The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 May 2026.
The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, this morning.
The Prime Minister began by thanking Prime Minister Luxon for New Zealand’s continued support for the Coalition of the Willing on Ukraine and plans for a future Multinational Military Mission in the Strait of Hormuz.
Ahead of New Zealand’s Budget tomorrow, the leaders discussed the financial impact that widespread global instability was having on households in both the UK and New Zealand, and the importance of finding a way forward and ultimately, a resolution, to keep the cost of living down.
On Ukraine, the Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Luxon for New Zealand’s strong support for both the training of Ukrainian soldiers as part of Operation Interflex, as well as Ukraine’s efforts to secure a just and lasting peace.
The leaders also discussed the appalling situation in the West Bank and reiterated their call for the Government of Israel to end its expansion of settlements and administrative powers and ensure accountability for settler violence.
The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 May 2026.
Treaty between the Republic of Poland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on a Security and Defence Partnership.
The Republic of Poland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, hereinafter referred to as “the Parties”,
Resolving to strengthen close co-operation in security and defence and preparing for the challenges facing both States and Europe as a whole;
Guided by the desire to ensure a prosperous, secure and sustainable future for their citizens amid fundamental geopolitical change;
Cognisant of the current challenges to Euro-Atlantic security in an era characterised by increasing security threats and the return of warfare to the European continent, and acknowledging the challenges to their democracies and to international law and norms;
Identifying the Russian Federation as the most significant long term threat to that security and the need to counter its malign actions;
Determined to overcome these challenges by deepening their close co-operation as European neighbours and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Allies on the basis of the strong ties that connect their States, peoples and governments and their shared history, values and interests;
Reaffirming their ironclad commitment to NATO as the bedrock of their security, and the foundation of collective defence of the Euro-Atlantic area;
Guided by the importance of working together as strong bilateral partners to strengthen the transatlantic Alliance and enhance the defence and security of Europe;
Reaffirming their commitment to European unity and responsibility in matters of security and defence;
Reaffirming their commitment to fundamental freedoms and human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, and to an international order with the United Nations (UN) as its core;
Underscoring that economic growth and security are interdependent and vital to their future prosperity and the wellbeing of their peoples;
Resolved to strengthen prosperity and security through action to enhance the energy security of both States, to improve the resilience of their economies, to seize the opportunities offered by science, and to shape the technological change that will define their futures;
Recognising that prosperity and security can only be guaranteed by action to combat climate change, and reaffirming their commitment to the Paris Agreement done at Paris on 12 December 2015 (Paris Agreement) and its goals;
Ambitious to build upon the Treaty between the Republic of Poland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on Defence and Security Cooperation, done at Warsaw on 21 December 2017 (2017 Treaty) and the Poland-UK 2030 Strategic Partnership Joint Declaration on Foreign Policy, Security and Defence, signed at London on 5 July 2023 (2023 Joint Declaration);
Have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE 1
Foreign and Security Policy Co-operation
The Parties commit to deepen co-operation in international security and foreign policy, in order to support international peace and security, promote human rights and the rule of law, and ensure the effectiveness of the international security architecture. Through regular engagement at ministerial and official level, the Parties undertake to share analysis, consult on the full range of international challenges, and coordinate on their respective policies, endeavouring to establish common positions and promote mutual interests.
The Parties shall intensify co-operation alongside other partners, and within multilateral formats such as NATO, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the UN in order to address international challenges. The Parties shall make the best possible use of the UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership between the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland of 19 May 2025. Noting the shared commitment between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the European Union (EU) to explore mutual involvement in relevant defence initiatives in accordance with the respective legal frameworks, they look forward to working together with NATO Allies and EU Member States to strengthen European security, in support of NATO.
The Parties shall seek to intensify their co-operation with other European partners, in order to jointly address international security challenges.
The Parties underscore the threat the Russian Federation poses to international peace and security. They reaffirm their commitment to countering and deterring Russian aggression and interference in all its forms. They resolve to apply appropriate pressure on the enablers of Russian malign activity and aggression, and to work together, including in international fora, to hold the Russian Federation (including its political and military leadership) to account for its violations of international law including international humanitarian law and international human rights law committed in the context thereof. The Parties will continue to work with Ukraine and other partners to pursue lawful ways to ensure the Russian Federation is made to meet its obligation to pay for damage it has caused Ukraine.
Guided by their enduring commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, the Parties reaffirm their unwavering military support for Ukraine’s security and independence as well as Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction, including through supporting Ukraine to build a resilient economy, stronger democratic institutions, and further Euro-Atlantic integration.
The Parties shall cooperate closely to strengthen the effectiveness of sanctions policy and implementation. As appropriate, both Parties shall foster alignment within multilateral frameworks such as the EU, and the UN to ensure a unified and impactful response.
The Parties shall deepen exchanges on matters of strategic stability including deterrence and defence, arms control and non-proliferation, to strengthen Euro-Atlantic and wider international security.
Driven by their shared values and commitment to democracy, the Parties reiterate their commitment to the freedom of the press and independence of the media, and to freedom of expression. The Parties shall support these principles through their membership of the Council of Europe, participation in the OSCE, including supporting the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media and through the UN.
The Parties undertake to strengthen coordination on conflict resolution and prevention and the application of international humanitarian law. The Parties shall work to increase women’s full, equal, meaningful and safe participation in decision-making processes related to peace and security. The Parties shall promote the protection of and support for women and children during and after armed conflict and work to prevent sexual violence in conflict.
Driven by a shared commitment to the role international development plays in preventing and mitigating threats to national security, and acknowledging the valuable role of the EU as a development actor, the Parties agree to deepen collaboration and share best practice, including on projects in relevant States.
The Parties commit to continue and strengthen regular diplomatic training exchanges.
Building on existing dialogues, the Parties shall create regular structured dialogues on foreign and security policy at ministerial and official levels that bring in relevant departments as necessary to address the cross-cutting nature of many existing and emerging threats and discuss the methods to address them adequately.
ARTICLE 2
Defence and Security Co-operation
Building on the 2017 Treaty and the 2023 Joint Declaration, the Parties reaffirm the commitments therein and agree to deepen their co-operation in defence, with the aims of:
a. strengthening the security of the Euro-Atlantic region, recognising that regional security is inseparable from the security of both Parties;
b. enhancing bilateral interchangeability and interoperability between their respective armed forces across all domains, including via enhanced joint training, education, and exercising and participation in multinational military structures located both in the Republic of Poland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and to build links between personnel;
c. supporting the defence and deterrence activities of NATO, bolstering co-operation between NATO and the EU, and supporting the peacekeeping activities of the UN;
d. supporting the defence industries of the Parties and their common projects, including developing joint capabilities, and enhancing co-operation in research and technology, inclusive of technology transfer.
