Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK cracks down on backdoor Russian sanctions evasion with tough new measures [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK cracks down on backdoor Russian sanctions evasion with tough new measures [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 May 2026.

    Crypto and illicit finance networks exploited by Russia to circumvent UK sanctions are being targeted as the government ramps up pressure on Putin’s war machine to support Ukraine.

    • UK ramps up pressure on Putin’s war machine with tough new sanctions, targeting crypto networks used to bypass Britain’s sanctions. 
    • New sanctions also hit the Kremlin-backed A7 network, which actively exploits Kyrgyzstan’s financial systems to channel funds into Russia’s war economy.  
    • The UK is leading the international effort and adapting its sanctions to stay ahead of Russian evasion, shutting down the payment routes fuelling its war machine against Ukraine. 

    Crypto and illicit finance networks exploited by Russia to circumvent UK sanctions are being targeted today as the government ramps up pressure on Putin’s war machine to support Ukraine.

    Putin’s regime is increasingly feeling the pressure on the economy from sanctions, and on the battlefield from Ukraine. This month [May 2026], Russia slashed its economic growth forecast for this year from 1.3% to just 0.4%, and halved its forecast for 2027. 

    As existing sanctions continue to bite, the Kremlin has increasingly turned to dark networks and shadow financial systems to bypass legal restrictions. Today’s action shows the UK is moving faster and further than ever before to clamp down on these routes and adapt its approach to stay ahead of Russian evasion tactics. 

    The UK has today announced a new package of sanctions targeting cryptocurrency exchanges and the ‘A7 network’, used by Russia to evade existing restrictions and channel funds to fuel its barbaric war against Ukraine. These sanctions will come into force immediately.

    Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper said: 

    If the Kremlin thinks it can evade our sanctions by hiding behind crypto networks and shadow financial systems, it is gravely mistaken. 

    The UK is adapting and strengthening our approach to target the evolving tactics Russia is using to evade restrictions. We are going after the infrastructure that underpins its war economy at the same time as Ukraine is increasing the pressure on Russia on the battlefield.

    We are tracking down and shutting off the financial lifelines that sustain Putin’s war machine. There will be no safe havens for those enabling Russia’s aggression. 

    We will continue to act fast and decisively, alongside our allies, to expose, disrupt and dismantle these networks, and ensure those enabling Russia’s aggression face consequences. 

    The A7 network is a Kremlin-backed system designed to bypass Western sanctions, finance military procurement, and process funds from the sale of oil to fund its war economy. The network claimed to have moved more than $90 billion last year – equivalent to roughly half of Russia’s yearly military expenditure.  

    Today’s package of 18 designations directly targets Russia’s illicit financial infrastructure used to move funds, procure goods, and sustain its war. 

    New measures also hit key A7-linked individuals. This gang is using a Kyrgyz bank suspected of facilitating payments for the network, alongside a major global cryptocurrency exchange that we suspect has channelled over $1.5 billion back into the Kremlin’s hands. We are also targeting 3 Georgian companies operating Russia focused exchanges seeking to evade sanctions. 

    Russia’s unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine and continued strikes hitting innocent civilians and vital infrastructure has shattered peace in Europe. A threat to European security is a threat to our security at home, but through UK sanctions we are severing Putin’s access to vital cashflows and sending a clear message that the UK stands firmly in defence of our shared values and Britain’s safety and stability.  

    Today’s announcements marks a further step in the UK’s sustained effort to erode Russia’s ability to fund its illegal full scale invasion, ramping up pressure on Putin’s war chest. To date the UK has sanctioned over 3,300 individuals, businesses and ships meaning Russia’s war economy is creaking – having lost over $450 billion due to international sanctions, the equivalent of two years of funding for Putin’s illegal war. 

    As Russia seeks to expand these financial networks globally, the UK is leading efforts to disrupt them, working with allies to protect the integrity of the international financial system and support Ukraine for as long as it takes. 

