Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Summary following the High-Level Financing Event for The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) [October 2025]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 October 2025.

The Federal Government of Somalia, the African Union Commission, the United Nations, and the United Kingdom have issued a summary following the High-Level Financing Event for The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which took place on 25 September 2025.

The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations (UN), and the United Kingdom (UK), jointly convened a High-Level Financing Event for the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 25 September 2025.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment to Somalia’s security transition and to the principle of Somali ownership. Participants recognized the vital role of AUSSOM in supporting Somali Security Forces in combatting Al-Shabaab, protecting population centres, securing main supply routes, and sustaining stabilisation efforts.

Participants expressed their deep appreciation to the African Union Troop and Police Contributing Countries (TCCs/PCCs) for their invaluable sacrifices and commitment. They paid tribute to the bravery of their forces and honoured those who made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of peace and stability in Somalia. They further underscored the important role played by the European Union in its financial contributions over the years to the African Union, and the TCCs/PCCs in their efforts to support stabilisation in Somalia.

This High-Level Event built on the Somalia Security Conference of December 2023, which endorsed the Somali Security Development Plan (SSDP) as the guiding framework for Somalia’s security trajectory. The FGS and AU reiterated the need to resource the SSDP and to ensure continued alignment with the AUSSOM Strategic Concept of Operations.

The meeting acknowledged Somalia’s significant progress in recent years under the leadership of His Excellency President Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, including:
- Security: Somali Security Forces efforts in maintaining the momentum in its fight against Al-Shabaab with the support of African Union troops, recovery of strategic territory, and securing of vital infrastructure and supply routes;
- Governance and accountability: reforms in public financial management, payroll systems, and transparency measures;
- Stabilisation and reconciliation: delivery of quick-impact projects, local reconciliation initiatives, and restoration of governance in newly recovered areas;
- Regional leadership: enhanced cooperation with neighbours and regional organisations, positioning Somalia as a constructive partner in peace and integration.
Despite the progress achieved, participants noted the serious risks to Somalia’s security transition if predictable and sufficient financing is not secured. Without predictable and urgent support:
- Gains made against Al-Shabaab could be reversed;
- Main Supply routes and newly recovered areas remain vulnerable;
- Stabilisation and governance delivery are at risk of stalling.
Participants stressed that AUSSOM’s sustainability depends on closing the current financing gap, which remains substantial.

Participants frequently called for traditional and new donors to secure adequate, predictable, sustainable and flexible funding for AUSSOM, to support implementation of the mission’s full mandate throughout the remainder of the transition period. They further welcomed pledges towards the mission’s costs.

The African Union announced a financial pledge of USD 20 million in support of AUSSOM’s 2025 operations. In addition, the AU committed to provide personnel and logistical enablers to strengthen operational effectiveness, while reaffirming its political solidarity and leadership role in Somalia’s stabilisation.

The United Kingdom announced a financial pledge of GBP 16.5 million in support of AUSSOM’s 2025 operations, reaffirming its longstanding partnership with Somalia and commitment to burden-sharing.

Other participants announced current and forthcoming pledges, including the Republic of Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of Spain. The European Union looked forward to announcing specific support to the military component of AUSSOM in the near future.

Looking ahead, participants discussed the need to maintain momentum and to further consolidate financing and political support for AUSSOM and Somalia. The co-chairs welcomed proposals for future initiatives, to continue working towards broadening the donor base and securing multiyear financing for AUSSOM and outlining a longer-term partnership architecture for Somalia’s security and stabilisation.

The Federal Government of Somalia emphasized that the success of AUSSOM is not only a Somali imperative but also central to regional and global security. The co-chairs reaffirmed their determination to ensure accountability, transparency, and the effective use of resources entrusted to the mission, while working with partners to design mechanisms that guarantee long-term sustainability and Somali ownership.
October 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Statement on Afghanistan [October 2025]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 October 2025.

Statement following the meeting of the G7+ Special Representatives for Afghanistan on 29-30 September 2025.

