Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Update on Cabinet Office Audit and Risk Committee [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 8 April 2025.

Maura Sullivan has been appointed as Chair of the Cabinet Office Audit and Risk Committee for a term of three years.

The Cabinet Office Audit and Risk Committee offers an independent perspective on the department’s financial, risk, and control arrangements. It also reviews and recommends the approval of accounts for the Cabinet Office, Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists, Civil Superannuation, and the Royal Mail Statutory Pension Scheme.

The Committee supports the Cabinet Office Board, which provides strategic and operational leadership for the department. It comprises of Cabinet Office ministers, senior executives, and non-executives from outside government.

Maura is a finance professional with an executive career spanning Board level CFO roles in Banking, Asset Management and Pensions.

She has worked in complex international organisations, managed large teams and led and supported large transformation programmes.

Her non executive portfolio currently includes Chair of Audit and Compliance Committee for Marsden Building Society and Chair of Audit & Risk for Gov Facilities Management Services Limited (GovFSL), an arms length body of the MoJ.

10/04/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Technology and Energy Secretaries chair first meeting of AI Energy Council [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 8 April 2025.

The UK’s new AI Energy Council held its first meeting in Westminster today.

Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology Peter Kyle and Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband today convened the first meeting of the AI Energy Council in Westminster.

Joined by industry representatives from across the energy and technology sectors, this inaugural round of discussions centred on how the UK can drive forward its AI and power goals – supporting the growth, jobs and opportunities which are central to the government’s Plan for Change.

The Technology Secretary reflected on the desire across the country to benefit from the AI revolution – with over 200 applications from local areas putting themselves forward to become AI Growth Zones. Meanwhile the Energy Secretary highlighted how it is not only about making the UK’s energy grid fit for the age of AI, but how AI can serve the energy system too.

After delivering opening remarks, the Secretaries of State led discussions which included an agreement on the council’s 5 areas of focus for the coming year. These will be centred on ensuring the UK’s energy system is ready to support the country’s AI and compute infrastructure, promoting sustainability and the use of renewable energy solutions, and placing a strong focus on promoting the safe and secure adoption of AI across the energy system whilst also advising on how AI can be adopted to support the transition to net zero, unlocking opportunities to make the grid more flexible.

Attendees reflected on the importance of making sure sustainability is at the heart of efforts to take advantage of AI and the need to make sure the UK has what is needed to drive further investment – including quick access to the grid, accelerated planning permission and skills.

The 5 main areas of focus for the council were agreed, with attendees committing to meet quarterly – with an ambition to bring proposals to the table to make quick progress and deliver for people across the country.

10/04/2025
PRESS RELEASE : The Kremlin’s actions reflect no desire for peace that I can detect – UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 April 2025.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

As we’ve heard on Friday, Russia’s ballistic missile attack on Kryvyi Rih struck a residential area in the city, resulting in the deaths of 20 people, including nine children, the youngest of whom was just three years old.

At least 70 people were injured.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights described this as the deadliest single strike harming children since the start of the full-scale invasion.

As High Commissioner Türk said, this attack was an unimaginable horror, nine children killed, most while playing in a park, as a military weapon exploded into shrapnel above them.

We also saw Russia’s attacks this weekend on Kharkiv and Kyiv, resulting in at least 5 more civilian deaths and many more injured.

So we find ourselves here once again to condemn yet more Russian attacks that have killed and injured many Ukrainian civilians in violation of the UN Charter and in violation of Russia’s responsibilities as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

President Putin continues to stall the ceasefire proposal, dragging his feet and insisting on maximalist conditions.

While intensifying drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Which have now resulted in the deaths of nine more innocent children.

The Kremlin’s actions reflect no desire for peace that I can detect.

They are the actions of a government that remains hell-bent on destroying Ukraine; a government that disdains mediation efforts, and holds cheap the lives of civilians.

Under US leadership, a ceasefire proposal is on the table.

The ball has been in Russia’s court for weeks now.

It’s time for the Kremlin to stop stalling.

It’s time they show that they are committed to peace as they claim to be.

