Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Smarter use of government land to support nature and climate [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 26 June 2026.

Half a million hectares to help deliver for nature recovery and climate adaptation, strengthening climate resilience.

A new, smarter way of using Government-owned land will support nature recovery, climate adaptation and the resilience of public services under new plans set out today (Friday 26 June).

Bringing together action across more than 577,000 hectares – roughly 4% of England’s land – the Government Estate Nature Plan moves from fragmented, site‑by‑site efforts to a more coordinated, whole estate approach, strengthening resilience and helping protect critical public services from climate impacts.

By minimising disruption caused by water shortages and wildfires, healthy ecosystems can play a vital role in mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change. The focus will be to both support nature and build infrastructure resilience.

As the largest landowner in England, the Government is uniquely placed to help drive nature recovery across the country through actions like woodland creation and peatland restoration, setting an example for other large landowners. For the first time, government is applying the Land Use Framework to its own estate; managing land more strategically to deliver for nature alongside core public services.

The plan, being published during London Climate Action Week, will see a series of ‘lighthouse’ projects – funded pilot projects on operational land including defence training areas, transport corridors and prison grounds, demonstrating how nature recovery can support essential public services. The evidence from these projects will be used to inform future, larger-scale projects.

Recent independent research indicates the government estate has capacity to generate ecosystem services valued at £67 billion from natural capital maintained in good condition.

Nature Minister Mary Creagh said:

“As the largest landowner in the country, government has a unique opportunity to work with others to show how nature can be restored at scale while delivering essential public services.

“This new plan is the first of its kind globally and will ensure progress towards our goal to protect 30% of our land and seas by 2030.”

Carl von Reibnitz, Chief Sustainability Officer at Ministry of Justice said:

“The Government Estate Nature Plan reflects what the Ministry of Justice has already learned: managing natural assets well is an operational necessity, not an environmental add-on.

“From our prison tree nurseries supplying government planting schemes to Community Payback teams delivering habitat restoration, justice already contributes to nature recovery at scale. We welcome this plan and look forward to building on that contribution through the GENP.”

Rosie Hails, Nature, Land & Evidence Director at the National Trust said:

“The government’s plan to drive change for nature through its own estate is a welcome and necessary step. We can only meaningfully tackle the nature crisis if everyone involved in how land is used plays a part – owners, managers, farmers, businesses and communities.

“Publicly owned land offers a real opportunity to show what’s possible. As a member of the National Estate for Nature group, we’re pleased to be working in partnership with government and other landowners to share expertise and restore nature at scale together.”

Natural England Chair Tony Juniper said:

“Natural England has worked alongside Defra to establish this influential group of landowners, who have collectively demonstrated great ambition towards national targets for Nature’s recovery.

“Individually they make big contributions, and their combined impact can be huge. Today’s publication of the Government Estate for Nature plan shows the government shares in their ambition.

“Our National Nature Reserves are exemplars of nature recovery and Natural England will continue with its high pace programme of declaring new ones. This will not only benefit Nature but also to support communities and improve our collective resilience to climate change.”

Forestry England Chief Executive Mike Seddon said:

“Forestry England is the country’s biggest land manager and the 254,000 hectares that make up the nation’s forests hold a variety of habitats and an abundance of wildlife.

“Our long-term stewardship of this critical natural asset delivers many public benefits from high-quality timber and nature recovery to improving citizens’ health and wellbeing, and our work contributes to the wider economy.

“We have a strong track record on successful nature recovery projects, working in partnership, such as reintroducing pine martens to the Forest of Dean and white-tailed eagles to the south coast.

“Our wild areas, such as Wild Ennerdale, are places for innovation and we have ambitions to expand them to 38,000 hectares by 2031. We care for almost 70,000 hectares of SSSIs and we want pine marten ranges covering 100,000 hectares of the nation’s forests.”

The Government Estate Nature Plan is part of a collective of plans published by members of the National Estate for Nature, a coalition of major landowners who together manage a tenth of England’s land, including the National Trust, The Crown Estate, the Church Commissioners, the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall and the RSPB.

In publishing these plans, members are demonstrating how they meet the NEN’s collective ambition and minimum standard, through setting out where and what type of land they hold and how they will work to increase or improve important habitats, such as Clinton Devon Estates who are restoring wetlands and creating new woodland.