Special Representatives for Afghanistan and representatives from Australia, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Norway, Switzerland, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States met in London on 29-30 September 2025. The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (Political) and current Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan, Georgette Gagnon, also briefed the group. The UK, as the current Chair of the group, presents the following summary:
1. Participants noted relevant UNSC resolutions on Afghanistan and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the people of Afghanistan amidst ongoing humanitarian, economic, and political challenges, emphasising the importance of coordinated international engagement and, for those who contribute aid, to ensure it reaches the most vulnerable Afghans.
2. The group expressed concern over the persistent terrorist threat and cross-border migration security challenges emanating from Afghanistan. They acknowledged the important role regional actors were playing on this matter and discussed what more could be done to cooperate on counterterrorism issues, and safeguard all from terrorism originating from Afghan soil.
3. All expressed their deep concern about the Taliban’s continued denial of the most basic human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Afghan population, especially Afghan women and girls, such as limiting their access to education, employment, healthcare and public life, as well as the recent restriction on female Afghan staff accessing UN compounds. They reiterated the need for the Taliban to comply with their international obligations.
4. The group also expressed alarm regarding the Taliban’s shutdown of internet services and the detrimental impact this will have on Afghans’ access to the outside world, the delivery of vital aid, and wider Afghan economy. They called for the full restoration of internet access for all Afghans.
5. The humanitarian crisis, including September’s devastating earthquake, the impact of large-scale deportations of Afghans from neighbouring countries, and the urgent need to pre-position resources ahead of winter, was discussed. The important role of International Financial Institutions, such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, in sustaining basic services across Afghanistan was also noted.
6. Recalling the most recent update to the UN Security Council on 17 September, participants reviewed the UN-led process known as the ‘Comprehensive Approach’. The group discussed the need for effective coordination within the UN system and expressed hope that the Secretary-General and the new SRSG, once appointed, will pay full attention to advancing these efforts in a unified UN approach on Afghanistan.
7. The group underlined the importance of this being an inclusive Afghan process, as ultimately political pluralism and inclusive governance are required for Afghanistan to truly succeed. Lastly, they stressed the need for the Taliban to demonstrate more willingness to engage constructively and in good faith with the international community.
October 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Extra funding for courts to deliver speedier justice for victims [October 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 1 October 2025.

Victims will get faster justice thanks to the courts sitting for a record number of days, the Deputy Prime Minister will announce in a speech today at the opening of the legal year (Wednesday 1 October).
- More trials will be heard as Deputy Prime Minister funds an extra 1,250 Crown Court sitting days
- Funding will help more cases to be heard this year, speeding up justice for victims
- Part of this Government’s Plan for Change to get the justice system back on its feet
The Crown Court will be able to sit for a total of 111,250 days this year – up by 5,000 compared to last year and reaching the highest levels on record. This follows an announcement from the Deputy Prime Minister later today that the government will fund an extra 1,250 days.

This will mean more trials can be heard – tackling the backlog of cases, making sure victims see their day in court more quickly and holding more criminals to account.

Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Justice, David Lammy, said:

The Crown Court backlog we inherited stands at over 78,000 and behind each case is a real person, waiting years for justice.

That is why we are acting with the biggest investment on record as part of our Plan for Change. An additional 1,250 sitting days will be allocated to the Crown Court this financial year, allowing it to hear many extra cases.

We know there is more to do, and generational reform that cannot wait, but this investment will help ease the torment and bring swifter justice to many more victims.

While extra sitting days will help to bring the backlog down in the short-term, only major reform will address the crisis in our courts.

Statistics released last week showed that there are now 78,329 Crown Court cases waiting to be heard. This means that victims are often waiting three or four years for their case to come to trial.

Sir Brian Leveson is conducting an Independent Review of the Criminal Courts to identify ways to reform the courts system. The first phase of his review has already been completed – the Deputy Prime Minister is carefully considering its proposals and the Government will respond in due course.

The review forms part of the government’s commitment to safer streets by reducing the court backlog, speeding up hearings for victims and defendants, and rebuilding public confidence in the criminal justice system.
October 4, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Great British Energy to extend solar scheme to military sites [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 1 October 2025.

Great British Energy to roll out solar on military land, schools and hospitals, and more protections for clean energy workers.

Great British Energy solar

Communities across the country will benefit from extra investment in vital public services as more funding is confirmed for Great British Energy solar panels.

Multiple military sites, around 50 more schools and over 70 further NHS sites will save money on their energy bills thanks to up to £75 million in funding from Great British Energy.

Hospitals and schools across England are already cutting their energy bills thanks to a £180 million investment from Great British Energy and government announced in March.

In total the expanded scheme will be worth up to £255 million, supporting around 250 schools, over 270 NHS sites and around 15 military sites across the country.

This includes a new partnership between Great British Energy and the Ministry of Defence which will see technologies such as solar panels and micro-wind turbines deployed across a range of military sites, including remote training ground and equipment stations, allowing energy bill savings to be redirected towards vital defence spending.