Because President Zelenskyy has made Ukraine’s will clear.

He wants to see the war end and has agreed to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire, subject to Russia’s agreement.

It is time for the killing to stop.

It is time for the Kremlin to end its aggression against Ukraine and to uphold its obligations under the UN Charter.

It is time for President Putin to agree to a full and immediate ceasefire, as a vital step towards negotiations to end the war for good.

So our message to the Kremlin is that we will not be deterred by your reckless and barbaric actions.

The UK will continue to stand resolutely by Ukraine to secure a just and lasting peace, in line with the principles of the UN Charter.

09/04/2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK and OSCE partners present the Democracy Defenders Award to the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 April 2025.

Minister of State Stephen Doughty congratulates the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association for its efforts to protect democracy and human rights for Georgians.

Minister for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty, said:

“I congratulate the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) on winning the prestigious Democracy Defender Award gifted by the UK and seven OSCE partners. The GYLA is providing essential support to human rights activists and civil society organisations in Georgia who are coming under increasing pressure from repressive legislation.

“After months of democratic backsliding, arbitrary arrests, and the use of excessive force against protestors, politicians and journalists, Georgian Dream has shown no indication they will return to their European path and uphold the democratic wishes of its own electorate.

“I urge the Georgian authorities to reverse this isolationist behaviour, and I thank the GYLA for their important work protecting the fundamental rights of Georgian people.”

09/04/2025
PRESS RELEASE : New appeals process to provide independent assurance about Horizon redress awards [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 8 April 2025.

Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas has announced the launch of the new, independent, appeals process for eligible postmasters in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme.
- New independent appeals process for Horizon Shortfall Scheme victims
- New applications for postmasters who claimed under HSS to begin this month
- Provides assurance that those who were unjustly impacted by the Horizon IT scandal will receive full, fair and swift redress
Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas has announced in Parliament today [Tuesday 8 April] the launch of the new, independent, appeals process for eligible postmasters in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS).

Postmasters who feel their financial settlement did not reflect the true extent of their losses and trauma will be able to appeal their settlement ensuring they receive full, fair and swift redress.

Eligible postmasters and their legal representatives will be written to later this month and applications for the new Appeals process will begin to be accepted by the end of April.

Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas said:

It is our priority that all those who were unjustly affected by the Horizon IT scandal receive full, fair and swift redress and today’s measures are the next step in providing that.

Since taking office, the total amount of redress paid to victims has increased by more than three and a half times with £892 million having now been paid to over 6,200 claimants. There is still more to do, and I am committed to this task until every affected postmaster receives the redress they rightly deserve.

The Government also announced that each Directly Managed Branch (DMBs) will be franchised so that Post Office services remain available to local communities. We have listened to concerns and made it clear that DMBs should not be closed as we continue to work with the Post Office as it develops its transformation plan.

There will also be a further £276.9 million in funding for the Post Office to help support the breadth of the network. This will enable Post Office to deliver technology transformation and give them the resources to continue administering redress payments to postmasters.

There will also be a scheme launched next month to provide redress to postmasters who faced issues with Post Office products, polices or processes.

These updates will help rebuild trust with postmasters and ensure past failings are fully addressed.

Notes to editors

As of 31 March 2025, approximately £892 million has been paid to over 6,200 claimants across 4 schemes:
- £454 million in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS), including interim payments
- £67 million in the Overturned Convictions (OC) scheme, including interim payments
- £150 million in the Group Litigation Order (GLO) scheme, including interim payments
- £221 million in the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS), including interim payments
09/04/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Update on Free Trade Agreement negotiations with South Korea [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department of Business and Trade on 8 April 2025.

Update following round 4 of negotiations on an upgraded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with South Korea.

Negotiations took place in London between 10 and 21 March 2025.

The fourth round of negotiations to upgrade the existing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Republic of Korea (RoK) took place in London between 10 and 21 March 2025. As with previous rounds, negotiators from both sides engaged productively across a broad range of areas in an ongoing effort to enhance and solidify the economic partnership between us.

