Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : We urge Israel to resume negotiations with the Syrian government and to pursue a diplomatic solution – UK statement at the UN Security Council [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : We urge Israel to resume negotiations with the Syrian government and to pursue a diplomatic solution – UK statement at the UN Security Council [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 June 2026.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

    I will make three points.

    First, the United Kingdom welcomes the announcement of the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran and congratulates all involved in this diplomatic breakthrough. 

    It is vital negotiations are concluded rapidly. 

    Regional de-escalation is a chance to build stability and peace for the benefit of all those in the neighbourhood, including Syria.

    But, we are concerned that increasing Israeli military activity in Syria and violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement risks further destabilisation. 

    We urge Israel to resume negotiations with the Syrian Government and to pursue a diplomatic solution.  

    The UK maintains its longstanding position that we recognise the Golan Heights as Israeli-occupied Syrian territory.

    We strongly support the further extension of UNDOF’s mandate.

    Second, the UK welcomes continued progress made by the Syrian Government towards an inclusive political transition following the conclusion of elections in North-East Syria. 

    Political and cultural inclusivity are key pillars for stability, and we encourage continued efforts to unify Syria in a genuinely representative way. 

    This includes ensuring Syria’s diverse communities have their language and cultural rights fully respected.

    Third, President, the Syrian education system remains under severe strain. 

    Almost 40% of schools are damaged or destroyed, some continue to be used to house displaced people, and there is a significant shortfall of trained teachers. 

    We fully support the Syrian Ministry of Education’s ambition to ensure that all children in Syria can access safe, inclusive, and quality education. 

    Education is both a fundamental right and central to Syria’s long-term stability. 

    The UK continues to support this ambition, and our programming has helped nearly 1 million children in Idleb and Aleppo since 2018, with a strong focus on gender equity, disability inclusion, and psychosocial support.

    Colleagues, the United Kingdom remains firmly committed to supporting the Syrian Government build stability. 

    We encourage the international community to continue efforts to support wider recovery and help deliver a prosperous and peaceful Syria, for all Syrians.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK appoints Alastair Long as new Trade Commissioner for Africa

    PRESS RELEASE : UK appoints Alastair Long as new Trade Commissioner for Africa

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 22 June 2026.

    The Secretary of State for Business and Trade is pleased to announce that Alastair Long has been appointed His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Africa, and will take up the role in August.

    Alastair currently serves as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, having been appointed in August 2023.

    Alastair brings deep knowledge of Africa, having been Deputy and then Acting Trade Commissioner for Africa between 2019 and 2022.

    After joining the Foreign Office in 2002, Alastair’s previous HMG postings overseas include:

    • Riyadh, as HM Deputy Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Director Trade & Investment for Saudi Arabia from 2018 to 2019
    • Dubai, as the Regional Director for Trade for the Middle East, Pakistan & Afghanistan and Deputy Consul General from 2016 to 2018
    • Muscat, as Deputy Ambassador and HM Consul General from 2013 to 2015

    Alastair was educated at Cambridge University (Clare College) and the London Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

    Alastair Long said:

    I am thrilled to be taking up the position of His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa and returning to the continent. Africa is the future and I saw, when deputy and then acting Trade Commissioner, what boundless energy and ambition the continent possesses.

    The UK is committed to being a partner that supports African and British growth by listening to African priorities and bringing the very best the UK has to offer. I look forward to engaging across the continent, with the UK business community, and with the UK Government team, to realise as many mutual opportunities as possible.

    Alastair replaces John Humphrey, who held the role since June 2022.

    John Humphrey said:

    It has been a privilege to serve as the UK Trade Commissioner for Africa and to work with partners across the continent to strengthen a relationship grounded in delivery, trust and shared economic ambition.

    Africa is central to the UK’s global outlook, with significant opportunities for commercially grounded collaboration and sustainable growth. Alastair Long inherits strong UK momentum in Africa, and will bring real depth of trade expertise and the focus and energy needed to deepen partnerships and unlock further opportunities for mutual benefit. I wish him every success as he takes on this important role.