    As long as the killing in Ukraine continues, the UK and its allies stand ready to ratchet up pressure on Russia and will continue to strengthen sanctions at every opportunity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New action against hidden childcare costs to help families [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New action against hidden childcare costs to help families [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 26 May 2026.

    Education Secretary writes to the CMA to examine the childcare market and launches a free tool helping families find childcare and budget for costs.

    Government is standing up for parents facing eye-watering childcare costs including non-refundable deposits and basics like nappies and suncream. 

    The Education Secretary has written to the independent Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) as part of new government action to tackle hidden childcare fees hitting families. 

    While funded hours are meant to be free, too many parents report being asked to pay extra to secure a place including upfront deposits, compulsory add-ons, or additional hours to access their entitlement. 

    These practices undermine the value of 30 hours of free childcare and add to the pressure on working families. Nearly three quarters (72%) of parents say they are using savings to cover extra charges, while more than one in four (27%) say cost remains the biggest barrier to accessing the childcare they need. 

    A new free cost of living tool will also help parents make the most of the childcare offer, from finding local provision to planning and getting exactly what they are entitled to. 

    Government support is already massively reducing costs, with eligible families saving an average of £8,000 a year per child and more than 500,000 families now benefiting from funded hours. 

    Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: 

    I grew up in a family that knew what it meant to count every penny. I am so proud of the crucial difference that 30 hours funded childcare makes to family finances, saving £8,000 a year per child on average. 

    The vast majority of nurseries and childminders have been brilliant in helping us deliver, but I will not accept the small minority letting families down and stopping them get what they were promised.

    The government has also asked the CMA to do more to investigate the role private equity and other ownership models are playing in the childcare market, including whether they are working in the interests of families or driving up costs and creating risks for those who depend on their local nursery. 

    The new cost of living tool also includes a trial of a new map of local childcare. Launching first in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset, the map will help families find funded childcare near them while promoting local nurseries and childminders to more parents. Families nationwide will be able to use it later this year. 

    This work sits alongside a wider government drive to make life simpler and more affordable for families. The newly launched GOV.UK Chat – a new AI tool that allows parents to ask questions in plain English and get instant answers about what support they could have – means help is now available at any time of day. 

  • PRESS RELEASE : Attorney General refers Fordingbridge Three cases to Court of Appeal [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Attorney General refers Fordingbridge Three cases to Court of Appeal [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Attorney General on 26 May 2026.

    The Attorney General has made the decision to refer the cases of the Fordingbridge Three to the Court of Appeal.

    Following a swift and detailed examination of the cases, the Attorney General has made the decision to refer the cases of the Fordingbridge Three to the Court of Appeal.

    After receiving multiple requests to review the sentences, the Attorney General’s Office obtained copies of the papers relating to this case. These included the facts of the offending, the judge’s findings and the sentencing guidelines, which have been carefully considered.

    A reference under the Unduly Lenient Scheme can only be made if a sentence is not just lenient, but likely to be unduly so.

    The Court of Appeal will now decide whether the sentence imposed was unduly lenient, and whether to increase the existing sentence.

    The Attorney General Richard Hermer KC says:

    There has understandably been a huge amount of public interest, and concern, at this horrific case.

    I directed my officials to work urgently, to allow me to consider this decision swiftly, and to begin to bring closure to the victims and their families.

    It is clear to me from their powerful personal statements, that these girls have displayed immense bravery in coming forward.

    There is an epidemic of violence against women and girls in this country, and this government will not hesitate in taking action to ensure all women and girls feel safe and have confidence in the justice system.

    Notes for Editors

    • Anyone can ask for a Crown Court sentence to be reviewed if they think it’s too low.
    • The Law Officers can review sentences given by the Crown Court in England and Wales if they’re asked to. The Law Officers have 28 days from sentencing to carefully consider the case and make a decision
    • By law only certain types of case can be reviewed, such as: murder, manslaughter and rape
    • Victims and their bereaved families will have up to six months in the interests of justice to ask for a sentence to be reconsidered – rather than being strictly limited to 28 days: Victims and bereaved get more time to challenge lenient sentences – GOV.UK
    • More information on the ULS scheme, including who can refer and for what reasons, can be found on our website: Ask for a Crown Court sentence to be reviewed – GOV.UK
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Government releases a further £102.6 million for reform of NI public services [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Government releases a further £102.6 million for reform of NI public services [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 26 May 2026.