The Parties reaffirm their determination to meet commitments as NATO Allies, including for multi-domain collective defence. To achieve this, the Parties shall provide forces, capabilities, resources and infrastructure as are needed to enable the execution of the Defence Plans of NATO.
The Parties shall work together, with other NATO Allies, to strengthen deterrence and defence of the NATO eastern flank acknowledging its strategic role and coordinating their forces and efforts where possible.
Recognising the volatile and increasingly challenging security environment in Europe and in its broader neighbourhood, the Parties reaffirm their commitment to NATO as the foundation of their collective defence, and to their obligations as stipulated in the North Atlantic Treaty, done at Washington on 4 April 1949 (North Atlantic Treaty), in particular Article 5. The Parties also affirm as close allies their deep commitment to each other’s defence.
As NATO Allies and strategic partners, the Parties affirm their deep commitment to each other’s defence and, in the event of an armed attack on the other, shall assist one another, including by military means in accordance with Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty.
The Parties recognise the urgent need for Europe to step up the development of new defence capabilities in all domains in order to strengthen their security and protect their territory, and are resolved to play their part in this generational effort. The Parties also recognise the mutually-reinforcing benefits of ensuring security of supply for national programmes and creating a reliable pipeline of orders for defence companies. Therefore, the Parties commit to: greater alignment of defence industrial and export strategies allowing for future partnerships; development and maintenance of interchangeable capabilities; joint procurement; work to identify and minimise regulatory barriers to joint programmes; work to improve dialogue and co-operation between defence companies of both Parties; and discussions of supply chain risks and ways to overcome them.
Recognising the imperative to strengthen defence financing in accordance with the ambition set out by the NATO, the Parties support efforts in this domain. The Parties are united in their resolve to accelerate the introduction of innovative instruments and methods for the mobilisation of financial resources, ensuring that such efforts are comprehensive and inclusive. The Parties shall cooperate to advance defence financing solutions that enable the timely and efficient achievement of defence objectives.
Recognising the Parties’ significant shared interests as nations that adhere to international law and norms, the Parties commit to strengthen the interoperability, interchangeability and integration of their defence strategies and armed forces. The Parties shall continue to articulate detailed plans for their growing military co-operation through the defence co-operation plans established through the 2017 Treaty. The Parties shall intensify their co-operation across all domains, including training, doctrine, education, exercising, and special operations. The Parties shall continue to enable the regular exchange of national security and defence personnel and their families, to deepen and forge their relationship for future generations and to ensure their Armed Forces have the conditions they need to perform effectively.
Understanding the ever-growing importance of disruptive technologies, deepened defence co-operation shall include increased collaboration in cyber security capabilities. The Parties shall also explore opportunities to work together on new and disruptive technologies, including dual-use technologies, artificial intelligence, space and other defence technologies.
The Parties commit to developing and maintaining a close dialogue between their respective Defence Ministries on all defence issues of mutual interest, including on nuclear issues within NATO.
Acknowledging that investment in operational, capability and industrial collaboration must be underpinned by work to improve the personnel links between their forces, the Parties commit to enhance liaison officer networks and professional military education opportunities; increase joint exercising; and negotiate new agreements on the mobility of military personnel.
Building on existing dialogues, the Parties shall further develop regular structured dialogues to discuss enhancing defence co-operation. The Parties shall hold annual strategic dialogues and consultations, which include Ministers, the Chiefs of Defence Staff and senior officials. This shall also include an increased exchange between respective expert communities of the Parties.
ARTICLE 3
National Security Co-operation
Recognising the rapid evolution and interconnected nature of threats to their internal security, the Parties commit to strengthen bilateral co-operation to tackle them, including threats to critical infrastructure (including land and maritime infrastructure), making best use of all suitable policy, legal, operational, diplomatic and technological tools and mechanisms.
Building on the Parties’ existing commitments in the Protocol on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, of the one part, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, of the other part, done at Brussels and London on 30 December 2020, the Parties commit to joint action to counter transnational serious and organised crime, including action on criminality falling within the jurisdiction of the customs authorities. The Parties shall enhance their collaboration on strategic policy and operational co-operation. In pursuit of the most harmful groups, the Parties shall strengthen joint action, including advance cargo information sharing and pre-arrival risk analysis co-operation, where appropriate. The Parties shall work together and explore collaboration with the private sector and third countries to tackle other shared organised crime threats, such as the illicit trafficking of drugs, tobacco and firearms, fraud and illicit finance.
The Parties recognise that migrant smuggling is a shared challenge requiring joint solutions. They commit to cooperate in the fight against organised cross-border crime involving migrant smuggling and trafficking in persons. They shall, where appropriate, deepen dialogue and operational co-operation on border security and exchange best practice and shall work together to counter the instrumentalisation of migration by external actors.
The Parties commit to deepening comprehensive partnerships with countries of origin and transit to address the upstream drivers of irregular migration. The Parties recognise the importance of safe, regulated migration and asylum systems that safeguard against abuse and can respond to modern challenges, and share a firm commitment to international law and human rights standards.
Acknowledging the key roles played by NATO and the EU, the Parties shall strive to strengthen resilience against, deter, and respond to hybrid threats, including cyber and information threats. They shall further their co-operation through information sharing where appropriate, development of tools, and coordination of disruption and response options. They commit to share strategic approaches to the growing threat from hybrid activities, including, but not limited to sabotage, and the malign use of technologies such as artificial intelligence and drones, and to offer mutual support in response to specific incidents and attacks, where appropriate.
The Parties share deep concern at the threats and challenges which undermine security and democratic values through Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) by malign actors. The Parties commit to deepening exchange of risk analysis, growing trends and best practice, where appropriate, and working towards joint action and capability to tackle FIMI threats in a range of ways. They underscore the need for fast and agile responses against FIMI actors given the nature of the evolving threat.
Recognising the significance of critical national infrastructure and the diverse threat vectors that pose risks of disruption particularly in the energy sector, the Parties commit to sharing best practice in resilience, preparedness, response and restoration capabilities as appropriate.