Examples of targets to boost nature recovery by 2030 include the Church Commissioners aiming to see 80% of farms adopt nature-friendly farming practices and United Utilities planting 1 million trees. The Crown Estate’s new long-term environmental Farm Business Tenancies will support farmers in their aim to transition 15% of farmland to nature recovery, including planting 1,000km of new hedgerows by 2035. Members will continue to work closely together, applying the government’s Land Use Framework principles and participating in Local Nature Recovery Strategies.

By managing land more strategically, the government and NEN partners will help deliver Environment Act targets on biodiversity, water quality and woodland cover, while supporting the UK’s international commitment to protect 30% of land for nature by 2030.

26/06/2026

PRESS RELEASE : Thousands more out-of-work benefit claimants to get personalised support [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 26 June 2026.

Up to 40,000 disabled people and people with health conditions will benefit from expanded access to personalised support, as the government rolls out Support Conversations across a further 27 Jobcentres taking the total number of sites to 33.

Support Conversations expanding to a further 27 Jobcentres across Great Britain, bringing the total to 33 sites.
Disabled people and those with health conditions on out of work benefits are being offered a one-to-one, voluntary, hour-long conversation to discuss their support needs and identify extra help. This support is personalised and could link people to help with their health, debt, skills, employment and housing.
Part of the government’s wider £3.5 billion investment to help disabled people and those with health conditions into work over the Parliament.

Support Conversations are voluntary, hour-long sessions designed to help people identify and overcome the barriers stopping them from moving into work or into meaningful activity (such as volunteering) and is part of the commitment the Government made in last year’s Pathways to Work Green Paper

Unlike standard Jobcentre appointments, Support Conversations take a holistic approach, covering not just employment, but housing, debt, skills, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation services. Support Conversations are delivered by Healthcare Professionals, Pathways to Work Advisers, and Disability Employment Advisers, and are available face to face, by video, or by telephone.

They are open to those who are awaiting a Work Capability Assessment and people furthest away from the labour market – assessed as having Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA).

These are people who for too long were written off and denied support. But the government’s expansion of Support Conversations is giving people they help they need and builds on the landmark deployment of 1,000 Pathways to Work Advisers, who have already helped more than 65,000 sick and disabled people get one step closer to work.

Minister for Employment Dame Diana Johnson said:

Too many disabled people and people with health conditions face barriers that stop them from accessing the support and opportunities they deserve.

That is why we are expanding the number of sites delivering Support Conversations from 6 to 33 Jobcentres across Great Britain, giving up to 40,000 people personalised help tailored to their circumstances.

Getting more people into good work is central to our Plan for Change and Support Conversations will help us do exactly this.

This expansion builds on testing already live in six sites where support conversations are being delivered by healthcare professionals and disability employment advisers. Early testing indicates customers feeling “listened to” and “supported.”

Neil, a Disability Employment Adviser in Bournemouth said:

Support Conversations are a great opportunity to spend an hour focused on the claimant and their needs.

We all know that many people face a whole range of challenges which need to be overcome as part of their individual journey back to work and talking through those challenges with a DEA is an important first step.

Support Conversations confirm that the most valuable resource we have is the time that we spend with our claimants.

Saimha, a Healthcare Professional in Preston said:

Support Conversation is about providing compassionate, informed, holistic, person-centred support to disabled people and those with health conditions. Every interaction is an opportunity to make someone feel heard, safe, and supported.

Every person’s health journey is unique and support conversation is an opportunity to identify the range of barriers people are facing in their day to day life and signposting them to the relevant services that can help, encouraging people to take positive steps towards improving their lives.

This expansion forms part of the government’s Pathways to Work offer and its broader £3.5 billion employment support package, which includes:

Connect to Work, which delivers tailored, personalised, local support that will help 300,000 people into work by the end of this parliament.
The national expansion of WorkWell, backed by £259mn, helping up to 250,000 people with health conditions to stay in or return to work.
Allowing sick or disabled people to try work without the immediate fear of reassessment through the Right to Try.
The deployment of 1,000 Pathways to Work advisers who’ve already helped tens of thousands of people the previous Government wrote off.

The government will continue to test the success of Support Conversations through healthcare professionals and disability employment advisors as part of this expansion, with Pathways to Work Advisers also carrying out these Support Conversations for the first time. 27 sites have been confirmed so far, with a further six sites to be confirmed shortly.