    Secretary of State Hilary Benn MP has announced the release of £102.6 million by the UK Government to support public service transformation in Northern Ireland.

    • The £102.6m funding represents the final allocation of the £235m transformation fund, provided by the UK Government as part of the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive package in 2024.
    • This package will support six Executive projects across health, communities, finance, and agriculture.
    • The largest single allocation, £42 million, is dedicated to the ePharmacy Primary Care Digital Reform Programme which will replace over 45 million annual paper prescriptions with an instant digital transfer.

    Secretary of State Hilary Benn MP has announced the release of £102.6 million by the UK Government to support public service transformation in Northern Ireland.

    The latest funding marks the final allocation of  the £235 million transformation fund provided to the Northern Ireland Executive as part of the restoration package in 2024.

    The major new package, announced by finance minister John O’Dowd, will support six Executive projects across health, communities, finance, and agriculture. 

    Some £42 million will go towards the ePharmacy Primary Care Digital Reform Programme. This project will replace paper-based prescriptions with a digital process that will enable the electronic transfer of prescriptions to community pharmacies across Northern Ireland. This is expected to dramatically improve services by replacing the manual processing of over 45 million paper prescriptions a year with instant digital transfer. 

    Speaking as the funding was announced, the Secretary of State said:

    This £102.6 million investment is a significant milestone for Northern Ireland, and a clear signal of this Government’s commitment to supporting the Executive to deliver better public services for the people of Northern Ireland.

    At the heart of this funding is a simple goal: making public services work better for the people who rely on them every day. 

    The full allocation of the £235m transformation fund is supporting the framework to transform service delivery for the long term.

    I look forward to seeing the results of all successful projects in the months ahead.

    Matthew Patrick MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Northern Ireland Office said:

    We promised to work with the Executive to transform public services and that’s exactly what we’re doing. From transforming access to prescription services, to giving children and families the support they need to thrive – this Government is funding real change for people in Northern Ireland.

    I am also proud that this Government has been able to secure the largest ever devolution settlement for Northern Ireland, and an additional £750m in Barnett consequentials through the Budget and Spring Statement. These funding streams, alongside the transformation fund, provide the opportunity for the Executive to deliver the changes that public services need to ensure that they work for the people of Northern Ireland.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors 

    Background and further project information

    • The funding comes following the recommendations of the Public Sector Transformation Board. 
    • The Board, comprising officials from the Northern Ireland Civil Service and UK Government, supported by independent experts, provides recommendations to the Finance Minister about allocation of £235 million ringfenced funding. 
    • The transformation funding is part of the broader £3.3 billion Executive restoration package for Northern Ireland.

    The six proposals recommended by the Transformation Board and being funded are;

    • £42 million for the ePharmacy Primary Care Digital Reform Programme, delivering electronic prescription transfer and a new digital platform for community pharmacy clinical services, expanding access to care and bringing treatment closer to patients’ homes.
    • £29.2m, for the Together for Families project. A new partnership between the Department of Health, The National Lottery Community Fund and the Voluntary and Community sector which will establish a regionwide, tiered model of early help to ensure families can access the right help, at the right time and in the right place. The National Lottery Community Fund will contribute an additional £30m to the project – its first strategic investment of this kind in Northern Ireland.
    • £16m for Department for Communities’ led Pathway to Work and Wellbeing proposal, this investment will deliver a redesigned Health and Work model in partnership with the Department of Health and Department for the Economy, offering stronger integration between employability and health services to support more people to find and sustain employment.
    • £6m for the Department of Finance’s Digital Workplace programme, to modernise records and information management across the Civil Service, to reduce duplication and manual handling, helping to support faster access to information and freeing up staff time for citizen-facing activity.
    • £4m for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ Bovine Tuberculosis Research Project to deliver a first of its kind regionalised pilot, working with partners across Ireland, to redesign the control of bovine tuberculosis. A Shared Island Fund investment of approximately £5.6m will also be used to support the Bovine Tuberculosis Research Project.
    • £5.3m for Department of Finance’s NISRA Data Linkage programme to deliver the capability to safely link data across departments in support of evidence-based policy making improving outcomes and better targeting of public services.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Third new national forest to bring nature closer to communities [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Third new national forest to bring nature closer to communities [May 2026]