The NHS sites set to benefit from lower energy bills will include large acute teaching hospitals, community hospitals and mental health and learning disability facilities.

Clean energy job protections

Later this month the Clean Energy Jobs Plan will set out how UK workers will benefit from hundreds of thousands of new clean energy jobs across the country.

The Energy Secretary today announced plans to ensure that clean energy jobs are always good jobs, with action to close loopholes that give offshore renewable energy workers fewer rights at work than oil and gas workers – including some who are not currently covered by the national minimum wage.

This plan will include newly mandated worker representation on boards of publicly owned bodies like Great British Energy.

Meanwhile a new Fair Work Charter will be introduced to ensure companies benefitting from public funding through the successful Clean Industry Bonus are ensuring their workers receive a decent wage and the very best rights at work.

Negotiations over the charter are ongoing with offshore wind developers, and are expected to cover things like pay and benefits, worker voice, employment terms and job security, among a range of areas designed to ensure public support for clean energy improves the quality of jobs in the sector.

Fracking

The Energy Secretary also confirmed plans to bring forward legislation to end new onshore oil and gas licensing in England, including new licences that could be used for fracking. This will help make Britain a clean energy superpower to protect current and future generations.

October 4, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Online GP appointment requests available everywhere from today [October 2025]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 1 October 2025.

From today, patients will be able to request appointments online throughout the day rather than calling their surgery or visiting in person.
- Phone lines unclogged as all GP practices in England now required to keep online consultation tools open from 8am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday
- Move takes best of the NHS to rest of the NHS – with one surgery already cutting waits from 14 to 3 days and most patients seen within one week
- Comes alongside an extra £1.1 billion funding for general practice and over 2,000 more GPs hired
GP phone lines across the country will be freed up as practices are now required to keep their online consultation tools running throughout the day, in a major step towards the government’s ambition of ending the 8am scramble.

From today (1 October 2025), patients will be able to request appointments, ask questions and describe symptoms online throughout the day rather than calling their surgery or visiting in person. This will help free up practice phone lines for those who need them most, and make it more convenient to access appointments.

Online access is not consistent across the country and is especially difficult in overlooked areas. Some GP practices turn online requests off when they reach a certain number, while others only have the online function available for a few hours a day. When patients can’t get through on the phone, 6.6% end up in A&E, which is worse for them and more expensive for the taxpayer. By fixing the front door of the NHS, these reforms will help to ease pressures on other parts of the health service.

Care Minister Stephen Kinnock said:

We promised to tackle the 8am scramble and make it easier for patients to access their GP practice – and through our Plan for Change, that’s exactly what we’re delivering.

We are bringing our analogue health service into the digital era, giving patients greater choice and convenience. We’ve learned from GPs who are already offering this service and reaping the rewards.

We’ve invested an extra £1.1 billion in general practice – the biggest increase in over a decade – and hired an extra 2,000 GPs across England. There’s more to do, but this government is fixing the front door to the NHS.

This change was agreed with the BMA back in April, as part of the reforms the government made to the GP contract.

To ensure all GPs provide this service and meet demand, the government is providing unprecedented support for general practice and shifting care and vital resources to the community. This includes investing an additional £1.1 billion in general practice – the biggest increase in over a decade – and hiring an extra 2,000 GPs since July 2024. This has led to 5 million more appointments being delivered this year compared to last, with latest ONS data showing 3 in 4 patients now find it easy to contact their practice.

The new requirement for online access represents best practice that some GP practices across England have already adopted successfully. Evidence shows that where practices have moved to this ‘modern general practice’ approach, both staff and patients report improved service quality.

One London GP surgery that adopted this approach to online requests reduced waits from 14 days to just 3, with 95% of patients seen within a week.

Online patient submissions have grown significantly, with almost 6 million submissions in July 2025 compared to 3.4 million in July 2024, demonstrating growing patient preference for digital access options that fit around their daily lives.

Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, said:

Improving access to general practice is a top priority for the NHS and while latest data shows a record 3 in 4 people found it easy to contact their GP, there is much more to do – which is why requiring all practices to keep their online consultation tools open during core hours is so vital.

This step will help modernise general practice by making online access as easy as calling or walking in to your practice, ensuring the phone lines are available for those who need them most and making it easier for practices to triage patients based on clinical need.