The Parties shall strengthen coordination on counter-terrorism through continued intelligence co-operation and by increasing data sharing where appropriate.
Building on the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Poland and the Ministry of Justice and Home Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on Co-operation in Criminal Matters signed at Warsaw on 14 November 2024, the Parties commit to further strengthen their criminal justice co-operation, including through the opening of negotiations on a new prisoner transfer agreement.
The Parties reinforce their existing commitment to exchange information extracted from criminal records, focusing on both the support of criminal proceedings and the pursuit of key public protection objectives including employment vetting, conducting criminal records checks within migration procedures, and safeguarding. Specifically, the Parties shall share criminal records information for the purposes of protecting vulnerable adults and children including fostering and adoption arrangements where appropriate.
The Parties shall work together bilaterally and through multilateral organisations to improve their law enforcement capabilities. They shall work with INTERPOL to support the integrity of the international system and prevent its abuse by malign actors. They acknowledge the vital role of EU agencies, such as Europol and Eurojust.
The Parties commit to streamline Mutual Legal Assistance co-operation, including by digital means and measures to enhance operational co-operation.
Building on existing dialogues, the Parties shall conduct a regular dialogue on national security to address the cross-cutting nature of many existing and emerging threats, including seeking views from their respective expert communities and civil society organisations where appropriate.
ARTICLE 4
Economic Security Co-operation
The Parties underscore that strong and resilient growth and national security and defence are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. They confirm their shared principles of maintaining and improving a well-functioning international rules-based system, and their mutual commitment to secure and resilient trade. The Parties further stress the necessity of promoting diverse, secure and resilient supply chains, regulatory certainty and trusted trading relationships as integral components of a comprehensive approach to economic security.
The Parties shall strengthen their respective economic resilience to support and protect their national security. They shall exchange information, perspectives on global events and policy responses, where appropriate, to foster a common understanding on areas of concern in the trade and investment domain, including supply chain resilience.
The Parties commit to undertaking actions aimed at strengthening the resilience and security of the transport sector, bilaterally and multilaterally, including through the development of dual-use infrastructure designed for both civilian and military purposes. The Parties shall share information about the best practice in developing such infrastructure.
The Parties commit to regular discussion of barriers to growth, trade and investment including any challenges in the business environment. They shall identify opportunities for coordination and co-operation in areas of strategic importance to their economic security, including under their respective industrial policies.
Noting the profound impact of global health crises on economic growth and national security, the Parties shall deepen exchanges and strengthen international collaboration on global health risks, including provisions for industry dialogue.
Understanding the important role of sustainable agriculture in the bilateral relationship, the Parties shall continue to enhance dialogue on global food security and share information and approaches to regional food challenges.
The Parties recognise the role of bilateral investment in driving growth and commit to deepening collaboration, commercial exchange and dialogue with all relevant partners to facilitate this, including small and medium sized enterprises and large companies, as well as start-ups and accelerators.
The Parties shall advance strong science and technology collaboration, recognising its role in addressing global challenges, supporting the development of commercial technologies, and safeguarding research security. The Parties also recognise the contribution of technology start-ups to economic growth and shall explore ways to collaborate on technology transfer.
The Parties shall engage in dialogue on economic security to address cross-cutting issues and threats to their national security and mutual prosperity. This shall include the geopolitical implications of regulatory and technological changes, particularly in areas of critical infrastructure, dual-use technologies and supply chains dependencies.
ARTICLE 5
Energy and Climate Security Co-operation
The Parties firmly believe that the key to energy security is a diverse energy system that boosts energy independence, better protects consumers from price volatility, is resilient and secure, and mitigates the impacts of climate change through diversified clean energy sources, including renewable and civil nuclear energy generation.
The Parties agree to share experience and deepen bilateral and multilateral collaboration on the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, and implementation of the goals laid out in the Paris Agreement.
The Parties note the need to globally decarbonise energy systems in a just, orderly and equitable manner and to achieve net zero by 2050. The Parties also reaffirm the need to effectively support the development of renewable, nuclear and other zero- or low-emission energy sources and the stability of the energy system at the European level, as well as energy efficiency.
The Parties are committed to nature conservation and restoration which are essential to resilient energy, food, ecological, and economic systems. They commit to protect and preserve the natural environment, including forests and wetlands, which can provide important support to security objectives, where appropriate.
The Parties commit to undertake joint actions to support the development of and investment in zero- or low-emission sources of energy and clean technologies, boosting growth in both States.
Acknowledging the growing threat to the resilience and security of energy infrastructure, the Parties commit to a deeper exchange of analysis and policy approaches. They shall strengthen collaboration to address the full spectrum of risks, including the protection of maritime critical energy infrastructure, critical energy assets, incident response, and advances to repair and restoration capabilities, where proportionate and necessary.
The Parties uphold the importance of civil nuclear energy in their respective future energy mixes. They commit to support nuclear energy, as a clean energy source and to promote access to finance for the development of nuclear projects in Europe and globally, including through green financing and international financing institutions. The Parties shall take steps to counter the involvement of the Russian Federation in their respective civil nuclear supply chains (including in technology and raw materials), and encourage others to do the same, in order to minimise direct and indirect trade.
The Parties support co-operation at the level of Transmission System Operators and market regulators, underlining their important role in the security of supply and the protection of national critical infrastructure as well as the affordability of energy prices.
The Parties stress that delivery of their shared goals on energy security and resilience as well as energy transition will require a collaboration between relevant Ministries, state-owned organisations and enterprises as well as potential commercial partners. The Parties commit to working together with the above mentioned entities, as appropriate, to identify joint projects and support delivery.
ARTICLE 6
Treaty Governance
The Parties shall create a senior official coordination mechanism to review the implementation of the commitments contained in this Treaty. This shall include assessment of existing projects, consideration of new projects, and identification of further areas of co-operation, as needed. Prime Ministers of the Parties will hold biennial consultations to review implementation of this Treaty. Further ministerial‑level dialogues on individual policy themes and policy areas shall be held as necessary, including through the mechanisms specified in Article 4 of the 2017 Treaty.
ARTICLE 7
Relationship with other laws
The Parties shall give effect to this Treaty in accordance with their national law. Nothing in this Treaty shall be construed as prejudicing or affecting in any manner the rights or obligations of the Parties stemming from international law.
ARTICLE 8
Territorial scope
This Treaty shall apply to:
a. the territory of the Republic of Poland; and
b. the territory of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and may be extended to any or all of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, the Bailiwick of Jersey, and the Isle of Man by mutual agreement between the Parties by exchange of notes.