Negotiations continue to centre around three key objectives:
1. Securing and future proofing existing arrangements: Progress was made in rules of origin discussions. Product Specific Rules were discussed for a range of important exporting sectors. Negotiators will continue to seek a chapter which accounts for both existing and future supply chains.
2. Capturing recent advances in Trade Policy: Negotiations on a new and comprehensive Digital Trade chapter progressed positively, with commitments on data, trade digitisation and business safeguards under discussion this round.
3. Supporting our strategic relationship with the Republic of Korea: During the round good progress was made towards agreeing new cooperation commitments covering areas such as the Environment, Trade and Gender Equality and Supply Chains.
Economic growth is the core mission of this government, and this FTA has an important role to play in supporting our £15.3 billion trade relationship with the Republic of Korea.

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

The fifth round of negotiations is currently expected to take place in Seoul in the Summer of 2025.
09/04/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Royal Navy aircraft carrier in final preparation to lead multinational deployment to Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 8 April 2025.

Nearly 4,000 British personnel will support the deployment, which will deliver trade events in Singapore, Japan, and India, promoting Britain’s world-leading industry.

Final preparations are underway for a multinational deployment, led by the Royal Navy flagship HMS Prince of Wales, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to the security of the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific, while providing an opportunity to promote British trade and industry.

Aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales is scheduled to sail from Portsmouth on 22 April, where it will proceed to join a formation of warships, supply ships, and aircraft off the coast of Cornwall, before departing for the Mediterranean where it will conduct exercises to reinforce European security.

Around 2,500 personnel from the Royal Navy and 592 from the Royal Air Force will be involved in the eight-month deployment, which will see the group sail through the Indian Ocean to conduct exercises and port visits with partners including the US, India, Singapore, and Malaysia. They will be joined by around 900 personnel from the British Army for exercises during the deployment.

The deployment, named Operation Highmast, provides an opportunity for the UK’s Armed Forces to conduct a major global deployment and a chance to exercise complex operations alongside partners and allies in the region, with 12 other nations supporting the deployment with ships or personnel.

The Indo-Pacific is a critical region for UK trade, with imports and exports in the region worth billions of pounds for the UK economy, and the deployment will provide a chance for UK companies to take part in trade events during port visits.

Trade between the UK and Indo-Pacific accounted for 17% of total trade between the UK and all trading partners in the 12 months to September 2024, with the total amount traded in goods and services between the UK and Indo-Pacific standing at £286 billion in the same period.

As the biggest class of ship in the Royal Navy, the flight decks of HMS Prince of Wales and her sister ship are roughly the size of three football pitches and defended by advanced weapons. A maritime strike force of this size is composed of multiple types of ship, frigates, destroyers, submarines, and supply ships to support logistics.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

I want to thank the thousands of our Armed Forces personnel involved in the delivery of this immensely complex operation, demonstrating the UK’s world-leading capability to deploy a major military force around the world.

This is a unique opportunity for the UK to operate in close coordination with our partners and allies in a deployment that not only shows our commitment to security and stability, but also provides an opportunity to bolster our own economy and boost British trade and exports.

As one of only a handful of countries in the world able to lead a deployment of this scale, the Royal Navy is once again demonstrating its formidable capability while protecting British values and sending a powerful message of deterrence to any adversary.

Of the 12 other nations supporting the deployment, Norway will provide a warship to support the carrier strike group for the entire duration of the deployment. Canada and Spain are among the other nations providing support to the deployment.

After its compliment of up to 24 Royal Air Force F-35B Lighting fighter jets is embarked on board HMS Prince of Wales, and the departure for the Mediterranean, the group will initially be placed under NATO command as it joins Exercise Neptune Strike – testing the Alliance’s ability to use high-end maritime strike capabilities, including multiple aircraft carrier and amphibious strike groups.

The group will transit though the Indian Ocean, conducting exercises and port visits with partners including the US, India, Singapore and Malaysia, before joining 19 partner nations for Exercise Talisman Sabre near Australia, and then training alongside the Japanese Self Defence Forces and conducting a port visit to India.

Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP, said:

Through this deployment of our Carrier Strike Group and 4,000 Service Personnel, we will stand firm with our allies against those who challenge the international order. Reminding the world that the security of the Euro Atlantic and Indo-Pacific are fundamentally indivisible.

This isn’t just about hard power; it’s about building influence and opening new trade opportunities both for defence and other sectors of our economy which will deliver British jobs and growth.

This deployment follows the Prime Minister’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, demonstrating this Government’s commitment to keep the UK secure at home and strong abroad.

Following the inaugural deployment in 2021, the Carrier Strike Group 2025 highlights the strength of the UK’s leadership in seeking to uphold stability in the Indo-Pacific. This has been bolstered by the Royal Navy’s persistent presence in the region through HMS Spey and HMS Tamar, as well as the landmark Global Combat Air Programme collaboration.

Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority and is the foundation of its Plan for Change. The strength, capability and global reach of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, demonstrated through Operation Highmast, is critical to the security and stability of the UK, supporting the delivery of the Government’s five missions.

09/04/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Security and renewal at heart of plans for steel sector [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 8 April 2025.

The Government has hosted the second meeting of the Steel Council today, and reiterated its commitment to British steelmaking.
- Steel sector, union and trade body leaders meet Government to drive forward development of its steel plan as part of drive towards industrial renewal.
- Industry Minister restates the Government’s commitment to British-made steel, including energy cost relief for businesses expected to be worth over £300m in 2025 alone.
- Government is reviewing nearly 100 responses to its steel consultation as it brings forward plans to help the industry secure jobs and deliver economic growth across the UK, as part of its Plan for Change.
Steel sector leaders were reassured about the Government’s plans to revitalise British steelmaking today (8 April) at the second meeting of the Steel Council, bringing together industry leaders to feed into amid global concerns around US tariffs on steel and aluminium.

Industry Minister Sarah Jones hosted the meeting earlier today after the Government’s steel plan green paper consultation closed on 30 March, receiving almost 100 responses and recommendations from business leaders and industry experts.

The meeting follow’s the Prime Minister’s speech yesterday where he pledged to do the right thing by the UK’s national interest, prioritising security and renewal in a changing world.

Minister Jones reiterated the Government’s firm support for industry and its role in delivering economic growth, as well as in the context of global tariffs on steel and aluminium imposed by the US. She assured Steel Council members the Government is continuing to do all it can to stand up for the sector.

The meeting comes as the Government continues to work round the clock to protect jobs at British Steel in Scunthorpe.

CEOs of steel firms including Tata, Liberty, British Steel and others joined leaders from trade unions and the industry’s trade association UK Steel to discuss the sector’s future and the challenges facing it.

Industry Minister Sarah Jones said:

We know this is a concerning time for our steel industry in the face of global challenges. That’s why we’re working in lockstep with industry to drive forward our steel plan so it can help the sector secure jobs, deliver growth and power the modern economy.

This government will always stand up for UK steelmaking, and where others may talk tough, we are acting, with money ready to go to back up British industry. With our steel plan we’re placing it at the heart of our growth mission, and we’ll keep all options on the table to help steel in the UK thrive and deliver on our Plan for Change.

The Steel Council’s second meeting comes as the final measure in the Government’s British Industry Supercharger package – the Network Charging Compensation (NCC) scheme – comes into force, bringing energy costs for steel companies and other energy-intensive industries closer in line with other major economies worldwide.

The first payments to industry from the NCC scheme will be made next month and provide over 15 million in energy price relief for businesses in May alone.

Once fully implemented, the total value of reduced electricity prices from the Supercharger package is expected to be between 320 million and 410 million in 2025, and more than 5 billion over the next 10 years.

Background:

A full list of attendees for the Steel Council meeting is below:
- British Steel
- Celsa Steel UK
- Liberty Steel
- Marcegagalia Stainless Sheffield Ltd
- Sheffield Forgemasters
- TATA Steel
- UK Steel
- British Metals Recycling Association
- Materials Processing Institute
- WMG High Value Manufacturing Catapult
- Community Union
- GMB Union
- Scottish Government
- Welsh Government
- Northern Ireland’s Department for the Economy
09/04/2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh visits Dhaka to boost trade partnership
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 April 2025.

UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh, Rt. Hon. the Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster DBE, is visiting Dhaka to strengthen and expand the long-standing economic and trade partnership between the UK and Bangladesh.

While in Dhaka, she will be meeting key officials from the Interim Government of Bangladesh, political parties and business leaders. She will also participate in the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025. She will be joined by Harjinder Kang, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner to South Asia.

On her first visit to Bangladesh as UK Trade Envoy, Baroness Winterton will meet Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of Bangladesh; Professor Lutfey Siddiqi, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs; Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Adviser, Ministry of Commerce; and Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, Adviser, Ministry of Education. Her meetings will focus on how the two countries will deepen their trade and investment relationship and deliver mutually beneficial growth and job creation. With Harjinder Kang, she will also meet with key stakeholders from the business community and will deliver a keynote speech at the Inauguration Ceremony of the Bangladesh Investment Summit on 9 April 2025, to underscore the UK government’s growth mission.

Baroness Winterton’s discussions with key stakeholders will focus on the UK’s work with the Interim Government on vital economic reforms, the opportunities arising from the commitment to duty free, quota free access to the UK market until 2029 and identifying opportunities to strengthen trade and investment in sectors such as education, aviation, defence and renewable energy.

UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh Rt. Hon. the Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster DBE said:

The UK is laser-focused on building an economic partnership with Bangladesh that will boost two-way trade and investment between our countries.

From being the third largest market for Bangladeshi ready-made garments to being one of the largest foreign investors in Bangladesh, the UK already has strong foundations to build on and I look forward to solidifying it even further through this visit.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said:

I am delighted to welcome UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh the Rt. Hon. the Baroness Winterton of Doncaster DBE in her first visit to the country in her new role.

The UK is a major economic and trading partner of Bangladesh, and this visit reiterates the UK’s commitment to boosting two-way trade and investment and supporting Bangladesh’s work on vital economic reforms.

The UK is one of the largest foreign investors in Bangladesh and this visit aims to deepen collaboration in key sectors including education, aviation, defence and renewable energy. The visit will also explore opportunities to increase the presence of UK education institutions. These projects signify major investment opportunities and reflect the UK’s commitment to Bangladesh.

Further information
- the Rt. Hon. the Baroness Winterton of Doncaster DBE was appointed as the United Kingdom Trade Envoy to Bangladesh in January 2025. She plays a key role in strengthening trade and investment ties between the UK and Bangladesh
- Harjinder Kang is His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia and the British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India. He was appointed in May 2023
08/04/2025
PRESS RELEASE : More than 100,000 Baby Loss Certificates have now been issued [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 8 April 2025.

More than 100,000 baby loss certificates have now been issued to parents who have lost a pregnancy, allowing them to formally recognise their loss.
- Thousands more parents have benefited from the scheme since it was extended in October 2024
- Over 100,000 certificates have now been issued, helping parents formally recognise the loss of baby during pregnancy
- The government remains committed to improving healthcare services and strengthening support for women and their families
More than 100,000 baby loss certificates have now been issued to parents who have lost a pregnancy, allowing them to formally recognise their loss.

Baby loss certificates offer a way of providing comfort and support to bereaved parents, who have gone through an unimaginable loss. They provide acknowledgement that their baby existed and mattered.

Support groups have long campaigned for these certificates and have welcomed this news.

The government is also committed to ensuring bereaved parents are better supported, and that the impact and importance of their loss is recognised.

Work to improve women’s health services and maternity outcomes in ongoing with thousands more midwives trained, and we are committed fulfilling our commitment to closing the Black and Asian maternal mortality gap.

We are making progress already – cutting gynaecology waiting lists through our Plan for Change, boosting menopause support in the workplace, and revolutionising AI cancer screening for breast cancer through our £11 million AI EDITH cancer trial. We are also utilising the independent sector to cut down waiting lists and provide more appointments – this includes for women’s health conditions such as endometriosis and breast cancer.