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

    Government commits up to £7.5 million and calls for delivery partners to submit bids to help deliver landmark new forest covering more than 200 square miles.

    The creation of a third new national forest has taken an exciting step forward today (Tuesday 26 May), with the government committing up to £7.5 million over a five-year period to support the project. This marks continued progress towards fully delivering the government’s manifesto commitment to create three new national forests in England. 

    The new national forest – to be located in either the Midlands or North of England – is expected to be between up to 600 square miles in scale, large enough to make a significant long-term contribution to tree-planting targets, while sitting comfortably within the area’s existing landscape and local identity. Eligible organisations across the Midlands and North of England are invited to submit bids to become a delivery partner. 

    The third new national forest will have a particular focus on improving health outcomes for communities, with low-income communities disproportionately feeling the impacts of poor access to green and blue spaces. There is compelling evidence that access to woodland and green spaces delivers substantial public health benefits, including: 

    • better mental health and reduced healthcare costs 
    • increased physical activity and chronic disease prevention 
    • cardiovascular benefits and stress relief 
    • stronger social connections and community engagement 
    • cognitive development in children and young people 

    Nature Minister Mary Creagh said:

    In our manifesto we promised three new national forests, and after the Western Forest and the OxCam arc forest we’re looking for England’s newest forest in the Midlands or the North.

    Too many communities can’t access the green spaces that benefit mental and physical health. This new national forest will help change that, and I encourage every eligible organisation with the vision and expertise to come forward.

    The National Forest in the Midlands has demonstrated what is possible, planting 10 million trees to transform the landscape, increasing tree canopy and woodland cover from 6% to 26%, and supporting more than 5,000 jobs in the visitor economy.

    Delivery partners for the third new national forest will work with Defra and the National Forest Company to help identify and establish the forest, providing targeted economic, environmental, and social benefits. 

    National Forest Company Chief Executive John Everitt said:

    Opening the competition for the third new national forest is a major milestone in accelerating our tree planting ambitions. We are looking forward to seeing some strong applications that can make a real difference for the health and wellbeing of communities across the Midlands and North of England.

    The government is keen to prioritise locations and approaches that best demonstrate how a richer, more accessible natural environment can improve health and wellbeing for the people who need it most. 

    This investment forms part of the government’s commitment to the largest ever investment in nature, with over £1 billion invested in tree planting and support for the forestry sector this parliament. This will make a significant contribution to Environment Act targets, including the statutory target to increase tree canopy and woodland cover to 16.5% by 2050. It will also contribute to the government’s target to halt the decline of species and protect 30% of land for nature by 2030.  

    New national forests will accelerate progress towards woodland creation targets, while shaping policy innovation that speeds up tree planting delivery across the country. 

    This announcement builds on significant progress already made. Planting has already begun at the Western Forest — the first new national forest in more than 30 years — which will see more than 20 million trees planted across Bristol, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset by 2050. A competition for a delivery partner for the second new national forest in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor has also recently taken place, with more details to follow in due course. 

    Additional information:

    • The third new national forest is expected to be between 200 and 600 square miles in scale. 
    • Bids to become the Delivery Partner can be submitted from 26 May. The window to submit bids for the first stage of the competition will be open for 6 weeks and will close on 7 July.
    • Further information on how organisations can apply can be found at X (add link on Tues morning once live). 
    • The government has committed over £1 billion to tree planting and the forestry sector this parliament.
    • The Environment Act target is to increase tree canopy and woodland cover to 16.5% of total land area in England by 2050.
    • The existing National Forest in the Midlands has seen 10 million trees planted, with tree canopy and woodland cover increasing from 6% to over 26%.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and Australia pact on fast-moving AI security risks [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and Australia pact on fast-moving AI security risks [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 25 May 2026.