ARTICLE 9
Disputes
Any dispute concerning the interpretation, application or implementation of this Treaty shall be resolved solely by negotiation between the Parties.
ARTICLE 10
Amendments
The Parties may agree, in writing, to amend this Treaty. The amendments shall enter into force in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 12 of this Treaty or on such date as the Parties may agree.
ARTICLE 11
Termination
A Party may terminate this Treaty by giving the other Party notification in writing. Such termination shall take effect six months after the date of receipt of the notification or on such date as the Parties may agree unless the notification is withdrawn by agreement before the end of this period.
ARTICLE 12
Entry into force
This Treaty shall enter into force 30 days after the date of receipt of the last notification by which the Parties notify each other that their respective internal procedures for entry into force of this Treaty have been fulfilled.
Done at …………… this ………… in duplicate, in the Polish and the English languages, both texts being equally authentic.
For the Republic of Poland
For the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 May 2026.
Projects agreed between the UK and Poland on the basis of the Treaty signed by the 2 countries on 27 May 2026.
On 27 May 2026 the UK and Poland signed the Security and Defence Partnership Treaty. As part of our implementation of the Treaty, they agreed to deliver a range of priority projects. These projects span the breadth of the Treaty focusing on making the UK and Poland safer and stronger, demonstrating a step change in our ability to counter threats to our security, including not only closer collaboration on defence capability and military interoperability, but also bolstering our economic and energy security and securing our borders.
1. Developing together the weapons of the future
Building on a strong bilateral partnership in air defence and high-tech weapons, the UK and Poland will become joint European leaders on the manufacture and development of the next generation of missiles. The UK and Poland will work to jointly increase our capabilities, across air-to-air, ground-based air defence and land arenas.
2. Deepening our defence industrial co-operation
To complement our work on the development of technically advanced weapons, the UK and Poland will work together to strengthen ties between our defence industries, promoting defence education, training and workforce mobility to build shared expertise. This will also enhance coordination on defence procurement to support joint capability planning, improve NATO interoperability and build industrial resilience and support third‑country exports. UK and Polish defence industrial partners will expand large-calibre ammunition production capacity and capability, supported by government-enabled collaboration between industries to facilitate knowledge and technology transfer and strengthen supply chain resilience.
3. Working together to strengthen Europe’s eastern flank against the threat from Russia
Through a Strategic Land Partnership, the UK and Poland will maximise the ability of UK and Polish Forward Land Forces to deliver a credible deterrent across Eastern Europe. Large-scale exercises will strengthen interoperability, focusing on counter-drone warfare, electronic warfare, and missile defence. By working together on the development of integrated doctrines we will ensure both nations remain ready to respond to the conflicts of the future.
4. Protecting our seas and collaborating on maritime security
Focusing on sea co-operation in the North Sea and Baltic Sea, this project will improve our analysis and monitoring of the security situation in our seas and help us to work together to safeguard vital lines of communication in the sea and further enhance operational agility and deterrence to protect people in the UK and Poland. The project also supports the modernisation of our capabilities through joint training for next‑generation frigate crews and cooperation on air defence missile procurement. We will continue to promote further co-operation and co-ordination between our Joint Maritime Security Centres to complement ongoing collaboration with other countries to ensure critical infrastructure in the North Sea and Baltic Sea is kept safe.
5. Protecting the UK and Poland from cyber attacks
The UK and Poland have both witnessed an increase in cyber-attacks from criminal and hostile state actors. We will work together on two fronts: on defensive cyber through our respective militaries, focusing on achieving mutual goals, protecting common interests, and responding effectively to the growing threats in the cyber domain. We will also work across civilian agencies sharing approaches on cyber deterrence, attributions of hostile activity and cyber sanctions and responses.
6. Co-ordination on sanctions policy
As a key part of providing an economic deterrence for those who threaten our mutual security, the UK and Poland are working to strengthen co-ordination on our sanctions implementation and enforcement. This includes embedding stronger joint working practices and deepening cooperation on sanctions in areas such as, in particular, Russian aggression against Ukraine, other overlapping EU and UK sanctions regimes, combatting the shadow fleet, promoting freedom of navigation and irregular migration sanctions.
7. Countering hybrid threats
The UK and Poland are facing increasing hybrid threats from states, especially Russia. A new comprehensive counter-Hybrid threats cooperation agreement will enable the UK and Poland to more proactively disrupt malign actions and support our common objective of more proactive disruption and raising the cost of action for Russia. A UK-Poland Counter-Hybrid Working Group will coordinate joint working to raise the costs for hostile states seeking to undermine our security through hybrid activity.
8. Countering foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI)
The online space also provides scope for hostile states to propagate false information, but also to distort truthful information by taking it out of context and presenting it in a way that reinforces divisions that threaten democratic processes. The UK and Poland will lead efforts to protect democratic discourse and strengthen resilience against information warfare. This includes joint campaigns to expose and disrupt the networks manipulating our information spaces and co-ordinated efforts to build resilience in third countries through capacity-building.
9. Countering the malign use of drones by criminals and hostile state actors
The UK and Poland will create a task force to counter the growing threat posed by hostile drone use, particularly in light of technological advances and the lessons we have learnt from drone use in the Ukraine conflict. Led by relevant institutions, the task force will bring together civil agencies from the UK and Poland to share operational expertise, jointly develop detection and mitigation tools and accelerate deployment of novel technologies.
10. Joint action plan on irregular migration
We will implement a comprehensive Joint Action Plan to step up action against people smuggling and irregular migration. The Joint Action Plan will create a bilateral framework to:
work collaboratively with European and regional partners to tackle the migrant smuggling networks, including their use of social media as a key enabler
maximise intelligence sharing and enhance diplomatic efforts on irregular migration upstream
exchange the latest techniques, making the most of new technologies, to monitor borders and deter irregular migration to the UK and Poland
11. Closer collaboration on science and tech
The UK and Poland Treaty will drive secure and resilient economic growth by deepening collaboration on key technologies, supporting research and development with dual-use applications and deepening our institutional relationships. Our science and technology cooperation will be foundational to the growing industries that support the economic security and defence of our two countries.