Health Minister Baroness Gillian Merron said:

Losing a pregnancy can be devastating, and it is important that bereaved parents have the option to formally recognise the existence of their babies.

I would like to pay tribute to the bravery of countless women who have spoken up about their experiences, and to campaigners for their perseverance and great work promoting this service. From meeting with them, I know there is much to do to improve services on the ground.

We will always listen to women and families as we reform our NHS and maternity services, to make sure everyone gets the care and compassion they deserve.

Baby loss certificates were first launched in February 2024 but were only available to those who had experienced a loss since September 2018.

The voluntary service was extended by this government in October 2024 to allow all parents to apply, no matter when they lost their baby.

Sands’ Chief Executive Clea Harmer said:

It’s wonderful that baby loss certificates have enabled so many bereaved parents in England whose lives have been touched by pregnancy loss to get official recognition that their babies existed and matter.

The certificates are an important part of many people’s bereavement journey, and while we recognise they are not something everyone wants, we would like all bereaved parents to have that choice. Sands is here to offer understanding and emotional support for every bereaved parent and family, for as long as they need this.

Baroness Floella Benjamin OM DBE said:

The success of ‘Certificates of Loss’ is heartwarming as this was the vision of Zoe Clark-Coates, founder of the Saying Goodbye charity, almost a decade ago. In parliament I was proud to work with her during those years as I personally knew what it was like to suffer several miscarriages. So applying for my certificates, like thousands of others, brought a great sense of comfort and formal recognition of our babies and I encourage others to so.

I hope this successful initiative will continue to provide solace to millions of parents long into the future.

Lead Bereavement Midwife, George Eliot Hospital, Nuneaton and Co-lead and co-author of the ‘Independent Pregnancy Loss Review’, Samantha Collinge said:

The announcement today that 100,000 baby loss certificates have been issued to parents is a significant milestone, not just for Zoe and myself, the co-chairs and co-authors of the ‘Independent Pregnancy Loss Review’ which recommended this scheme to the government but for the millions of people who have experienced pre-24 weeks baby loss.

The huge number of certificates issued serves to demonstrate the real need for bereaved parents to have official recognition that their babies did exist and that their lives, however brief really do matter.

Being able to signpost families in our care to the certification scheme is a huge step forward for myself and my colleagues in the care that we deliver along the pre -24 week loss pathway and it is truly heartwarming when parents tell me how receiving a certificate in recognition of their precious baby has really helped them in their grief journey.

Zoe Clark-Coates MBE, Co-Chair & Author of The Pregnancy Loss Review

I am deeply moved by the overwhelmingly positive response from bereaved families to the new certificates of loss.

After nearly a decade of leading the campaign for their introduction with Mariposa International (sayinggoodbye.org) and dedicating 5.5 years to co-chairing and authoring the pregnancy loss review where we were able to bring them to pass, I am profoundly relieved and honoured that this vital recognition is now in the hands of those who need it most.

It is heartening to see that our efforts have provided comfort and acknowledgment during the most challenging times, and knowing these certificates will offer solace for decades to come is incredibly moving. We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting every family on their grief journey.

Vicki Robinson, Chief Executive of the Miscarriage Association, said:

This is an important milestone and one that shows the vital role that recognition, support and understanding play in helping bereaved parents cope with their loss.

However early a pregnancy is lost, it can be felt as a bereavement like any other as people try to come to terms with the end of a very special set of hopes, dreams, and plans for the future.

These certificates provide official recognition that their baby existed, mattered, and will never be forgotten. The positive difference that makes to so many at an extremely distressing time cannot be overstated.

In November, the government announced new regulations which will fortify bread with folic acid, reducing neural tube defects by 20% in the UK. Alongside this, an extra £57 million has been allocated for Start for Life services to help expectant and new mothers with a range of services, from breastfeeding and mental health support.
Background information

Any parent can apply for a certificate following a loss before 24 weeks, or 28 weeks for a loss that happened before October 1992. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and live in England.

Request a baby loss certificate
08/04/2025