Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Government confirms National Covid Memorial Wall will be preserved [November 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 13 November 2025.

The National Covid Memorial Wall will be preserved to remember the lives lost during the pandemic.
- COVID-19 Day of Reflection will take place annually each March
- New COVID-19 commemorative green spaces delivered in partnership with NHS Charities Together and Forestry England
The government has today published its response to the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration’s report.

The Commission, headed by Baroness Morgan of Cotes, was created under the previous administration to make recommendations on how the United Kingdom can commemorate the loss of life and honour the sacrifice and public service of key workers during the pandemic.

The government has committed to take forward a number of the recommendations in the report, including:
- Preservation of the National Covid Memorial Wall: Created by the bereaved, for the bereaved, the government will work with The Friends of the Wall and local partners, to preserve the National Covid Memorial Wall as a memorial to the lives lost in the UK to COVID-19.
- A UK wide COVID-19 Day of Reflection: The Day of Reflection will continue to take place annually in March as an opportunity to come together to remember the lives lost and the sacrifices made. It will also pay tribute to the work of health and social care staff, frontline workers, researchers and all those who volunteered and showed acts of kindness during this unprecedented time.
- Creating new spaces for reflection: In partnership with NHS Charities Together and Forestry England, new COVID-19 memorials will be created across the country that will reflect the importance of green spaces to the nation during the pandemic.
- Fellowship scheme on future natural hazards: A new fellowship programme has been launched focusing on natural hazards and resilience as part of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Policy Fellowship programme.
- Commemoration web pages: New gov.uk web pages have also been published bringing together information about COVID-19 commemorative activity, including oral histories that share memories and first-hand experiences of the pandemic. They will also include information on memorials that the public can visit, and about the Day of Reflection.
Culture Minister Baroness Twycross said:

The pandemic had a huge impact on every aspect of our lives. It is right that this period in our shared history is appropriately remembered. I would like to thank Baroness Morgan, all of the Commissioners, and the bereaved family groups who contributed to the work of the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration.

It is important that we honour the lives lost and remember the sacrifice and courage of key workers who contributed so much to keep the public safe and keep our public services running during this time, often at huge personal cost.

Each of the more than 240,000 hand painted hearts on the National Covid Memorial Wall is a poignant and powerful reminder of the scale of loss of life to the pandemic. Many families did not have the opportunity to say goodbye to a loved one. Today, we commit to ensuring that those who died are not forgotten.

Baroness Morgan of Cotes said:

I would like to thank Ministers and DCMS officials for their considered and thoughtful response to the recommendations of the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration. It was a privilege to chair the Commission and I remain mindful that while people want the space and time to reflect on their individual and collective loss, they also wanted us to look ahead in our recommendations and to try to build resilience in preparation for a future pandemic or other hazardous event.

As we said in our report, the period when bereaved families could not have the usual physical and social contact will never be forgotten. But equally the efforts and sacrifices of frontline workers, the volunteering and community spirit we saw and the amazing achievement of UK science in developing the vaccines should also not be forgotten. It is right that, as a country, we take the time to remember the COVID-19 pandemic, to address what happened and then to focus on preparedness for the future. The Government response will facilitate this and I am delighted that we have reached this point.

You can read the full government response here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-government-response-to-the-report-by-the-uk-commission-on-covid-commemoration
November 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Strengthening coalitions for action on freedom of religion or belief: UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief speech [November 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 November 2025.

The UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, David Smith MP, gave a speech at an event marking the 5th anniversary of the Article 18 Alliance held at the Prague Castle, Czechia.

Excellencies, colleagues and friends. It is an honour to follow such powerful and brave speakers, and my privilege to be speaking here today as the UK’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, or FoRB.

Some of you will know of my background before politics, including my work with Tearfund and the Bible Society. Believe me then when I say that the promotion and protection of FoRB is something very close to my heart, as indeed I am sure it is for you too.

It is almost a year since I became UK Special Envoy and, in that time, I have met with a wide range of experts, activists and international partners – many of you here today – to build my understanding of the opportunities we have, to make a difference. This includes through the important work of the Article 18 Alliance, which Robert Řehák has so ably led since 2024.