    Role of the HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Africa

    The HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Africa cooperates closely with the wider diplomatic network and other colleagues to coordinate the government effort overseas to promote UK trade and prosperity.

    The Trade Commissioner has full responsibility for all Department for Business and Trade (DBT) work in Africa including:

    • growing the overall trade and investment relationship
    • improving market access for British companies, including small and medium sized businesses (SMEs)
    • developing trade policy

    The HMTC works closely with UK-based government colleagues, UK ambassadors and the wider diplomatic network in the region to deliver these goals.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Safer nurseries with 3,000 more surprise Ofsted visits [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Safer nurseries with 3,000 more surprise Ofsted visits [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 22 June 2026.

    New investment in early years safeguarding to deliver 3,000 more surprise Ofsted nursery visits, tougher checks and faster action to keep children safe.

    Parents will have greater peace of mind as more surprise Ofsted visits, stronger checks and faster action help keep children safe in nurseries. 

    Over £8 million a year will give Ofsted the tools to better identify and investigate settings – including 3,000 additional unannounced visits to identify risks early and act quickly. This will give parents assurance that safeguarding across the system is upheld to the highest possible standards.  

    Tripling the number of unannounced Ofsted visits compared with the year to April 2025 will mean that issues needing urgent attention can be acted on rapidly, ensuring children are kept safe. 

    Funding will pay for more face-to-face interviews where appropriate before providers open, strengthening checks so every setting meets safeguarding expectations from day one. 

    The new funding will also include paying for rapid upgrades to Ofsted computer systems already underway, ensuring risk assessments are supported by state-of-the-art technology. Inspectors will have access to real-time updates to help them intervene more quickly. 

    Together, these measures give Ofsted the tools to strengthen safeguarding from the moment a provider applies to operate, through every stage of inspection and oversight, so that every child can get the very best start in life. 

    Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:  > > Nothing matters more than keeping children safe. Parents should be able to trust that when they leave their child at a nursery, they are in safe hands.  > > This investment means more surprise Ofsted visits, stronger checks, and faster action where there are concerns – so risks are spotted early and dealt with quickly.  > > Early education gives children the best start in life, and we are making sure it is backed by the high standards of care and protection families expect.”  

    They build on wider action to improve safeguarding across early years settings, including stronger whistleblowing protections so staff and parents can raise concerns safely and confidently – and that every concern is treated seriously and acted upon without delay. 

    An independent expert panel is also examining the use of digital devices and CCTV in childcare settings, with ministers committed to publishing its findings and considering all recommendations. 

    The government is also working with Ofsted to review how nursery chains are regulated, to better identify and address risks across groups of providers. 

    These reforms sit alongside wider investment in early years, including expanding childcare support for working families and strengthening the workforce – helping ensure every child gets a safe, high-quality start. 

    Katie Meehan, mother of Genevieve ‘Gigi’ Meehan, said:

    “This announcement is another landmark step in strengthening safeguarding for our youngest children. This has been one of the core goals of Gigi’s campaign and we are thrilled with this development. Nothing will ever bring Gigi back but her legacy continues to grow and we couldn’t be prouder of what has been achieved in her name.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and Malaysia launch negotiations on Digital Trade Agreement [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and Malaysia launch negotiations on Digital Trade Agreement [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 22 June 2026.

    The ambitious new agreement will remove barriers to digital trade and enable UK exporters to expand into high-tech markets.

    The UK and Malaysia are today launching negotiations on a new digital trade deal that will support growth and back British jobs.  

    Digital trade is the exchange of goods, services, and data that is enabled or delivered through digital technologies. In practice, this could include a UK business selling software to an overseas customer through an online platform or providing financial consultancy services remotely across borders. 

    DTAs can provide the benefits of digital trade chapters in Free Trade Agreements while remaining agile, flexible and fast to agree and implement.   

    Today’s announcement marks the next step in making the UK a global hub for services and digital trade. Digital trade can open new markets for businesses by reducing the costs of delivering goods and services, supporting jobs and productivity.  

    The UK is a world leader in digital trade and has a growing trading relationship with Malaysia, worth £6.4 billion in 2025. In 2023, the UK exported £730 million digitally delivered services to Malaysia. The OECD estimates that in 2022, exports to Malaysia supported 31,100 UK jobs.