The expansion directly supports the government’s Plan for Change and its mission to raise living standards across the UK by helping more people into work and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Additional Information:

Support Conversations are currently offered to people awaiting a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) who have registered a health condition or disability that impacts their ability to work and those assessed as having Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA).
The conversations are entirely voluntary.
List of confirmed sites (note 6 further sites to be confirmed shortly):

Site	Model
Aberdare	PtWA
Berwick Upon Tweed	PtWA
Blaydon	DEA
Bournemouth	DEA
Didsbury	PtWA
Glenrothes	DEA
Grimsby	PtWA
Hoxton	PtWA
Lancaster	HCP
Leeds Park Place	PtWA
Leicester Charles Street	DEA
Leicester Wellington Street	DEA
North Shields	DEA
Northwich	PtWA
Preston	HCP
Rusholme	PtWA
Saltcoats	PtWA
Shettleston	DEA
South Shields	DEA
Southend	DEA
Sparkhill	DEA
Springburn	DEA
Sunderland	DEA
Thornaby	HCP
WesterHailes	PtWA
Whitehaven	DEA
Workington	PtWA

26/06/2026

PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados [June 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 25 June 2026.

The Prime Minister welcomed the Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley for a meeting in Downing Street today, during London Climate Action Week.

The Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Mottley for her international leadership on climate action, welcoming efforts by the UK and Barbados to tackle super pollutants.

The leaders also discussed initiatives for combatting organised crime and enhancing regional security in the Caribbean.

They looked forward to the UK and Barbados continuing to deepen work together through the Commonwealth, including on trade and business opportunities.

26/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict 2026 – joint statement to the OSCE [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 June 2026.

Norwegian Ambassador Ellen Svendsen delivers a joint statement on behalf of six countries marking the 2026 International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

I am delivering this statement on behalf of Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and my own country Norway.

On 19 June we marked the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. We pay tribute to survivors and to those around the world working tirelessly to prevent and respond to conflict-related sexual violence.

Mr Chair, the global picture remains deeply concerning. Recent UN reporting has shown a sharp rise in verified cases of conflict-related sexual violence, marked by increasing brutality which disproportionately affects women and girls, while continuing to impact men and boys.

Such violence is not incidental to conflict. It is used deliberately as a tactic of war, terror, and repression, with devastating consequences for individuals, communities, and long-term stability.

These trends are compounded by shrinking humanitarian access, reduced funding for survivor services, and persistent stigma that prevents reporting and denies justice. Escalating and protracted conflicts continue to create conditions in which the risks of sexual violence grow.

Mr Chair, in Ukraine, UN reporting, successive Moscow Mechanism reports, ODIHR Interim Reports and other independent monitoring continues to document conflict-related sexual violence linked to Russia’s ongoing aggression, including in detention settings where it has been used as a form of torture and ill-treatment. Survivors include women, men, and detainees subjected to serious abuses. These cases underscore the use of sexual violence to intimidate, punish, and extract information, and highlight the urgent need for accountability and survivor support.

Sexual violence in conflict is a violation of international humanitarian and human rights law, and a threat to international peace and security. It must stop. Perpetrators must be brought to justice. Survivors must be supported.

We emphasise the importance of a survivor-centred approach in all prevention and response efforts. This means placing the safety, dignity, rights and needs of survivors at the heart of action, ensuring access to justice, protection, and essential services, including psychosocial support.

Efforts to prevent and respond to conflict-related sexual violence should also fully address the needs of children affected, including child survivors, children born of such violence and those affected indirectly. Children experience conflict-related sexual violence in distinct ways, and responses must be child-sensitive, survivor-centred and integrated into existing systems. Addressing their needs is essential to breaking cycles of violence, stigma and exclusion.

Accountability is central. Without justice, there is no deterrence. Without accountability, cycles of violence continue. We must strengthen national and international mechanisms to investigate and prosecute these crimes, and ensure that survivors have access to redress and reparations.

The OSCE has a vital role to play. Its comprehensive approach to security, its field operations, and its autonomous institutions contribute to prevention, monitoring, and accountability efforts. The OSCE’s work on gender equality and on combating sexual and gender-based violence in armed conflict remains essential, and should continue to be prioritised by participating States.