We will advance British-Polish cooperation across science and technology, including by establishing a dialogue on the geopolitics of digital technologies to strengthen alignment and inform our strategic approach. We will enhance collaboration across quantum research by identifying fields of work we are both working on and promoting joint funding opportunities to accelerate innovation. Acknowledging the growing importance of space for defence and resilience, we will also advance cooperation on space-related matters, including through ESA and engagement between our respective space agencies, while supporting the growth of our space sectors.
12. Taking action to protect health security in the UK and Poland
Recognising healthcare as a pillar of national security and the growing Poland-UK health partnership, both countries will focus their cooperation on three core areas:
Health dialogue: A new Poland-UK health dialogue will be established, covering topics such as healthcare planning and resilience; antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and conflict; chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats; medical evacuations; and the treatment and care of war-wounded persons.
Cyber security: Joint exchanges will facilitate the sharing of best practices in protecting health services from cyber attacks. This supports Poland and UK ambitions to secure critical infrastructure, improve resilience, and develop stronger partnerships with trusted allies.
Digital health (e-health): Visits and knowledge-sharing on telemedicine, data interoperability and digital inclusion will help modernise government services and improve patient access.
13. Joining forces to protect our energy security and accelerate the clean energy transition
It is clear that across the whole of Europe we face common challenges and opportunities in delivering clean energy transition whilst bolstering competitiveness strengthening energy security. In the context of today’s global energy crisis and rising geopolitical risk, closer UK–Poland cooperation on affordable, clean, and resilient energy is both timely and strategic, as the link between national security and energy security is clearer now more than ever.
As we face the second fossil fuel shock in less than five years, the UK and Poland recognise that a diverse, clean energy system is vital to lasting energy security. This package of activity aligns with both the UK and Poland’s priorities looking ahead to the long term.
The UK and Poland will bring together government and industry to collaborate on innovative new technologies such as hydrogen and carbon capture through shared policy expertise and study visits. We will also deepen cooperation in other areas, recognising the role of modern, flexible grids and energy storage in making both countries’ power systems more resilient to shocks and support renewable energy integration, as well as innovative opportunities to decarbonise heating our homes – one of the most difficult sectors to decarbonise.
14. Deepening links between our diplomatic services
In addition to our existing co-operation on the joint training of our diplomats, we propose to create an established system of mutual attachments in both countries to share policy knowledge and promote our mutual understanding of how our systems work. This reflects our ever-closer foreign policy relationship.
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 27 May 2026.
The Government has published a list of 125 everyday essentials – including fruit, oils and core pantry staples – targeted for tariff reductions, alongside uprating mileage rates to support working people with the cost of living.
Government launches consultation on suspending tariffs on OVER 100 everyday essentials with the full list now available.
This Government is the first in 15 years to uprate mileage rates for 3 million people who use their own vehicle for work, saving over £120 a year for a worker doing 6,000 business miles.
The support is an additional saving for motorists following the Chancellor’s third extension to the fuel duty freeze which has put another £120 back into their pocket since last year.
Working people are set to benefit from further cost of living support, as the Government publishes a list of over 100 everyday essentials set to see targeted cuts to tariffs alongside uprating mileage rates for the first time in 15 years.
The consultation is seeking views from businesses and other stakeholders on the potential impacts of a second package. It covers a wide range of everyday essentials, from fresh fruit and vegetables, oil and baked goods, to chocolate, sauces, and soft drinks.
The list of 125 items include garlic, avocados, mangoes, nectarines, vegetable oil, olive oil and baked beans. This builds on the tariff suspension announced in April.
In parallel, we are also seeking views on whether suspension of tariffs on certain fertilisers could help farmers cope with the impact of rising fertiliser prices as a result of the conflict in the Middle East.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:
The war in Iran isn’t our war, but one we will need to respond to, and my priority is keeping prices down for households and businesses.
That’s why we’re freezing fuel duty, increasing the mileage rate for the first time in 15 years and slashed VAT temporarily this Summer to help reduce the cost of days out.
This comes as carers, plumbers, builders and millions of other workers across the country who use their own vehicle on the job will have cheaper journeys after the Chancellor uprated mileage rates last week.
In the largest ever uprating of the rates a 10p per mile increase in tax‑free mileage rates for this tax year, backdated to April 2026, has been introduced to ease the cost of living for hardworking Britons.
Increasing the tax free per mile rates from 45p for the first 10,000 miles to 55p per mile will save around £120 for a worker doing 6,000 business miles. Up to two million employees and one million self-employed people will benefit.
This is in addition to savings drivers will make from the Chancellor’s further extension to the fuel duty freeze until the end of the year. That’s the third time Rachel Reeves has frozen fuel duty to support motorists, saving them £120 since last year.
Recognising how farmers and hauliers have been particularly exposed to high fuel prices, and their importance to UK supply chains, more relief has been announced.
For farmers and others who use red diesel and rebated biodiesel, the rate for those fuels has been cut by over a third – the lowest in over two decades. For hauliers, a road tax holiday has been put in place for a year from 1 July.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:
We are a government firmly on the side of drivers, and that means acting when hardworking people are being left out of pocket.
The people who use their own vehicle for work are the backbone of our country – the carers, the tradespeople and the public sector workers who keep services running. For too long, they have been expected to shoulder rising costs with support that simply has not kept up.
We’re doing all we can to ease everyday pressures on working people – that means real money back in their pockets and delivering for the people who keep Britain moving.
Andrea Egan, General Secretary, Unison said:
This simple measure will provide immediate help for countless frontline workers in public services. Particularly at a time when living costs are going through the roof once again.
People who need their own cars for work have been left thousands of pounds out of pocket for far too many years.
UNISON has campaigned hard for this long overdue change. It’s good to know the chancellor has listened to the concerns of staff penalised by frozen rates.
There’s still more to do to ensure no one is losing out and the union will continue to campaign for more over the coming months.”
This follows a much wider package of support rolled out by the Chancellor last week branded ‘Great British Summer Savings’. It includes free bus travel for 5–15-year-olds in England, VAT slashed on children’s meals in restaurants, and VAT cut for all admissions to theatres, theme parks and other attractions.
This will help families enjoy the weekend treats, days out and staycations that make life enjoyable during the cost-of-living squeeze caused by the war in the Middle East while supporting the businesses that depend on summer footfall.
Cutting £150 on average of costs from household energy bills, freezing prescription charges and rail fares, and increasing the national minimum and living wages by hundreds of pounds are some of the actions taken at the Budget that are continuing to support families each month.
The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 27 May 2026.