    • The UK and Australia agree deeper ties to tackle AI risks, with new partnership between the UK AI Security Institute and the Australian AI Safety Institute.
    • Institutes to share information on frontier AI capabilities, collaborate on best practices in AI evaluation, and share research findings.
    • Agreement comes as latest research shows AI cybersecurity capabilities are advancing faster than ever before.

    The UK and Australia will deepen cooperation on AI security and safety when Ministers meet in Canberra later today (Monday 25 May), as both nations move to stay ahead of emerging threats from powerful AI systems.

    Under a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the UK AI Security Institute and Australian Safety Institute will work together to track the latest developments in frontier AI – including how these systems could be used in cyber-attacks, as well as how they can strengthen defences.

    The partnership will see both countries share insights on AI capabilities, carry out research into emerging risks, and work together to develop international best practice for testing and evaluating AI systems – principles to help guide those working to ensure AI behaves as intended.

    It will also open the door to staff exchanges between the two institutes, strengthening day to day collaboration. The agreement builds on the strong and deep ties that the UK and Australia already share, bringing that cooperation into the AI era at a moment when the technology is evolving at pace. Working closely with key allies will be critical managing these risks, while ensuring AI can be harnessed to safely drive growth and improve lives.

    The UK’s AI Minister Kanishka Narayan will sign the agreement alongside Australia’s Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, Dr Andrew Charlton, when they meet in Canberra later today.

    UK AI Minister, Kanishka Narayan, said:

    Australia and the UK have always worked closely to keep our people safe – and that partnership matters more than ever in the age of AI.

    This technology is moving fast, and so are the risks that come with it – particularly in areas like cyber security. No country can tackle that alone.

    By working hand in hand with trusted partners such as Australia, we can stay ahead of the risks, strengthen our defences and make sure AI is used to improve lives for Brits and Aussies alike.

    AISI’s agreement with its Australian counterpart adds to the wealth of work the Institute conducts with international partners. AISI shares best practice with AI research bodies across the world’s major economies, developed through the International Network for Advanced AI Measurement, Evaluation and Science and through its bilateral partnerships.

    New research from the UK’s AI Security Institute underlines the urgency of this work, showing that advanced AI systems are rapidly improving their ability to carry out complex cyber-attacks, in particular – with opportunities for both attackers and defenders. AISI’s world-leading frontier AI research continues to inform UK policymaking, to help keep British businesses, critical infrastructure and the public safe.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Wildlife habitat in most cherished landscapes set to be restored [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Wildlife habitat in most cherished landscapes set to be restored [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 25 May 2026.

    £30 million investment important step toward protecting 30% of England’s land for nature by 2030.

    Precious wildlife habitat in our most important places for nature is set to be restored thanks to a new government fund, Nature Minister Mary Creagh announced today (Monday 25 May).  

    The government will invest £30 million to restore and create wildlife-rich habitats across England’s most iconic landscapes from the wilds of Dartmoor to the rugged Lake District. 

    Our protected landscapes act as vital havens for the country’s most threatened species such as hedgehogs, hazel dormouse, water vole, and rare birds like the curlew and turtle dove, with habitat degradation being one of the main drivers for their decline. 

    The new Wildlife-Rich Habitat Fund will deliver thousands of hectares of new habitat across England’s National Parks, National Landscapes, and the Broads over three years, helping to bring nature back to the places people love most.  

    The scale and ambition of projects that will soon be underway illustrates what investing in nature can achieve. For example, the Peak District National Park Authority is working with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, volunteers and contractors to start the transformation of over 80 hectares of upland moorland at Gun Moor. Following years of degradation with the Moor’s deep peat drying out and wildlife retreating, the project is restoring 24 hectares of wet heath, re-wetting deep peat, and establishing a new area of native woodland on the lower slopes. More funding means more projects like this getting off the ground.   