Mr Chair, addressing conflict-related sexual violence must form part of broader international efforts: to uphold the Women, Peace and Security agenda; to tackle gender inequality and discrimination; and to ensure the meaningful participation of women in peace processes and decision-making at all levels.

As we mark this International Day, we reaffirm our collective responsibility. We must act together through multilateral cooperation to prevent these crimes, to support survivors, and to end impunity.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

26/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Report by the Head of OSCE Mission to Montenegro – UK statement [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 June 2026.

Deputy Ambassador James Ford underlines support for Montenegro’s Euro Atlantic path and progress in strengthening democratic institutions, and welcomes and the Mission’s work supporting the government’s national strategic objectives ahead of the transition to national ownership of functions by the end of 2027.

Thank you, Ambassador Haukaas, for your report, and for the work of your team over the last year.

The United Kingdom continues to strongly support Montenegro’s Euro Atlantic path. Montenegro is a valued partner and Ally of the UK. Its sustained commitment to regional stability, constructive diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation continues to make a positive contribution to security across the Western Balkans. We also welcome Montenegro’s principled stance in response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

The United Kingdom also welcomes the progress Montenegro has made in strengthening its democratic institutions and advancing reforms – particularly in strengthening the rule of law, enhancing judicial independence, and tackling corruption. We also value Montenegro’s openness to partnership and dialogue – including with civil society – critical to ensuring reforms are inclusive and enduring. The UK will continue to work with the government of Montenegro in support of these efforts.

In this context, we welcome the Mission’s work supporting the government’s national strategic objectives, in line with the Mission’s mandate and OSCE commitments and principles. The Mission’s priorities fit well with the UK’s own engagement supporting Montenegro’s reform agenda and broader regional stability.

We particularly support the Mission’s focus on: strengthening the functioning and transparency of Montenegro’s parliament; supporting the authorities in tackling serious and organised crime and corruption; and supporting media freedom and the safety of journalists. All these activities contribute to strengthening Montenegro’s democratic resilience, underlining the tangible value of the Mission’s work and its alignment with Montenegro’s reform priorities.

We see Montenegro’s request to transition to national ownership of OSCE functions by the end of 2027 as a positive reflection of the progress Montenegro has made in recent years, and a sign of the government’s commitment to driving forward and sustaining momentum on reforms. It is also an indication of the success of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, and the exemplary support it has provided, over the last 20 years. We look forward to engaging with the government, OSCE Mission, Secretariat and autonomous institutions to ensure a smooth and well-prepared transition to new forms of OSCE engagement with and support for Montenegro.

In closing, the United Kingdom reiterates its strong support for Montenegro’s reform trajectory. We wish the Mission every success in its work over the next 12 months.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

26/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Man’s sentence increased after multiple robberies and attacks on London Underground [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 25 June 2026.

Solicitor General, Ellie Reeves KC MP, secures increased sentence for man responsible for a series of robberies and stabbings across the London Underground.

Solicitor General, Ellie Reeves KC MP, secures increased sentence for man responsible for a series of robberies and stabbings across the London Underground.

Adel Kerari of Hammersmith and Fulham, London, had his sentence increased by one year and one month after the Solicitor General Ellie Reeves KC MP referred his case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

The court heard how over two weeks in June 2023, Kerari and other gang members carried out a violent crime spree targeting commuters across the London Underground. Victims were robbed, assaulted and stabbed at stations including Holborn, Russell Square, Leicester Square, Goldhawk Road and Leyton.

During one particular day, Kerari and his gang brutally attacked and robbed one woman and two men in three separate incidents at underground stations. All the victims’ phones were stolen, as well as some wallets and bank cards. Two of the victims were stabbed during the attacks.

A total of seven people were targeted across six separate incidents.

The Solicitor General Ellie Reeves MP said:

Adel Kerari purposely targeted lone passengers across the London Underground in a spree of appalling violence. The attacks and stabbings were shocking and vicious.

I welcome the court’s decision to increase the sentence following my referral. Violent criminals and gangs threaten the safety of our towns and cities. I will always pursue action on behalf of victims to ensure sentences reflect the true severity of such violent crimes.

British Transport Police Detective Sergeant Tony Gittins said:

Kerari is an extremely dangerous and violent criminal who launched a rampage of brazen robberies across the London Underground and as such fully deserves to spend the foreseeable future behind bars.