The competition will be open to a single organisation, or group of organisations, that are willing to come together to deliver the project.
Organisations can now apply for up to £970,000 to help design and build a first-of-its-kind national Muslim War Memorial
The memorial will stand as a lasting tribute to the sacrifice of the hundreds of thousands of Muslims who served to help deliver peace across the world
The successful applicant will also be tasked with driving interfaith dialogue and education about the remarkable story of Muslim soldiers
A search for an organisation to design and deliver a national memorial to mark the significant contribution of Muslims to the First and Second World War has been launched today (27th May).
The memorial will stand as a permanent tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the hundreds of thousands of Muslim soldiers who served alongside Britain and its allies – travelling from across the Middle East, North Africa, and the Indian subcontinent – to help secure victory and promote lasting peace.
Despite there being an estimated 70,000 war memorials across the UK, including several prominent memorials to the sacrifice and contribution of other faith groups to the war effort throughout the 20th Century, this memorial will be the first prominent national tribute to the Muslim soldiers who selflessly fought and died for Britain.
The memorial will pay tribute to many of these remarkable stories. Among them is Khudadad Khan, the first Muslim to be awarded the Victoria Cross. At Hollebeke, Belgium in 1914, Khan continued firing his machine gun alone after all his fellow soldiers had been killed, despite being severely wounded. Left for dead on the battlefield, he crawled back to his regiment under cover of darkness and carried on fighting. He was later presented with the Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace.
Another such story is that of Shahamad Khan, who earned the Victoria Cross for extraordinary bravery in Mesopotamia in April 1916. Manning a machine gun alone just yards from enemy trenches, he beat off three counterattacks after all but two of his men had become casualties. When his gun was knocked out, he held his ground with rifles until ordered to withdraw, and then personally carried back his gun, ammunition, and a severely wounded comrade who could not walk.
In the Second World War, Mohammed Hussain ran away from his home in Rawalpindi and volunteered for the British Indian Army at just 16. He went on to serve as a machine gunner at Monte Cassino – one of the war’s fiercest battles – before moving to the UK in 1960, where he dedicated himself to community service, supporting ex-servicemen and the families of former comrades until his death in 2025 at the age of 102.
Minister for Faith and Communities, Nesil Caliskan said:
Our country is made up of a strong, diverse tapestry of different faith communities – and we owe that freedom to the bravery and sacrifice made by those who fought alongside us for a better future all those years ago.
Muslim soldiers were a fundamental part of securing victory, but their story has been in the shadows for too long. This memorial will make sure their contribution stays in our memory now, and for generations to come.
The new memorial will also help to shine a light on the continued impact that Muslims make to British society – from politicians to athletes, and doctors to teachers, our Muslim communities continue to play a vital role in all aspects of our national life.
Beyond serving as a focal point for remembrance, the successful organisation will be expected to use the construction of the memorial as an educational resource to increase public awareness of this chapter of British military history, and encourage people of all backgrounds to reflect on the shared sacrifice that helped bring peace to the world.
The Muslim War Memorial complements the government’s wider Protecting What Matters strategy, which aims to build confident, strong communities and bring people of different faith backgrounds together.
The press release issued by Natural England on 27 May 2026.
A unique Cornish moorland landscape shaped by thousands of years of history becomes a National Nature Reserve for local people and visitors to enjoy.
The Mid Cornwall Moors is today (Wednesday 27 May) declared the 14th site in the King’s Series of National Nature Reserves (NNRs), bringing together over 1,100 hectares of moorland, more than doubling the area of land managed for nature in this historic landscape.
Forming a patchwork of semi-natural habitats, including heath, moorland, mire, and woodland, the Mid Cornwall Moors, creates a network across Cornwall’s distinctive ‘clay country’. Located in the heartlands of central Cornwall, with St Austell to the south, Bodmin to the east, and St Columb Major to the north, the area serves a community living in one of Cornwall’s most rurally deprived regions. The declaration aims to improve access to nature, create opportunities for learning and recreation, and help support the local economy through sustainable farming.
The reserve is home to rare habitats and species including wet ‘willow carr’ woodland, with the rare willow tit, and raised bogs with sphagnum moss, lesser butterfly orchid, royal fern and the carnivorous round-leaved sundew. Cornish moneywort, which is unique to Cornwall’s tin streaming landscape, also thrives.
This declaration celebrates places that have shaped Cornwall’s history, spanning prehistoric tin streaming, Iron Age hillforts and ancient woodland. Iconic sites including Helman Tor, the Iron Age hillfort of Castle an Dinas, and Goss Moor, known locally as King Arthur’s favourite hunting ground, all form part of this nationally significant landscape.
The reserve combines land managed for nature and heritage by Natural England, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Cornwall Heritage Trust, the Gaia Trust and Imerys. It also includes land designated as the Mid Cornwall Moors Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which is land of exceptional ecological importance.
Tony Juniper CBE, Chair of Natural England, said:
The declaration of the Mid Cornwall Moors as a National Nature Reserve is a powerful recognition of the landscape’s extraordinary natural and cultural heritage.
By bringing these landscapes together under one reserve, we are not only helping to restore precious habitats but also creating more opportunities for people to connect with nature, history and the unique character of this part of Cornwall for generations to come.
Nature Minister Mary Creagh said:
The Mid Cornwall Moors is a truly special landscape, shaped by thousands of years of history and home to some of England’s rarest wildlife.
Combining this rich patchwork of habitats as a National Nature Reserve will protect this unique place and provide better access to nature for the people who live alongside it and a boost to everyone who visits.
Reversing the decline in nature and moving toward ecological recovery requires bigger, better and more joined up areas for nature to thrive. With the support of His Majesty King Charles III, Natural England is leaving a lasting public legacy for people, science and nature by creating or extending 25 National Nature Reserves by 2028. The Mid Cornwall is the 14th NNR in the Series. Around 1.4 million people live within 5km of a King’s Series NNR.
Additional quotes:
Matt Walpole, CEO of Cornwall Wildlife Trust said:
The new Mid Cornwall Moors National Nature Reserve reflects the importance of long-term collaboration in creating bigger, better and more connected spaces for nature recovery.
The inclusion of Helman Tor within the National Nature Reserve recognises decades of work to restore habitats and support wildlife recovery within this special landscape.
We are already seeing the benefits of working with natural processes through conservation grazing with Longhorn cattle and Tamworth pigs, alongside pioneering wild beaver reintroductions. Helping to create more diverse and resilient habitats for wildlife to thrive and for people to enjoy.