    Nature Minister Mary Creagh said:  

    “Our national parks and protected landscapes are home to some of our most marginal species. Our Wild Again funding is already turning the tide on their decline. It will mean more birdsong, flower meadows full of bees and butterflies, and new areas of native woodlands.” 

    “We’re funding this recovery with the highest ever budget for nature, field by field, across England’s most iconic and beautiful landscapes”. 

    Mary-Ann Ochota, Independent Chair of the Protected Landscapes Partnership, said:  

    “This multi-year investment in Wildlife-Rich Habitats is brilliant news. Protected Landscapes teams are empowered to make smart, efficient decisions, and support will reach local delivery partners quickly. These teams know their landscapes, understand the potential for change and can work together to achieve the best outcomes.   

    “Locally rooted, trust-building partnerships are key. The result? Thriving, wildlife-rich landscapes, nurtured and cherished by farmers, land managers and local communities. It’s the very essence of why National Parks and National Landscapes exist”.   

    Protected Landscape organisations will work closely with other conservation organisations, farmers and land managers, and the local communities who know their landscapes best.      

    The funding announced today follows a £90 million commitment made in March to fund species recovery projects, the largest investment ever announced in species recovery by a government as part of our Wild Again drive aiming to restore our nature and return lost species including beavers and white-tailed eagles. 

    The Wildlife-Rich Habitat Fund forms part of Wild Again: Restoring England’s Wildlife, the government’s umbrella campaign to halt species decline by 2030, bringing together species recovery and habitat restoration work across Defra and its arm’s-length bodies.   

    This will help meet our international commitment to protect 30% land for nature and our legal Environment Act target to restore over 500,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat by 2042. 

    Joan Edwards, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at The Wildlife Trusts, said:  

    ‘‘Generations have been inspired by the wonderful wild animals and plants they find in England’s National Parks and Landscapes. However, these special connections with nature have been fraying, as climate change, land use pressures and pollution take their toll, and nature declines across the country.   

    “Today’s announcement of £30 million of new funding to help wildlife recover in protected landscapes is much needed if we are to reverse this loss and empower people to restore more habitats in cherished National Parks and Landscapes. With nature underpinning our economy, health and future resilience as a nation, there is still lots to do if we are to bring flourishing wildlife and habitats back and achieve vital Environment Act targets. This new funding is step towards delivering on that ambition.’’  

    Martin Lines, CEO of the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN), said:   

    “This funding is a positive recognition that farmers are essential partners in protecting and restoring the habitats that make our protected landscapes so special. Through the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) scheme, farming businesses have already shown how productive farming and nature recovery can go hand in hand – creating and caring for habitats that support rare wildlife, strengthen landscapes and benefit local communities.”  
     
    “We warmly welcome this announcement, which reinforces the importance of farmers as key partners in restoring and protecting our most treasured landscapes. When farmers are trusted and supported to lead, nature can recover at scale.” 

    Additional information: 

    • The Wildlife-Rich Habitat Fund provides £30 million in ring-fenced funding – £10 million per financial year – from 2026 to 2029. 
    • 36 of England’s 44 Protected Landscapes are participating in the first year with every project funded rooted in local priorities. 
    • The fund is delivered through the existing Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme infrastructure. 
    • The fund is separate from and does not affect the farming budget or the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme. 
    • Projects will be prioritised in line with Protected Landscapes management plans and Local Nature Recovery Strategies. 
    • The fund forms part of the government’s broader programme of action to restore nature, alongside the Environmental Improvement Plan, the Land Use Framework and new legislation to strengthen the purposes and powers of National Parks and National Landscapes.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Statement of the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG) on the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Statement of the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG) on the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 May 2026.

    The International Contact Group (ICG) for the Great Lakes, including representatives of Belgium, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States, met in Stockholm on 20-21 May 2026 and gave a statement on the situation in the Great Lakes region.