We warmly welcome his sentence being extended today and crucially hope it offers some small comfort to the victims, who have shown considerable strength throughout the judicial process.

A Transport for London (TfL) spokesperson said:

These were extremely serious and violent offences that have no place on London’s transport network, and we are pleased that the offender has been brought to justice.

The safety of our customers and staff is our top priority, and we continue to work closely with the police to tackle robbery and violent crime across the network – including with the Metropolitan Police and the British Transport Police to carry out targeted operations and patrols in hotspot locations and using our data and extensive network of CCTV to pursue offenders.

We remain committed to ensuring that anyone who commits offences on our network is brought to justice, and that our transport network remains a safe and secure environment to work and travel.

On 9 January 2025 at Inner London Crown Court, Adel Kerari was sentenced to 2 years and 8 months’ imprisonment for six counts of robbery, and one count of fraud.

On Thursday 25 June 2026 at the Court of Appeal, Adel Kerari’s sentence was increased to 3 years and 9 months.

26/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary announces nearly £290 million to strengthen Ukraine’s recovery and energy security [June 2026]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 June 2026.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper announces a new support package at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk.
- New UK support for Ukraine’s recovery and energy security in the face of Putin’s war
- UK continues to bear down on Kremlin having sanctioned over 3,400 Russia-linked targets, while supporting Ukraine’s long-term prosperity
- UK’s total commitment to meeting Ukraine’s non-military needs now stands at £5.6 billion since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion
The Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has announced a new package worth almost £290 million to bolster Ukraine’s recovery and energy security as she attends the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk, Poland.

Yvette Cooper will make clear the United Kingdom’s ironclad commitment to Ukraine not only in its ongoing battle in the face of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion, but in ensuring it has the strength to rebuild for the future for the benefit of the UK and Ukraine. Ukraine’s security is vital to the UK’s own and supporting Ukraine today means a thriving partner for the UK in the future.

Today’s package will help strengthen Ukraine’s energy security through the signing of a £210 million deal for UK-based Urenco to provide nuclear fuel to Ukraine’s national power company Energoatom, to help Ukraine resist Russian attacks on critical energy infrastructure and keep the lights on. The deal will also boost the British economy, as Urenco employs more than 650 people in the UK and its Chester site supports more than 4,500 jobs around the UK in the wider supply chain.

Funding will also support new schemes to modernise Ukraine’s justice system, to help build systems that hold the perpetrators of heinous war crimes to account, speed up court proceedings and tackle corruption to improve fairness and transparency.

Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper said:

“The UK stands firmly with Ukraine, not only in its fight for freedom today, but in ensuring it has the strength to rebuild for the future – that is essential for the long-term deterrence of Russian aggression.

“A just and lasting peace is urgent and non-negotiable. But Ukraine needs long-term support both to get through the conflict and to rebuild in future. That is why at this year’s Ukraine Recovery Conference, we are announcing a multi-million pound package to power Ukraine’s homes and critical infrastructure, back its businesses and drive improvements in education and justice.

“This crucial investment will ensure the UK is also in close partnership with Ukraine as they look towards future growth, involving British and Ukrainian businesses and delivering long-term benefits for both our economies.”

Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy said:

“An enduring peace in Ukraine will not be secured through military support alone, but through our collective commitment to rebuilding communities, strengthening institutions and deepening joint action.

“Ukraine’s battlefield victories must be bolstered by support to rebuild. The UK stands together with Ukraine as true partners for freedom – helping drive record investment, support recovery and ensure the Ukrainian people can look to the future with security and hope.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

“The UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine – and that means backing Ukraine’s recovery just as firmly as its defence. Today we are securing Ukraine’s energy supply, and helping to support Ukraine’s economy in the face of brutal Russian aggression.

“Ukraine’s security is our security, and our ironclad support will boost both our economies and give them the financial firepower to grow back stronger.”

British International Investment will also deliver up to £65 million for renewable energy and the banking sector in Ukraine, alongside the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The new investments will see the construction of two new wind farms and provide much-needed backing for Ukraine’s businesses through the Bank of Lviv.

British companies will play a vital role in reconstruction projects across Ukraine, including the future modernisation of Lviv Airport as well as schools in Vinnytsia Oblast through the Project Development Programme, which is set to receive £1 million additional UK funding.