    The DTA aims to make digital trade with Malaysia easier, cheaper and more secure through cross‑border data flows. Other potential benefits could include reducing paperwork and border friction through digital systems, and guaranteeing strong protections for personal data, intellectual property, online consumers and cybersecurity.  

    The deal aims to strengthen international digital and tech cooperation by supporting responsible innovation in areas like AI and data. It could also create new partnerships that boost efficient supply chains, infrastructure and global competitiveness.  

    Trade Minister Chris Bryant said:  

    Launching negotiations with Malaysia marks an important step in strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in digital trade.  

    A UK-Malaysia digital trade agreement has the potential to unlock new opportunities for British businesses, support high‑skilled jobs, and ensure our firms can compete and thrive in fast‑growing, tech‑driven markets.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New deal for young people to end ‘degree by default’ culture and boost youth apprenticeships [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New deal for young people to end ‘degree by default’ culture and boost youth apprenticeships [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 22 June 2026.

    Government promises to deliver a “new deal for young people” with real opportunities to work and renewed social contract where hard work pays off.

    Ministers will unveil plans to crack down on poor‑quality university courses and shift investment further towards youth apprenticeships, as part of a ‘new deal for young people’. 

    The deal delivers a renewed social contract with better opportunities to give young people real choices and real chances to get on, whether through university or high‑quality apprenticeships that lead to decent pay and long‑term careers.

    It comes as too many young people feel university is the only route to success and are working hard for degrees that don’t deliver the future they were promised, as they miss out on better opportunities while amassing thousands in debt.

    While university was once a clear route to social mobility, particularly for working class people, the reality for today’s generation of young people has significantly changed.

    Many students hugely benefit from a degree, and the UK’s university sector is rightly world leading.  But the outdated belief that university is the only path to success has led to a ‘degree by default’ mindset – resulting in too many young people working tirelessly for degrees that don’t unlock the best opportunities to make the most of their talent and hard work.

    Meanwhile poor-quality courses have been profiting from students’ earnest aspirations to achieve a degree and unlock life-changing opportunities.

    Ministers will argue that the needs of this generation of young people have been ignored by successive governments, while the world of work evolved around them and left them behind without the skills they need to succeed.  

    As Alan Milburn’s report outlined, around 1 in 7 young people who are currently not in employment, education or training have a university degree – underlining the need to reform the higher education system so it delivers better outcomes for young people. 

    This government is delivering a decisive break from that past and stepping in to fix a system that has held too many young people back. At the heart of the government’s new deal for working people is further action to tackle poor-quality degrees, helping young people find and access the prestigious alternatives to build strong foundations for their working lives. 

    A major shift in skills funding towards apprenticeships for young people will help ensure students don’t drift into university courses that aren’t right for them. This will help reverse the long‑term decline in starts and refocusing the system on giving young people their first step on the career ladder.

    It is part of a wider drive to tackle youth unemployment and will drive forward the government’s ambition for two-thirds of young people to participate in higher-level learning – whether academic, technical or through apprenticeships.

    Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

    Young people making choices about their future deserve to know that the investment they are making will lead to real opportunities and stable careers. For some that will mean going to university, and we are making this more accessible regardless of background, but for others it will mean technical or vocational routes.

    By raising standards and cracking down on abuse of student loans we’ll ensure our world-leading universities deliver real value for students and the taxpayer.

    For these who choose to pursue a degree, the government is clear that courses must offer strong outcomes and real value for students, and university should remain a route to opportunity but only where it delivers.

    Abuse of the system will not be tolerated, particularly where courses — often delivered through franchising — do not provide good value for students or the taxpayer. 

    As part of this, the government is drawing up options for legislation to limit the growth of some courses with consistently poor returns for students at some providers, making clear that the system must prioritise student outcomes over volume.

    The government is working with the Office for Students (OfS), UCAS and sector partners to make it easier for students to access the information on course outcomes and wage returns. The government will also support people from low-income households to study courses in priority areas through reintroducing targeted maintenance grants from 28/29.  