    The ICG reiterates its concerns over the continued conflict in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the impediment that the conflict poses to regional stability and prosperity. The ICG also restates its support for the ongoing international peace efforts facilitated by Qatar, the US, African Union-appointed mediator Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Ministers of the Togolese Republic, the Panel of Facilitators and regional partners.

    The ICG welcomes the progress achieved under both the Washington Accords between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, and the Doha Framework Agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23).

    The ICG commends the progress made by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the AFC/M23 on 13-19 April in Montreux, Switzerland, in supporting humanitarian operations and committing to release prisoners and implement the Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism, supported by the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and MONUSCO, as stated in the public statement issued at the end of the meeting.

    The ICG also welcomes the progress achieved at the 23 April meeting in Washington DC, where the DRC and Rwanda convened the Joint Oversight Committee. The ICG welcomes the expressed commitment by both sides to uphold their engagements under the Washington Accords and recalls the importance of implementing Resolution 2773 of the United Nations Security Council. The ICG recalls the importance of creating conditions for an inclusive inter-Congolese dialogue with all key Congolese stakeholders – a necessary element for durablepeace in the DRC – and welcome the consultations undertaken by the Republic of Angola.

    The ICG urges all parties to the conflict to build on this momentum, fulfil their commitments under these and earlier agreements, and remain steadfast in their pursuit of peace through negotiations. The ICG reiterates that there can be no military solution to the conflict.

    All parties must protect civilians in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law. The escalating use of drones by various actors, including by state actors, has led to an increasing number of civilian casualties. The ICG condemns violations of international humanitarian law in the strongest terms. There is an urgent need for improved civil-military coordination and liaison mechanisms, notification procedures and pre-identification of humanitarian infrastructure.

    Political progress must immediately translate into improvements on the ground. The ceasefire must be respected by all parties, and the humanitarian situation must improve. Humanitarian relief personnel must be allowed safe, rapid and unimpeded access. The ICG calls on all parties to facilitate humanitarian access in line with international humanitarian law, including by working towards the sustained opening of the Goma and Kavumu airports, the establishment of safe humanitarian corridors in North and South Kivu, and simplified administrative procedures. The recent outbreak of Ebola, declared by WHO as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 17 May, and declared by Africa CDC as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security on 18 May, adds to an already fragile humanitarian situation in the eastern DRC. The ICG urges all parties to the conflict to facilitate efforts to respond to the Ebola outbreak. This threat underscores the importance of regional cooperation to address common challenges.

    In line with the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the region, the ICG will continue to support regional partners in addressing the drivers of the conflict and support lasting peace and shared prosperity in the Great Lakes region. Inclusive governance, accountability and the safeguarding of rights are essential for long-term stability, helping to address grievances and break cycles of instability.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Preferred candidate for Chair of the Judicial Appointments Commission [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Preferred candidate for Chair of the Judicial Appointments Commission [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 22 May 2026.

    The Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice has confirmed that Lynne Berry CBE is his preferred candidate for the role of Chair of the Judicial Appointments Commission.

    The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) is the statutory body that identifies candidates for judicial roles in England and Wales. They also help fill positions for several specialist tribunals with UK-wide powers.  

    Lynne Berry CBE has been selected as the preferred candidate for the role of JAC Chair following a rigorous assessment process conducted in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments and the Judicial Appointments Commission Regulations 2013.

    The role is subject to pre-appointment hearing by the Justice Select Committee. Pre-appointment scrutiny is an important part of the appointment process for some of the most significant public appointments made by Ministers. It is designed to provide an added level of scrutiny to the appointment process. Pre-appointment hearings are held in public and allow a Select Committee to take evidence before a candidate is appointed. Ministers consider the Committee’s views before deciding whether to proceed with the appointment.

    Biography

    Lynne Berry CBE is currently Chair of Governors and Pro-Chancellor at the University of Westminster, Chair of the Human Tissue Authority, and visiting Professor in Leadership at Bayes Business School, City St George’s, University of London. She has served as Chair or Senior Independent Director of many public sector and not-for-profit bodies and has held several Chief Executive posts in public bodies, including the Charity Commission, the Equal Opportunities Commission and the General Social Care Council, as well as in charities such as the Royal Voluntary Service and the Family Welfare Association.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New Head of the Joint Intelligence Organisation Appointed [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New Head of the Joint Intelligence Organisation Appointed [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 22 May 2026.