The announcement comes as the UK continues to intensify pressure on those sustaining Putin’s illegal war, after the Prime Minister announced a major sanctions package targeting the vessels, finances and individuals enabling Russia’s aggression at the G7 last week. British forces also recently intercepted a Russian shadow fleet vessel in the Channel, in a significant blow to the Kremlin’s war effort.

The UK’s support for Ukraine is reinforced by its close partnership with Poland, a vital security partner and a frontline state in Europe’s response to Russian aggression. Poland plays a crucial role in ensuring Ukraine gets the military and defence equipment it needs for the frontline, by processing 90% of allied-funded material before it crosses the border. Following the conference, the Foreign Secretary will visit the Miecznik frigate programme, where British and Polish defence industries are working together to strengthen Poland’s naval capabilities through a contract worth around £3 billion, supporting jobs and growth in both countries.

The breakdown of bilateral assistance funding announced today includes:
- Up to £13 million to support British International Investment’s intention to commit to the EU Flagship Fund;
- Up to £12 million for a new governance programme, including:
- Up to £2.4 million for an EU Anti-Corruption Initiative (EUACI); and
- £1 million to support judicial reforms;
- Up to £763,000 to continue support for Ukraine’s Green Transition Office.
Alongside the bilateral allocation, the UK will announce a series of measures to support Ukraine’s long-term economic growth. These include:
- New British International Investment investments of up to £65 million, utilising existing UK ODA funding to co-finance projects that will expand lending to small and medium-sized enterprises through the Bank of Lviv and support the construction of two new wind farms;
- Up to £200,000 to expand support for Ukraine’s critical minerals sector through British Geological Survey expertise to improve geological data, strengthen standards and attract investment;
- Up to £1 million for the second year of the Project Development Programme, helping British companies participate in the early-stage planning of reconstruction projects across Ukraine. This builds on successful first-phase projects, including feasibility studies for the future expansion of Lviv Airport and the modernisation of schools in Vinnytsia Oblast; and
- A new Memorandum of Understanding between UK Export Finance and Ukraine’s export credit agency to strengthen institutional capacity, share expertise and support the growth of Ukraine’s private sector and exports.
26/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : The Falkland Islands – Lord Collins’ OAS statement [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 June 2026.

Deputy Leader of the House of Lords Lord Collins spoke during the 56th regular session of the OAS general assembly in Panama City, Panama.

Secretary General, Assistant Secretary General, Ministers, Delegates, Friends.

On behalf of the United Kingdom, I would like to thank our hosts, Panama, for convening this Assembly.

The UK values its partnerships across the Americas – shaped by history and the many personal connections between our peoples today. This forum plays an important role in strengthening cooperation on the issues that affect us all and we will continue to contribute to solutions to shared problems in the constructive and respectful spirit on which the OAS was founded.

I will turn now to the topic of this discussion, the Falkland Islands.

The United Kingdom’s position has been clear and consistent for many years. The question of the Falkland Islands must be considered in light of the wishes of the people who live there. The Islanders have the right to determine their own political future, and they have expressed that choice clearly and democratically. With some tracing their roots back more than 10 generations, the Islanders have nowhere else they call home. Like many in the Americas, their ancestors journeyed to those Islands in past centuries to seek a better life, and shaped the Islands into the thriving and prosperous society they are today.

The people of the Falkland Islands have built a stable, self-governing community with strong democratic institutions. Their elected representatives take decisions on matters that affect their daily lives, reflecting the priorities and values of the local population. This is a community that is confident in its identity and clear about its future.

This principle is fundamental. The right of self-determination is a cornerstone of the international system and applies to all peoples. It is essential to maintaining the integrity and credibility of the rules-based international order.

Calls for discussions on sovereignty do not alter this reality. Any approach to this issue must respect the principle that the Islanders’ wishes come first. Without their consent, there can be no change to their status. Their wishes have been made clear – the 2013 referendum with a 99.8% vote on a 92% turnout to remain in the British family, and no subsequent election has questioned that decision. There can be no negotiation without the agreement and participation of the Falkland Islanders themselves.

The UK strongly supports the right of the Falkland Islanders to develop their natural resources for their own economic benefit. The decision to pursue hydrocarbon development was a democratic choice by the people of the Falkland Islands alone, and it is for the Falkland Islands Government to pursue production alongside the commercial companies involved. This is an integral part of the Islanders’ right of self- determination.