    New rules will also mean franchised providers with 300 or more franchised students must register with the Office for Students or face losing access to student loan funding, ensuring proper oversight and accountability.

    This action comes after decades where many students have been sold courses with poor outcomes, while some institutions have continued to expand provision that does not lead to better jobs or higher pay, and leaving graduates and taxpayers to pick up the tab.

    Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: 

    The decline in youth apprenticeship starts under the last government has kicked the ladder away from too many young people.  

    We are reversing that, and expanding opportunities for young people, by tilting funding towards the apprenticeships which will enable them to access high-quality training and those first jobs on the career ladder. 

    From the autumn we will also be offering small and medium-sized businesses £2000 for every young apprentice they take on who is under 25 and paying the full training cost – directing money towards where the opportunities are needed most.

    Alongside action to reform higher education, the government will shift further apprenticeships funding into opportunities for young people, reversing the decline in starts and prioritising support for those at the start of their working lives.

    The government is making a record £3.3bn investment in apprenticeships this year with an ambition to see 50,000 more apprenticeship starts for young people by 2029. This would reverse nearly half of the 40% decline in 16–24 apprenticeship starts over the past decade which has left young people locked out of the first rung on the career ladder.

    The government has already tilted funding towards apprenticeships for young people by de-funding some of the courses used largely by older employees well established in their careers to free up more funding for young people, and short courses in key growth areas. 

    New foundation apprenticeships, exclusively for young people, are expanding into sectors like hospitality and retail, opening up more entry‑level routes into work, and helping young people move from education into lasting employment.

    As part of this push, the government has directed Skills England to review funding rates for the apprenticeship standards used mostly by young people, to better prioritise how this funding is used. It will report in the autumn on whether the rates need to be changed to further shift provision towards young people and rebuild the apprenticeship ladder for the next generation.

    This also builds on wider action through the government’s Youth Guarantee which will ensure every young person has the opportunity to earn and learn. This includes financial incentives for businesses to hire young people who have been out of work, providing guaranteed subsidised jobs and reforming the Growth and Skills Levy — helping deliver up to 500,000 opportunities.

    From ending a one size fits all education system and reforming SEND provision in schools, to tackling the harmful impact of social media, the government is stepping in at every stage of a young person’s life to make sure they are supported to learn, grow and to succeed. That means getting the foundations right early on, backing young people through education and training, and opening up real routes into work so no one is left behind.

    Taken together, this will ensure more young people can get a decent job, earn a good wage, and build a secure future — no matter where they come from.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK launches new AI partnership to boost climate security [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK launches new AI partnership to boost climate security [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 June 2026.

    FCDO announces new strategic partnership with the Met Office to drive AI weather forecasting.

    • The Foreign Office and Met Office are joining forces to help improve global preparation for climate shocks.
    • New partnership to be launched at London Climate Action Week, supporting AI forecasting to predict weather patterns as climate security becomes increasingly important for governments around the world.
    • This reflects the Foreign Secretary’s key priority of security – with climate security underpinning all other forms, including economic resilience.

    The UK is deploying its expertise in advanced weather and climate forecasting to support countries most exposed to extreme weather.

    The partnership will help meteorological services in different countries to better predict, withstand and recover from extreme weather events – reducing damage, protecting livelihoods, strengthening economic resilience and enabling communities to rebuild more quickly.

    This represents a significant boost to the UK’s climate and economic security, recognising that shocks to climate systems can have direct consequences for global markets, supply chains and growth.

    This work will take on even greater importance and urgency with an El Niño of potentially record-breaking strength predicted to bring extreme weather to regions across South-East Asia and Africa in the coming months.

    Initial work will focus on improving forecasting in the Philippines, which is at particular risk to weather events, due to its densely populated coast and its location at the heart of the Western Pacific typhoon belt.

    FCDO is supporting the partnership through access to its diplomatic network, providing in-country support from UK embassies such as Manila, and wider efforts to connect British technology and expertise with partner countries.

    Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said:

    Climate security is affecting all our lives. When countries are devastated by extreme weather, the effects can be felt all over the world, whether it is through the impact on global trade, the disruption of supply chains, or the increase in food and energy prices.