You are all aware of the scale of the challenge we face globally. But some facts bear repeating.

Aid to the Church in Need’s 2025 Religious Freedom in the World Report estimates that over 5.4 billion people, nearly two thirds of the world’s population, live in countries where serious FoRB violations or abuses occur.

According to the Pew Research Centre, the number of countries with “high” or “very high” levels of government restrictions on FoRB, is at its highest level since 2007. And social hostilities involving religion are also on the rise.

Worsening authoritarianism, including restrictions on the freedom of assembly, war and conflict, and increasing religious nationalism are driving persecution on the basis of religion or belief.

UK FoRB strategy

But in the context of these global challenges, the UK is taking action. In July, the UK launched a new and ambitious FoRB strategy that reflects our belief that FoRB is central to global stability.

Indeed, FoRB demonstrates the core principle that human rights are interdependent and mutually reinforcing.

If you have no freedom to worship, you have no freedom of assembly.

If you have no freedom of belief, you have no freedom of conscience.

If you have no freedom to share your faith, you have no freedom of speech.

If you have no freedom to practice your faith or belief you are not equal in dignity and rights.

Our strategy comprises five core strands of work: multilateral advocacy; targeted bilateral engagement; mainstreaming FoRB across our foreign policy; increasing civil society engagement and strengthening coalitions for collective action.

My presence here today, speaking to you now, is a commitment to this last point.

The UK is proud to be a member of this Alliance, as well as the International Contact Group on FoRB. And our resolve remains steadfast in supporting and ensuring that we maintain these groupings.

Celebrating successes of A18A

I am glad to say that the UK has been a committed member since the Alliance’s inception, and together we have achieved remarkable progress. It is right that we celebrate that here today. In just five years, membership has grown from 22 to 38 states, plus friends and observers. This speaks to our shared commitment to FoRB and the value of this platform. I pay tribute to our chairs and members, and of course to Ambassador Brownback.

Our collaboration has delivered real impact. Joint statements have condemned antisemitism; the persecution of Christians and anti-Muslim hatred. The Alliance have challenged violations across the globe, including defending religious freedom in Tibet, Ukraine, and Nicaragua. These actions and more demonstrate the strength of our united stance.

The Working Groups show how states and civil society experts can work together to practically address shared challenges, such as protecting FoRB in the digital age. And the Alliance’s platform now provides a critical central resource for research and best practice, a tool for present and for future advocates.

Most importantly, our efforts have helped to change lives. In 2023, engagement by the Alliance helped secure the release of Hannah Abdimalik in Somaliland, and Shamil Khakimov in Tajikistan.

And I am delighted that Mubarak Bala, and Pastor Lorenzo in Cuba have been able to share their stories here today. The UK was proud to support the campaigns for their release, including through an open letter from our former Foreign Secretary and partnership with Humanists International. These victories remind us that when we act together, we make a real difference.

Looking to the future

Their stories, and those Rushan Abbas has shared with us today underline just how much remains to be done. As we look ahead, our mission must evolve with purpose and urgency.

The scale of the challenge demands collective action. The Article 18 Alliance is not just a coalition of the willing, it is a force for change. I humbly suggest three areas of focus:

First, we must expand our Alliance. The strength of our voice lies in its diversity. As Rushan noted in her intervention, “Silence is the oxygen of tyranny.” Let us actively seek new partners, especially in underrepresented regions. Growth means reach and reach means impact.

Second, we must continue our targeted efforts. Reform of discriminatory laws and championing of individual cases of persecution remain urgent. Let us use every available mechanism; from the UN’s Universal Periodic Review to bilateral diplomacy, to deeper engagement with civil society and human rights defenders, to champion FoRB for all. Our words matter. Our coordinated action matters more.

Third, we must mainstream FoRB in foreign policy. FoRB is not a niche concern; it is central to global stability. It intersects with migration, conflict, and development.

Persecution on the basis of religion or belief drives displacement, fuels extremism, and undermines prosperity. The UK’s strategy recognises this. Let us align our efforts and make FoRB a core pillar of international engagement.