Cathy Woolcock, CEO of Cornwall Heritage Trust said:
The Mid Cornwall Moors National Nature Reserve (NNR) brings together a number of important land areas and celebrates both nature and the incredible time-depth of human history, ranging from hunter-gatherers in the Mesolithic through to miners and farmers in more recent centuries.
We are pleased that Castle an Dinas is to be included within the expanded NNR, especially given its direct links to the Goss Moor and the wider landscape in Mid Cornwall.
We look forward to collaborating with partners involved with the NNR to better connect Cornish residents and visitors to these most important places in Cornwall’s national story.
Mark Hewson, who leads Imerys in the UK said:
Nature restoration is central to modern mining and is built into the design and management of every pit.
Local community involvement has been an essential element of this, and the clear message is that increased access for walkers, cyclists and horse riders is the number one priority.
We are very proud to be working with our partners, creating this legacy for people and nature in the heart of Cornwall.
Matt Edworthy, Director of the Gaia Trust said:
It is fantastic for Chark Moor to be included in this new National Nature Reserve along with the other wonderful sites. All are havens for wildlife including locally and nationally rare species and require ongoing management, including careful conservation grazing by cattle and ponies.
Sustainable management supports local graziers and businesses, and provides learning and skills development opportunities for local people.
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 26 May 2026.
The UK is set to sign a new defence and security treaty with Poland to protect British borders, tackle organised crime, bolster collective defences and deepen cooperation with the European Union.
Prime Minister to host Prime Minister Tusk of Poland today as leaders sign landmark agreement to confront modern security threats
Visit comes as the Prime Minister continues to drive for an ambitious relationship between the European Union and the UK to deliver security and opportunity on both sides.
Treaty follows similar agreements with France and Germany, strengthening security across Europe
The UK is set to sign a new defence and security treaty with Poland to protect British borders, tackle organised crime, bolster collective defences and deepen cooperation with the European Union.
The Prime Minister will host the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, in London today, as the pair prepare to sign the new agreement to strengthen defence cooperation in the face of increasing hostile threats across Europe.
Poland is one of the UK’s closest defence and security partners, a staunch supporter of Ukraine and vital economic partner, with one of the fastest growing economies in Europe.
The leaders are expected to discuss the major uptick in hybrid attacks – including Russian-ordered arson attacks in East London, cargo fires in Birmingham and across Europe, as well as cyber-attacks and espionage – and agree to combine expertise to combat accelerating threats.
The announcement builds on the Prime Minister’s drive to get closer to Europe and strengthen ties with the trading bloc to improve security and opportunity on both sides. It also follows similar treaties with France and Germany.
The UK and EU’s joint ambition to improve relations to deliver for consumers, businesses and collective European security is expected to be high on the agenda of talks today.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
Britain and Poland are already close allies and friends, but the challenges Europe now faces demands an even stronger partnership.
This treaty is the biggest step forward in our defence and security relationship with Poland in a generation, allowing us to confront modern security threats that may be less visible but no less dangerous, and our collective work together will keep our countries safe for years to come.
It also delivers on my commitment to work more closely with European partners to boost security and opportunity for people at home and stability across our continent.
The leaders are expected to sign the new treaty in London today, signifying the historic ties between the UK and Poland, and opportunity for both countries to work closer together in protecting European defences long into the future.
The defence strand of the agreement is expected to unlock major defence benefits for both sides, allowing forces to combine expertise and industrial capability to lead the development and manufacturing of next-generation complex weapons, ensuring sovereign production chains and supporting high skilled jobs across the UK and Poland.
That will include the design and development of new air defence effectors, which are sophisticated munitions, strengthening air and missile defence systems, and deepening interoperability across all domains. It is also expected to include the co-production of a next‑generation medium‑range air defence missile.
The UK and Poland will also step up the use of uncrewed systems to reinforce NATO’s Eastern Flank through next-generation land capabilities. As part of that drive, joint land forces will undertake large‑scale joint exercises to sharpen interoperability across counter drone warfare, electronic warfare, and engineering support, as well as developing land forces that remain at the forefront of future warfighting through the harnessing of disruptive technologies.
And as part of efforts to outpace the threats of tomorrow, from cyber-attacks to malign information campaigns, the UK and Poland will also accelerate cooperation to disrupt malicious attempts by hostile state actors to sow discord through the sharing of expertise and coordinated responses and exercises – sharpening how both countries can respond in real time.
As a major migration partner for the UK and frontline state in Europe’s migration system, both countries will discuss how to boost border security and dismantle organised crime groups upstream through a new Joint Action Plan on Irregular Migration.
The Joint Action Plan will allow both countries to better target smuggling networks and their vulgar use of social media to lure vulnerable people and maximise intelligence sharing to disrupt gangs and their tactics and harness new technologies such as advanced targeting and surveillance capabilities to strengthen both countries’ border security.
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 May 2026.
Ambassador Holland condemned Russia’s largest aerial attack on Kyiv since 2022, including the use of an Oreshnik nuclear-capable missile. Russia’s threats to strike the heart of Kyiv are unwarranted, irresponsible and completely unjustified. The UK will continue to stand firmly with Ukraine.
Thank you, Mr Chair. And thank you Chairs also for convening this meeting so promptly.
The United Kingdom condemns the latest wave of Russian aerial attacks against Ukraine, carried out overnight on 23-24 May. Russia used around 600 drones and 90 missiles to strike Kyiv and multiple regions across Ukraine. This was the largest attack on Ukraine’s capital city in a single night since 2022. It also comes shortly after Russia’s unprecedented air attacks of less than two weeks ago, when Moscow launched around 1,530 drones and missiles across Ukraine within a 24-hour period.
In this latest assault, and for the third time, Russia attacked Ukraine with an Oreshnik nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missile. We again condemn this reckless attack, which was yet another attempt to terrorise the people of Ukraine. Russia’s repeated and continued use of Oreshnik, and other nuclear-capable missiles, increases the risk of misperception which could lead to a dangerous miscalculation.
Russia’s attacks on Kyiv this weekend killed at least four people and injured around a hundred. In May alone, Russian attacks have killed nearly 200 civilians across Ukraine. There has been widespread damage, particularly in Kyiv, to residential buildings, schools, emergency facilities, and critical infrastructure. Regrettably, several cultural sites, including the National Art Museum and Kyiv Opera, were also damaged during this latest assault – a reminder that Russia’s war also targets Ukraine’s history, identity, and memory.