    Our new partnership with the Met Office will help countries across the Global South to protect against extreme weather events, and manage the effects of climate change – using British expertise and technology to create a more stable world.

    The Met Office’s Acting Chief Executive Simon Brown said:

    This strategic partnership will enable us to amplify the impact we already have through combining our priorities, values and strengths – positioning the UK as global leaders in this space and enabling more people to be protected from extreme weather.

    The Met Office is playing a significant role in driving forward AI forecasting around the world. Powerful machine learning means forecasting can be delivered significantly faster, with more accuracy and at much lower cost than existing models.

    The partnership builds on the FCDO and Met Office’s record of improving climate resilience for millions around the world through the Weather and Climate Information Services (WISER) programme.

    The UK is also backing the technology needed to respond when climate shocks hit. An extension of the Transforming Energy Access (TEA) programme will expand clean energy solutions such as portable electricity systems and zero-emissions generators across Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Indo-Pacific. This will help communities keep their power on during crises, while also providing growth opportunities for innovative UK companies.

    Today’s announcements reflect the UK’s modern approach to development, which moves beyond traditional aid to unlock growth, jobs and trade.

    With London a global green finance leader, the UK is well placed to mobilise private capital and reform systems, while acting as an investor and partner rather than a donor. One new research programme will focus on how countries can build long term resilience, including by mobilising finance for climate adaptation.

    Notes to editors:

    FCDO is today announcing:

    • A new FCDO – Met Office Strategic Partnership: A collaboration to boost global access to UK expertise and state-of-the-art technology, so partner countries can better predict extreme weather events. The new partnership between FCDO and the Met Office will support the use of AI forecasting in countries most affected by the climate crisis, including parts of Africa, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific. UK experts will share data and models, strengthen capacity and provide technical training. This will mean countries can better prepare for extreme weather and climate risks, boosting global food and energy security.
    • Extension of the FCDO Transforming Energy Access (TEA) Platform: An £88 million extension to the Transforming Energy Access (TEA) platform. TEA supports communities across Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and the Indo-Pacific to access clean energy. The programme is rolling out innovative clean energy technologies and business models, including pay-as-you-go solar battery systems and mini-grids that provide reliable, off-grid clean electricity for households and businesses. By leveraging UK leadership in clean energy research, science and innovation, the programme provides significant growth opportunities for UK tech business and entrepreneurship.
    • The launch of the new SCALE programme: £39 million for a new UK flagship climate adaptation and resilience research programme. This programme will help develop understanding of what is necessary to build resilience to climate change, including on mobilising finance for adaptation and how to ensure systemic resilience at scale. The programme will unlock climate resilience for the most vulnerable people in the Global South, while leveraging UK leadership in cutting-edge science.
    • Investment in the Technical Assistance Facility: £3 million investment in the UK’s natural disaster fund, supporting innovative disaster insurance solutions for partner countries. This ensures vulnerable communities can access disaster finance faster, while driving innovation and new products to help close the climate protection gap. This builds on existing UK investments in innovative disaster insurance, such as the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility, a risk pooling facility, owned, operated and registered in the Caribbean for Caribbean governments, which paid out more than $91.9 million in the wake of Hurricane Melissa in late 2025.
  • PRESS RELEASE : New tools to map where environmental pressures impact communities [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New tools to map where environmental pressures impact communities [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 22 June 2026.

    Two new analytical tools launched to identify where environmental, socio-economic and health pressures affect communities across England.

    From today (Monday 22 June), a wide range of users, including local authorities, government, NGOs and others, will be able to see at a street-level where environmental and climate pressures are hitting socio-economically deprived communities hardest. Environmental and climate change impacts are disproportionately felt by those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, with these communities facing greater barriers to action, particularly in areas vulnerable to extreme heat and flooding.

    Launched at the start of London Climate Week, two new analytical tools will provide organisations across England with robust evidence to pinpoint where environmental pressures overlap with socio-economic and health challenges.