I would like to emphasise that UK forces in the South Atlantic are entirely defensive. We regularly review our force levels so that they are at the minimum level appropriate to ensure the defence of the Falkland Islands against any potential threat.

None of this changes the UK’s desire to maintain a respectful and fruitful bilateral relationship with Argentina; nor our commitment to constructive engagement in the South Atlantic. We will continue to support practical cooperation where it serves shared interests, including in areas such as environmental stewardship and sustainable economic activity.

Colleagues, this is ultimately a question of the foundational principles of the international system. A population has exercised its democratic rights and made its position known. Respecting that choice is both a legal obligation and a reflection of the values that underpin this Assembly.

The United Kingdom will continue to uphold that principle and encourages others to do the same.

26/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 62 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Discrimination against Women and Girls [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 June 2026.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Discrimination against Women and Girls. Delivered at the 62nd Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Madam Vice President.

The UK is committed to protecting and promoting the rights of women and girls in all their diversity – including through tackling discrimination. The Foreign Secretary has placed women and girls globally at the heart of the UK’s foreign policy and is committed to championing their ability to live in a world free from violence and discrimination.

Women and girls are disproportionately targeted by AI-enabled harms, including deepfakes and online abuse at scale. The lack of safety-by-design in AI is intensifying technology-facilitated gender-based violence, with real-world impacts on safety, participation, and wellbeing.

States should adopt a human rights based approach to AI, with gender equality at its core.

Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D) is a major international development programme, co-funded by the UK, Canada and Sweden, that aims to ensure AI works for inclusive, safe and equitable development outcomes in the Global South. Through AI4D Africa, the UK has supported women-led AI research and strengthened the pipeline of female AI leaders.

Madam Vice President,

How can Member States work with the UN to ensure that protection from discrimination is embedded in the design of AI systems?

Thank you.

26/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Europe’s security cannot be built on coercion or spheres of influence – UK statement to the OSCE [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 June 2026.

Deputy Ambassador James Ford stressed that Europe’s security cannot be built on coercion or spheres of influence, rejecting Russia’s revisionist narratives. He underlined that Russia alone is responsible for the war, reaffirmed support for Ukraine, and called for an immediate ceasefire and genuine negotiations.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

Mr Chair, last week G7 leaders underlined our countries’ shared support for Ukraine. They reaffirmed our firm backing of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. And they committed to strengthening Ukraine’s capacity to defend itself, while further increasing pressure on Russia’s war economy. This message was clear, united and rooted in the principles on which we have built European security.

By contrast, Mr Chair, Russia continues to advance narratives that seek to rewrite history, to invert responsibility, and to portray Russia as the victim of a crisis it chose to create. An article by the Russian Foreign Minister, also last week, repeated all of these themes.

The actual facts are clear. No state sought to deny Russia’s security. No state planned aggression against Russia. No state launched an unprovoked invasion of Russia.

The developments Russia now complains of – higher defence spending in Europe, further NATO enlargement, support for Ukraine’s self-defence, drone strikes against Russian targets – are patently not the causes of the current crisis. They are in fact the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression.

Russia also continues to call for a new security architecture. But we already have one. It was built together by the states present at this table, including Russia, through the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of Paris. These commitments enshrine sovereign equality, territorial integrity, the inviolability of borders, and the right of every state to choose its own security arrangements.

These principles did not fail. Russia violated them. Again Nobody attacked Russia. And no one sought to dismantle Russia’s security. In fact, it was Russia that used force against others: including in Georgia in 2008 and in Ukraine since 2014.

At the heart of this is Russia’s rejection of sovereignty as a universal principle. Russia believes it has a right to decide the future of its neighbours. It frames independence as provocation and choice as hostility.

OSCE principles are not compatible with this vision of spheres of influence. The OSCE is composed of sovereign states. Ukraine is not Russia’s to control. Nor is Moldova. Nor Georgia. Nor any other OSCE participating State.

Mr Chair, our shared OSCE principles do not need to be rewritten; they need to be respected. Europe’s security cannot be built on coercion, conquest, or spheres of influence.

We keep on listening to Russia’s messaging, including here in this forum. But, unfortunately, we keep on hearing that Russia’s narratives remain false and contradictory. By contrast our message is clear, as the G7 underlined last week: we stand united in our unwavering support for Ukraine.

Thank you.

26/06/2026