NHS England has provided extensive support to help practices implement the changes, including a peer support programme and case studies from practices already offering online access throughout core hours.

Practices are now also required to publish a new patient charter dubbed ‘You and Your GP’ on their websites – informing patients what they can expect from their practice and how to give feedback or raise concerns. Practices are now required to have clear processes in place to receive patient feedback or concerns so they can be swiftly addressed.

Jacob Lant, Chief Executive of National Voices, said:

Online booking systems are a fundamental building block of a 21st century NHS, but until now implementation has been frustratingly patchy.

The best GP practices have shown what’s possible. Through this announcement the government, in keeping with the founding principles of the NHS, is rightly making this offer universal.

It is true that primary care is under immense pressure, but the answer to managing demand has to be in using these digital systems more effectively.

Dr Duncan Gooch, GP and chair of the Primary Care Network at the NHS Confederation said:

We know that access to GP services has consistently topped the public’s priorities. The ‘8am GP scramble’ is one of the most frustrating issues for the public when trying to book an appointment, and for practices – resulting in a strain on primary care. Providing patients with a range of routes to access their practice – such as by telephone, online or walk-in – can help ensure fair access to advice and treatment.

We also recognise that GPs may fear that this will lead to uncontrolled demand which impacts on patient safety. However, many of our members are operating in this way already and have been positive about the impact – not only on patients, but on the workforce too. Managing demand and providing better access has reduced stress on staff, conflict with patients and created a positive environment where job satisfaction is high.

This is not to take away from the fact that we still need more investment into general practice and GPs to help stem the increasing turnover and provide patients with the service they need.

Louise Ansari, Chief Executive of Healthwatch England, said:

Patients often tell us how frustrating they find the early-morning scramble for on-the-day GP appointments. Many people are stuck in long phone queues, only to be told all the appointment slots have gone. People also tell us that online booking systems can be unpredictable – switched on and off at different times during the day with little notice.

Giving people the ability to contact their GP using the booking method that most suits them, at any time during their surgery’s core hours, is a welcome shift. This move will help improve consistency, give patients greater choice, and mean they can fit appointment booking around work or caring responsibilities.

It’s now up to NHS commissioners to ensure this change is felt nationwide so patients no longer face a postcode lottery when booking a GP appointment.

To make sure those most in need are prioritised, GPs are now also being incentivised to identify patients who would benefit most from seeing the same GP at every appointment, so more patients see their regular doctor each appointment.

Patients will also benefit from over 8.3 million more appointments each year as over 1,000 doctors surgeries receive a bricks and mortar upgrade to modernise practices under the government’s Plan for Change.
October 4, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : The path to peace in Gaza must be through dialogue and diplomacy, not further bloodshed – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 October 2025.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.

The United Kingdom voted in favour of the draft Security Council resolution proposed for adoption on 18 September, in line with our longstanding demand for urgent action to address the appalling humanitarian situation in Gaza, bring the hostages home and end the conflict.

Since Hamas’ atrocities of October 7, hostages have been held in unimaginable conditions in Gaza.

We reiterate our condemnation of Hamas and its terrorist ideology.

Hamas must have no role in the future of Gaza – they need to disarm and end their rule.

However, the path to peace must be through dialogue and diplomacy, not further bloodshed.

The UK condemns Israel’s reckless expansion of its military operation which has already cost the lives of 65,000 Palestinians.

We are witnessing an entirely man-made famine in Gaza, and are shocked by images of starving Palestinians killed while desperately seeking scraps of food for their families.

This is abhorrent.

We urge Israel to ensure the protection of civilians, and immediately lift its restrictions on the entry of aid, to allow the UN and humanitarian agencies to save lives, in line with its obligations under international humanitarian law.

As my Prime Minister said this week, we welcome US efforts to develop a plan for sustainable peace.

We call on all sides to come together and to work with the US Administration to finalise this agreement and bring it into reality.

Hamas should now agree to the plan and end the misery, by laying down their arms and releasing all remaining hostages.

Together with our international partners, we will continue work to achieve consensus on a permanent end to the conflict and a pathway towards a peaceful future.

The UK’s historic recognition of the state of Palestine last week is part of our commitment to protecting the viability of a two-state solution – the only path to a just and lasting peace and to security for Palestinians and Israelis alike.

October 4, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwaitcall with His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwait [October 2025]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 October 2025.

This morning the Prime Minister had a call with His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah.