    The Index of Multiple Environmental Deprivation (IMED) maps cumulative environmental pressures, including climate risks, air quality, flood risk, noise and access to green space, across England at street-level resolution and other local geographies including Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs) 

    The Environmental Equity Index (EEI) builds on this by incorporating socio-economic and health indicators to reveal where these pressures intersect and accumulate. Used together, the tools help identify areas experiencing the greatest combined burdens, supporting more targeted and joined-up responses.

    The tools provide a consistent, transparent evidence base designed for use by a wide range of organisations who can then target resources, strengthen planning decisions and take more joined-up approaches to environmental, socio-economic and health challenges.

    For example, measures such as urban greening, housing retrofit, heat resilient design standards and targeted public health responses need to be prioritised in the most deprived areas.

    John Leyland, Executive Director of Environment and Business at the Environment Agency said:

    Protecting communities from environmental pressures is central to our work at the Environment Agency, but we know that some communities face greater pressures than others.

    That’s why we have developed these tools which provide for the first time a clear picture of environmental pressures across England – so that we can direct our resources where they’re needed most by the communities we serve

    David Drake, Director for People and Nature at Natural England said:

    Natural England’s expertise in green infrastructure, spatial data and nature-based solutions shaped how these tools were designed and what they measure.

    Decision-makers now have something they haven’t had before: a consistent, high-resolution evidence base covering the whole of England that can tell us, at a glance, where environmental disadvantage is greatest so that we can take action.

    Mike Childs, Head of Science, Policy and Research at Friends of the Earth said:

    We’ve known for a long time that some communities are disproportionately affected by environmental harm and exposed on multiple fronts. So today’s launch, which sees these compounding threats tracked officially for the first time, is a significant step towards improving access to information and justice on the environment.

    With these tools, communities and councils can gain a clear understanding of the main environmental risks locally, as well as which areas need to be prioritised for action. We know just how valuable resources like these are for delivering change at the local level thanks to our work with hundreds of local action groups up and down the country. This is a shining example of what collaboration between government, campaign groups and academia can unlock.

    Professor Jon Fairburn (Staffordshire University) and Professor Gordon Mitchell (University of Leeds) said:

    By bringing together rich spatial data into a single, evidence-driven index, IMED reveals the true cumulative burden of environmental deprivation – informing citizens and empowering decision-makers to target interventions where they are needed most.

    This index gives local authorities a clearer, place-based understanding of how environmental pressures -from air quality to heat stress – combine across neighbourhoods, supporting targeted action and better outcomes for communities most in need.

    IMED and EEI support the government’s Environmental Improvement Plan and Local Nature Recovery Strategies. The Government has committed £15 million to research programmes aimed at mapping climate vulnerability and improving local adaptive capacities across society, in addition to £5.3 billion on flood management schemes and millions for tree planting and peat land restoration.

    Both tools are available now via Natural England’s Green Infrastructure Mapping Tool, with free guidance, FAQs and support materials on GOV.UK.

    Additional information:

    • You can access the Green Infrastructure Map online
    • IMED combines environmental indicators into a single composite score using national datasets covering England. It can be applied at different geographic scales and aligned with social and health data to reveal where multiple disadvantages overlap.
    • EEI goes further, integrating environmental, social and health indicators into a single composite score designed specifically for urban areas, highlighting communities facing the greatest cumulative pressures across all three domains.
    • Both tools are freely available for use by local authorities, integrated care boards, planning authorities, NGOs, consultancies, government departments and academic researchers.
    • The tools were developed between 2023 and 2025, led by the Environment Agency in collaboration with Natural England, Friends of the Earth, deprivation.org, the Environmental Data Network, and the Universities of Leeds, Staffordshire and Lincoln, with contributions from Defra.
    • London Climate Week takes place from 20-28 June 2026.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK accelerates long-range strike capability for Ukraine [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK accelerates long-range strike capability for Ukraine [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 22 June 2026.

    Three UK-designed long-range strike systems have been flight tested just months after competition launch, as British defence industry deliver battlefield capability at record speed.

    A major UK project to develop low-cost advanced long-range strike weapons for Ukrainian has reached a significant milestone, with three British-designed systems successfully flight tested just months after the competition was launched. 