Last week, Russia called a meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss the protection of civilians. The very next day, it launched these attacks. Its actions speak far louder than its words. If Russia truly wished to protect civilians, it would commit to an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire, just as Ukraine has done.
But rather than take the path of peace, Moscow has made further threats to strike the heart of Kyiv and warned diplomatic missions to leave Kyiv. Such threats are unwarranted, irresponsible and completely unjustified. Any attack on a diplomatic mission would constitute a further escalation in Russia’s illegal war.
Chairs, as participating States, we have committed – through the OSCE acquis developed since the Helsinki Final Act – to engage constructively, reduce risks, and to uphold our shared commitments even in times of crisis. Russia has chosen to do the opposite. Russia’s actions are clearly in contravention of the principles of the Helsinki Final Act, including on sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the prohibition on the use of force.
The United Kingdom therefore urges all participating States to remain united in condemning Russia’s actions and in defending the rules‑based international order. We must ensure accountability for violations of international law, including through the work of international monitoring and documentation mechanisms. And we must continue to support Ukraine’s inherent right to self‑defence, in line with the UN Charter.
The United Kingdom will continue to stand firmly with Ukraine. We urge Russia to fully comply with its international obligations and OSCE commitments. And we will continue to defend the principles that underpin our shared security.
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 May 2026.
Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Multilateralsiam.
We are facing a deeply complex set of conflicts, including protracted crises in the Middle East, Sudan, and Ukraine. On this, I feel compelled to mention Russia’s egregious attacks on Ukraine over the weekend, which only brings us further from the peace that the international community repeatedly calls for. These challenges require a coordinated global response, and a collective commitment to these principles.
I will make three points.
First, we need to use the UN more effectively to prevent and resolve conflict, particularly through this Council which has the primary responsibility for international peace and security. We know the tools – peacekeeping deployments, good offices, and sanctions – exist. But we need the collective will to ensure they are effective and fit for purpose.
The Council should also be more representative of the world today, including via expansion of both its permanent and non-permanent membership. The UK supports permanent representation for Africa, alongside permanent seats for Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan.
Second, we should collectively embrace the opportunity of the Secretary-General’s reform initiative to strengthen the broader UN system and bolster its impact. The Pact for the Future reflected a shared commitment to reinvigorate multilateral cooperation and improve how the UN delivers. UN80 should continue to build on that momentum, working towards a stronger, more effective UN, better able to deliver against today’s complex challenges. As we look ahead to the selection of the next Secretary‑General this year, their ability to deliver a fit-for-purpose UN will be particularly important.
Finally, we must not lose sight of the UN’s successes thus far in preventing conflict, supporting peace, helping states uphold their human rights obligations, and responding to humanitarian crises.
The UN continues to facilitate and provide lifesaving assistance across the globe. It has deployed over 70 peace operations, successfully stabilising some of the most challenging environments and bringing lasting peace including in El Salvador, Sierra Leone, and Timor-Leste. We honour the courage and sacrifice of the 4,500 UN personnel and peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948.
The UN has also helped reduce polio by over 99 percent and driven landmark climate agreements. These achievements show what the UN can deliver when we work together.
President, multilateralism faces unprecedented strain but remains the best tool we have to meet our shared challenges. Our response must be guided by the principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, human rights, and international law. Only through collective adherence to these principles can we deliver lasting peace, stability, and security. The United Kingdom remains committed to working with all Member States to this end.
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 26 May 2026.
Nigel Topping, Tania Songini and Marianne Økland have been reappointed as Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) of the National Wealth Fund by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury.
The National Wealth Fund (NWF) is playing a central role in investing public money in the UK’s future, and over the next five years aims to mobilise over £100 billion of finance into the UK economy supporting the government’s growth mission.
Following the appointment of a new CEO, Olly Holbourn, and three new Non-Executive Directors last year, the NWF has, under this leadership, published its 5 year strategic plan (March 2026) and moved into its next phase of delivery.
The NWF Board, chaired by Chris Grigg, has been central to this progress. These reappointments provide continuity and stability to the Board, as the organisation builds on the recent changes and continues to deliver its objectives.
The NWF invests in a range of capital-intensive projects, businesses and assets, using debt, equity and guarantees, addressing market weaknesses and crowding in private investment to unlock growth and clean energy projects that otherwise would not have gone ahead.
Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Lord Livermore said:
I am pleased to reappoint Nigel Topping, Tania Songini and Marianne Økland to the Board of the National Wealth Fund. Their combined expertise across industry, energy and financial markets will continue to support the NWF’s work delivering investment and growth across the UK.
Chair of the National Wealth Fund, Chris Grigg, said:
I welcome the reappointment of Nigel, Tania and Marianne. They have each made a strong contribution to the Board, and their experience and insight will continue to be valuable as the organisation builds on recent progress and delivers its strategic plan.
These reappointments have been made following a formal process and with the approval of the Financial Secretary to the Treasury and the Prime Minister. Reappointments are not automatic and are made on merit, in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.
Nigel Topping brings extensive experience across industry and climate leadership. He has held senior roles in UK manufacturing and industrial businesses and has played a leading role in driving the transition to a net zero carbon economy. Nigel served as the UK’s High-Level Climate Action Champion for COP26 and continues to hold a number of advisory and leadership roles in climate and energy. He brings strategic insight, a strong external network, and deep expertise in industrial decarbonisation to the NWF Board.
Tania Songini has significant experience in the energy sector, particularly in renewable power generation and distributed energy systems. She has held senior leadership roles within Siemens’ energy business across the UK and northwest Europe, and currently holds a number of non-executive positions across the energy sector. As Chair of the NWF Remuneration Committee, she has played a key role in aligning organisational objectives with shareholder priorities. Tania brings strong commercial, operational and sector expertise to the Board.
Marianne Økland brings deep banking and capital markets expertise, developed through senior roles at global financial institutions including JP Morgan and UBS. She has extensive experience in structuring and raising debt capital and in complex financial transactions. Marianne also brings strong technical knowledge of banking risk frameworks and economic capital, providing valuable challenge and oversight to the Board as the NWF’s portfolio grows in scale and complexity.
The NED’s current terms are due to expire in June 2026. Following the reappointment process, Nigel Topping will serve a further four-year term, Tania Songini a two-year term, and Marianne Økland a one-year term.
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