The Prime Minister said the UK would work with close allies including Kuwait to implement President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. The Prime Minister added that he felt a strong sense of responsibility that this plan delivered an end to the fighting in Gaza and a long-term pathway to peace.

The Crown Prince commended the Prime Minister for recognising a Palestinian State, adding the UK, with other partners including Canada and Australia, were keeping alive the viability of a two-state solution.

Discussions then turned to other parts of our bilateral relationship with Kuwait. The Prime Minister and the Crown Prince said they would continue to secure closer trade, improve business ties and deepen investment as longstanding allies.

They agreed to stay in close contact in the coming days and beyond.

October 4, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates [October 2025]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 October 2025.

This morning the Prime Minister spoke to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.

The Prime Minister opened the call by saying President Trump had put forward a workable plan to end the conflict in Gaza that had the support of Israel, allies in the Middle East and partners beyond.

The President thanked the Prime Minister for recognising the State of Palestine. Both the Prime Minister and the President agreed that Hamas must now accept the terms of the deal put forward by President Trump to end the suffering, release the hostages and deliver a long-term pathway to peace.

The Prime Minister said he would remain in close contact with the President in the coming days. Both also said they would remain in touch about other parts of the bilateral relationship, including our collaboration on trade.

October 4, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Communities to seize control over high streets and restore pride [September 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 24 September 2025.

Local communities will be handed new powers to revitalise their high streets and restore pride in their towns.
- Communities will be handed unprecedented new powers to seize boarded shops, save derelict pubs and block gambling and vape shops on their high street.
- Prime Minister to announce “Pride in Place” Programme with historic funding to invest in over 330 of our most overlooked communities.
- The measures form the largest transfer of power from Whitehall to communities in history through the Plan for Change.
People will be given the power to revitalise their neglected high streets, create new spaces for young people and take back control of derelict pubs, to breathe new life into neglected communities up and down the country.

Communities will be handed new powers to seize boarded up shops, save their treasured local pubs or libraries and clean up the eyesores in their area.

Local people will finally have the powers to put things right after years of decline – an inheritance the government is determined to fix through the Plan for Change.

This is about choosing a future where communities are empowered to come together, rather than be divided, and where renewal is chosen over decline.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer will unveil the Pride in Place programme – an unprecedented programme backed by record funding – that lets local people call the shots on where and how money is spent in their communities, restoring local pride and helping them reclaim their streets. 

For far too long, communities have been dictated to rather than in control of their own destiny. This week marks a new way of governing. By choosing renewal over decline, this government is delivering lasting change working people will feel.

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed said:

“When people step out of their front doors, they know their communities are struggling. They see shuttered pubs, fading high streets and their local areas in decline.

“Yes, communities have been stretched – but they haven’t given up. They’re working hard to make things better, and we’re backing them.

“The Government is putting power into their hands so local people decide how best to restore pride in their neighbourhoods, not us in Westminster.

“That’s what real patriotism looks like: building up our communities and choosing renewal over division.”

The nationwide Pride in Place programme – which will be unveiled by the Prime Minister (Thursday, 25 September) – will deliver a record investment and support over 330 communities in total. It will tackle deep-rooted deprivation and regional inequality through wide-ranging action, including:
- Community Right to Buy: handing local people the power to buy beloved assets, helping them turn around derelict pubs, create new parks and regenerate treasured spaces in the heart of their communities.
- Compulsory Purchase powers: allowing communities in England to acquire assets and eyesores like boarded up shops and derelict abandoned businesses, allowing new local start-ups to thrive. For larger sites – like disused department stores or abandoned office blocks – it could even see new health centres opening up, or local housing to help reach our target of 1.5 million homes.
- Power to block unwanted shops: empowering councils in England to say no to new betting shops, vapes stores and fake barbers.
- Giving residents the power: we will only approve spending if community groups, local organisations and social clubs have been included in decisions on how the money should be spent – putting real power in local hands and giving them a proper say over their community.
Further information

We are looking at new powers that would give communities more control over where betting shops can open, and how many there can be in one area. This is about giving people a say over their high street, particularly where there are high numbers of these types of shop already, not blocking these shops altogether.

We are also looking at accelerating ways communities can take ownership of empty shops – helping to give them a greater say over what’s on their high streets, so they don’t just end up with rows of vape shops, gambling shops and barbers. The government is already bringing in new laws to crack down on dodgy vape shops through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

We will only approve spending if Pride in Place Boards have genuinely engaged their communities, so that community groups, local organisations and social clubs have been included in decisions on how the money should be spent.