    Project Brakestop, launched by the Ministry of Defence’s Taskforce Kindred in November 2024, challenged UK industry to develop a low-cost, ground-launched strike weapon capable of hitting targets more than 500km away while carrying a powerful 225kg warhead. 

    The programme was designed to harness the speed, innovation and expertise of British industry to deliver a new capability at a pace rarely seen in defence. Follow on contracts worth around £15 million each have now been awarded to three companies.  

    Ambitious requirements were set for competitors for the new system, including: 

    • A range of at least 500km 
    • Capable of carrying a warhead weighing at least 225kg 
    • A speed of more than 600km/h 
    • Target unit cost of around £400,000 excluding the warhead 
    • Ability to produce at least 20 weapons a month within months of a production order. 

    27 bids from industry were received when the competition opened, and MOD experts carried out detailed technical assessments and held competitive “Dragon’s Den” style pitches in February 2025. Six British companies were awarded contracts worth around £5 million each to design and build prototype weapons for testing in just seven months. 

    Minister for the Armed Forces Louise Sandher-Jones MP said: 

    The UK stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine, and we will continue to provide the support it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression. 

    Project Brakestop shows what happens when we combine that commitment with the talent and ingenuity of British industry. In less than a year, UK companies have taken an ambitious concept from the drawing board to flight testing, delivering a new generation of capability at remarkable speed. 

    This is a clear demonstration that Britain has the industrial strength, innovation and determination to meet the challenges of modern warfare and support our allies.  

    By December 2025, only three suppliers remained, who progressed to flight testing: 

    • MBDA UK, a long-standing strategic partner of the UK who produce systems including Storm Shadow. 
    • MGI Engineering, a UK SME with over 25 years of success in Formula 1 – Brakestop is MGI’s first defence contract.  
    • Rotron Aerospace, a UK SME with a strong history of working with the MOD including the Dismounted Soldier Close Combat and Defence (DSCDP) programme.  

    Each of their systems were tested at the MOD Hebrides Range, a specialist trials site managed by QinetiQ through the Long-Term Partnering Agreement. 

    The announcement comes following a week of UK commitments to Ukraine where the Prime Minister announced at G7, a further £210 million of UK Export Finance support to power Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, and 70 new sanctions targeting Russia’s decrepit shadow fleet, military procurement supply chains and illicit finance networks.

    Whilst on Thursday, The Defence Secretary announced that the UK will provide 150,000 Ukrainian-produced drones and over 350 air defence missiles and radars funded from Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) loan.

    Project Brakestop demonstrates the ability of UK industry to rapidly develop and test complex long-range strike systems. 

    The 225kg warhead that the systems must be capable of carrying has already been successfully developed and tested by another UK company, proving the destructive power of the system. 

    The next phase of Project Brakestop is now underway, with Phase 2 contracts worth around £15 million awarded to multiple suppliers to further develop and produce 15 improved effectors each, alongside launchers and support vehicles. 

    Further testing will take place in the UK in the coming months, followed by additional trials overseas, including in Ukraine. 

  • PRESS RELEASE : The Secretary of State announces the reappointment of the Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : The Secretary of State announces the reappointment of the Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 22 June 2026.

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Hilary Benn MP, has announced the reappointment of David Johnstone as the Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland.

    Background

    The Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioners Office was established in September 2020 to provide a voice for veterans living in Northern Ireland to ensure fairness and safe access to services. 

    Terms of Appointment

    • This position is part-time for a period of a further three years ending on 31 August 2029.
    • The position attracts a fixed remuneration of £306 per day plus expenses, with an expectation of a time commitment of a maximum of 140 days per year.
    • The position is not pensionable.

    Biography

    David Johnstone was appointed as NI Veterans Commissioner in January 2025. He  formerly served as an Officer in the Royal Irish Regiment (Reserves) from 1988 to 2014, including operational deployment in Iraq. He currently holds the position of Chief Vision Officer at PropFundrs, a Property Developer Consultancy Firm and formerly Chief Executive Officer of an online property platform, a role that required him to be a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Approved Person. David also currently has a senior executive role in local football.