    The Cabinet Secretary, with the approval of the Prime Minister, has announced the appointment of Adrian Bird CB as the new Chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) and head of the Joint Intelligence Organisation (JIO). Adrian will replace Dame Madeleine Alessandri DCB, CMG, who is stepping down after three years in the role. 

    Adrian is currently Chief of Defence Intelligence at the Ministry of Defence, and has previously held senior roles in the Government Communication Headquarters. Adrian brings a wealth of experience from his current role and his career in GCHQ.

    Adrian will lead a multidisciplinary team of expert officials in the JIO, providing real time security and risk assessments and advice to Ministers and the Prime Minister, and helping to develop government policies that keep the country safe and secure.

    The Cabinet Secretary, Dame Antonia Romeo, said:

    I am delighted to announce the appointment of Adrian Bird to this crucial role at this critical time for the country. Adrian’s extensive national security experience at the MoD and GCHQ make him an excellent fit to lead the dedicated security officials in the JIO, and to provide expert advice to the Prime Minister to keep the UK safe and secure. 

    I would also like to thank Madeleine Alessandri for her brilliant leadership as JIC Chair over the last three years, and her contribution to the wider Civil Service leadership, and to wish her well in her retirement.

    Commenting on his appointment, Adrian Bird said:

    It is an honour to be appointed as the new Chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee. I am delighted to be joining the JIO team and to have an opportunity to lead the UK’s professional intelligence assessment community, and to work closely with our trusted partners to deal with national security challenges of today and tomorrow. 

    I wanted to thank Dame Madeleine Alessandri for her excellent leadership of the JIO and I know she leaves the organisation in a strong position. I look forward to building on this and working with the team to meet the future challenges. I wish Madeleine a well-deserved retirement.

    Outgoing JIC Chair, Madeleine Alessandri said: 

    The Joint intelligence Committee continues to play a vital role in the security of the United Kingdom. Amid unprecedented volatility in geopolitics and exponential advances in technology, clear-eyed assessment to reduce uncertainty for policymakers at moments of critical decision has never been more important.  

    It has been a privilege to chair the Committee.  And it has been an honour to work with the brilliant people across the breadth of the UK national security system who enable assessments that are rigorous, impartial, and relevant to the challenges we face as a country.

    I am delighted that Adrian has been chosen to take on this extraordinary role – at an extraordinary moment in our 90 year history.    

    Adrian will take up his new post on 3 July.

    Notes for Editors

    Adrian Bird is currently Chief of Defence Intelligence in the Ministry of Defence. Adrian is the first civilian to hold this MoD role, having previously been held by military personnel. His successor in the MoD will be Lieutenant-General Matthew Jones, OBE.  

    Adrian has been in his current role since 2022. He joined government service in 1993 and held a wide variety of positions in GCHQ and FCDO culminating in two successive GCHQ Director General posts before he moved to the MoD

    Adrian has been in his current role since 2022.

    The role

    The Chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) is responsible to the Prime Minister for supervising the work of the JIC. The post-holder also leads the Joint Intelligence Organisation (JIO) and is adviser to the Prime Minister on intelligence.

    The Joint Intelligence Committee

    The Joint Intelligence Committee is the cross-government committee responsible for providing Ministers and senior officials with timely intelligence assessments on critical strategic national security issues. 

    The Chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee reports to the Cabinet Secretary. 

    The Joint Intelligence Organisation

    The JIC is supported by the Joint Intelligence Organisation (JIO), a multi-disciplinary team of data scientists, analysts, economists and national security professionals. This dynamic and highly collaborative team is responsible for drafting all-source assessments on policy-relevant strategic issues and provides warning of threats to UK national interests.

    The JIO sits at the heart of the UK intelligence assessment community and draws on the full range of reporting and expertise available across government, academia, business and international partners.