deproscription, a total of 83 organisations will be proscribed by the UK.