    Regulation

    This appointment is not regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

    Political Activity

    All appointments are made on merit and with regards to the statutory requirements.  Political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity in defined categories to be made public. Mr Johnstone has not declared any political activity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK to secure critical minerals boosting economic resilience and cutting reliance on imports [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK to secure critical minerals boosting economic resilience and cutting reliance on imports [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 22 June 2026.

    Households and businesses are set to benefit from stronger, more secure supply chains as the UK invests £50 million in critical minerals projects.

    • Government backs critical minerals projects across the UK, strengthening Britain’s economic security by diversifying supply.
    • £50m investment will turbocharge domestic production of critical minerals to help shore up UK’s supplies of smartphones, fridges and electric vehicle batteries.
    • This builds on over £200m government support for critical minerals projects boosting local jobs and opportunity.

    Households and businesses are set to benefit from stronger, more secure supply chains as the UK invests £50 million in critical minerals essential for everyday products – from smartphones and fridges to electric vehicles.

    The funding will boost domestic production, support high-value jobs and reduce the UK’s reliance on overseas imports, helping to protect the economy from global shocks and supply disruptions.

    With global supply chains increasingly concentrated and vulnerable to disruption, the UK has for too long relied heavily on a small number of international suppliers. This investment marks decisive action to strengthen economic resilience, secure vital materials and support long-term growth as part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy.

    The Critical Minerals Strategy will back British companies to accelerate the extraction, processing and recycling of critical minerals, while investing in cutting-edge manufacturing capability and attracting private investment into the UK.

    Today (22 June), Industry Minister Chris McDonald will visit Teesside’s Wilton Centre to officially launch the Government’s programme to industry and tour Seloxium and DEScycle – two cutting-edge firms advancing critical minerals processing and metal recycling.

    Industry Minister Chris McDonald said:

    Critical minerals are vital for our national security, and this targeted funding will support companies in ramping up domestic production, helping to create new jobs and opportunities in local communities, whilst building more resilient supply chains.

    Through our Critical Minerals Strategy, we’re leveraging Britain’s mineral wealth, attracting new investment and forming dynamic relationships with partners across the world to boost our economic security.

    Founder of the Critical Minerals Association Jeff Townsend said:

    The UK Government has taken important steps to strengthen the critical minerals sector. As attention turns from policy development to delivery, it is encouraging to see the £50 million grant programme being used to accelerate strategically important UK projects as they reach maturity.

    As the home to Seloxium and DEScycle, the Wilton Centre sits in the heart of the North-East of England Process Industry Cluster. Building on its strong industrial heritage, the North East offers expertise in the recycling, processing and recovery of critical minerals alongside growing lithium development.

    CCO and Co-Founder of DEScycle and Co-Chair of the Circular Economy Working Group at the UK Critical Minerals Association, Fred White said:

    We are nearing construction completion of our world-first demonstration facility, with key equipment installed ahead of commissioning. Our disruptive technology is reshaping how the UK views e-waste, transforming its treatment into a sovereign form of urban mining and Teesside’s world-leading industrial heritage, skilled workforce makes it the ideal location for our facility, deploying infrastructure directly supporting the UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy.

    The funding programme will be delivered through three distinct pillars: 

    • Magnet Hub: £20 million to establish a world-class national facility to develop, test and scale up rare earth magnet manufacturing, alongside skills and training capabilities.
    • Critical Minerals Accelerator: £25 million to support collaborative projects across extraction, processing and recycling of critical minerals, accelerating innovation and commercialisation opportunities.
    • Demand Aggregation Platform: a new up to £5 million platform to help UK industry consolidate and pool its critical mineral demand across different industries, unlock investment and secure supply through strategic partnerships.

    Together, these measures will help grow the UK’s domestic capability across the critical minerals value chain, and builds on over £200 million of funding already provided including through the National Wealth Fund, DRIVE35 and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

    A secure supply of critical minerals is vital for the UK’s economic growth and security, Industrial Strategy, and clean energy transition – and the Critical Mineral’s Strategy paves the way to creating resilient supply chains that will help protect British industry during a time of global instability.