We are announcing a raft of new powers and programmes to empower communities across the UK. Please note that some powers and programmes will not apply in every nation of the UK.

The Pride in Place funding will be delivered in England, Scotland and Wales, with corresponding funding provided to Northern Ireland. The government will be working closely with the Scottish and Welsh Governments to design specific programmes which put the principles of the strategy of community engagement at the centre. Further detail on Northern Ireland, including support for Belfast, will follow.
October 1, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Government empowers disadvantaged pupils to reach university [September 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 24 September 2025.

Almost 10,000 high-achieving young people will receive letters from students at Kings College London encouraging them to consider a university education.

Thousands of teenagers in some of the country’s most deprived and under-represented areas are being inspired by their peers to apply for university through personalised letters in the post.

The letters contain real-life success stories written by current university students with similar upbringings, showing how it is possible to break the link between background and success.

Almost 10,000 pupils at schools and colleges with the lowest progression rates to higher education have been identified through Department for Education data and will be targeted by the initiative.

The letters, all written by students at King’s College London, will share personal stories and challenge the perception that university is only for the privileged.

They highlight how higher education, or an apprenticeship, can open the door to life-changing opportunities, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

On average, disadvantaged pupils are more than a third less likely to go to university compared to their peers, according to the latest data.

The postcode gap is even greater, with teenagers in Redbridge in London being almost three times more likely to progress to higher education than those growing up in Knowsley, Merseyside.

The letters come ahead of major reforms to higher education that will boost access and participation as part of government’s Plan for Change.

The Department for Education is already expanding opportunities for young people from all backgrounds through the Youth Guarantee, encouraging them to take up high-quality technical qualifications and apprenticeships, ensuring choice is broadened and every pathway leads to success.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

Talent, aspiration and hard work – not postcode or background – should decide a young person’s future.

Universities need to do more to make sure they’re reaching the most talented people in our country wherever they come from – youngsters who need a bit of encouragement to see that a degree isn’t only for a privileged few.

I’m proud that we’ve been able to support this brilliant initiative – which comes ahead of further steps from government to break the link between young people’s background and success through our Post-16 and Skills White Paper.

Significant postcode divides exist not only in the number of pupils going to university, but also in the numbers of young people not in education, employment or training.

For example, the latest estimates shows that young people in Blackpool in the North West are almost twelve times more likely to be NEET at age 16 or 17 compared with young people in Barnet in North West London.

Through the government’s pioneering new Youth Guarantee, every 18-21-year-old in England will have help to access an apprenticeship, quality training and education opportunities or help to find a job.

The government is also recruiting 6,500 new teachers, rolling out careers advice, increasing opportunities through Skills England, improving mental health support in schools and delivering a cutting-edge curriculum to ensure pupils are set up for life, work and the future.

To tackle entrenched inequalities in higher education, the Department for Education has ringfenced funding to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Government has invested £265 million this financial year to help universities give extra support to students facing the toughest barriers.

This funding also supports Uni Connect, a programme which delivers targeted interventions aimed at increasing the number of young people from under-represented groups going into higher education.

Kemi Adeyemi, a letter writer from Kings College London said:

It’s so important that young people know that their background doesn’t determine where they can study.

It should be based purely on you, your grades and your choice alone, which I feel isn’t a message reiterated enough to pupils in state schools.

As a result of the letters I hope students feel empowered to apply for university and that they know they deserve to be there just like anyone else.

The University of Bristol recently opened a micro campus in a deprived area of Bristol in Hartcliffe to bring higher education into the community, supporting local people into work or further study.

Whilst some universities have taken positive steps like this, the Education Secretary is calling on the sector to go further and play a stronger role in tearing down barriers to opportunity and driving real improvements in outcomes for disadvantaged students.

Research shows young people from disadvantaged backgrounds remain far less likely to apply to university, held back not by ability, but by the absence of role models and peers who have taken that path.

Michael Sanders, Professor of Public Policy at Kings College London said:

One of the biggest barriers is young people feeling like university ‘isn’t for people like me’. This project sees current students act as role models, which helps to create a bridge between people’s current lives, and what they can experience at university.

A previous similar study showed that receiving letters like these made students significantly more likely to go to university, with around a third more likely to attend a Russell Group.

Our research shows that timely contact with a relatable role model can make a massive difference to young people’s lives and ability to seize the opportunities in front of them.

October 1, 2025