We are many, and we are one. Let us build on what we have started and go further.

In closing, I’d like to call on the words of former US President Jimmy Carter:

Because we are free, we can never be indifferent to the fate of freedom elsewhere.

Thank you

November 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Pioneering prevention programme launches at Army and Navy bases working with young recruits [November 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 13 November 2025.

All military personnel are to be better protected through the launch of a new programme to prevent and address unacceptable sexual behaviour.
- Defence publishes the first ever tri-Service military sexual harassment survey results as part of the Government’s landmark commitment to halve violence against women and girls.
- Prevention teams will operate from Armed Forces sites in North Yorkshire and Plymouth with regional reach, before rolling out more widely.
- Recruitment is live for six specialist staff to initially train new recruits and reinforce the highest standards of behaviour in the Armed Forces.
The announcement comes alongside the publication of the first ever military-wide sexual harassment survey. Ministers commissioned the first-of-its-kind survey earlier this year to fully understand personnel’s experiences and perceptions of sexual harassment in the military. The results are designed to provide vital data to design and drive prevention programmes, support schemes and contribute to the central Government mission to halve violence against women and girls within a decade.

The new Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Taskforce announced earlier this year will tackle the cultural and behavioural root causes of unacceptable sexual behaviour, predominantly against women, in the Armed Forces. Its prevention programme will initially target interventions at young recruits to boost understanding of consent, misogyny, incel culture and harmful online influences against men and women and enforce the highest behavioural standards.

Catterick Garrison, an Army Base in Yorkshire, and Plymouth Naval Base will implement the first change programmes, which will include delivery of interventions in training facilities for our young recruits in Army Foundation College Harrogate and HMS Raleigh. We will then expand to our UK military personnel in Cyprus and RAF Halton in 2026 before wider rollout.

Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP said:

All those who choose to serve our country must be able to do so with dignity and respect. As a veteran myself, this mission is deeply personal to me.

By commissioning the UK’s first-ever comprehensive military sexual harassment survey, this Government is establishing, for the first time, a no holds barred baseline to fully confront and address the root causes of the issue and set new standards in transparency and accountability across our Armed Forces. We want our military to be best in class on this issue, and Ministers and Chiefs are working closely together to play our part in the Government’s central mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.

The Taskforce will include a multidisciplinary team of VAWG specialists and Armed Forces experts to identify key intervention points, trial a series of targeted initiatives, and scale up those that prove effective.

The Raising our Standards programme is driving the cultural change we need to ensure that everyone in Defence meets the highest standards of behaviour and professionalism. This work is the latest in a series of new initiatives to improve Service life, following the creation of the first Armed Forces Commissioner, a truly independent voice for Service personnel who will hold the Government and single Services to account and report directly to parliament, rather than ministers. Defence is also establishing a tri-Service complaints system, which – for the first time – takes the most serious complaints outside of the single Service chains of command.

Defence continues to invest and support the Victim Witness Care Unit, which provides comprehensive support for victims of serious crime, ensuring that those who come forward receive the care and advocacy they deserve.
November 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Security and future generations at the centre of discussions as UK and Ukraine strengthen partnership [November 2025]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 November 2025.

The Foreign Secretary welcomes Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha to London for next steps on the 100 Year Partnership.
- The Foreign Secretary will welcome Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha to London for next steps on the 100 Year Partnership
- Boost for UK and Ukraine’s next generation with expansion of successful school partnerships programme.
- Ukraine’s recovery is a priority for UK security with £5.2 million of new reconstruction funding for hospitals and roads supporting critical national infrastructure
New funding for three major reconstruction projects in Ukraine, including two hospitals and an extensive road project, will be announced today as part of the UK-Ukraine Strategic Dialogue.

And in a boost to the next generation in both countries, more British and Ukrainian school children than ever will be able to participate in the landmark 100 Year Partnership schools programme, delivered through the British Council. The schools partnership programme initially launched earlier this year, with 50 schools in the UK matched with 50 schools in Ukraine on a year-long reading project, with pupils sharing their favourite stories from their own cultures.

New funding will support 30 additional schools across both countries, with an estimated 5,000 additional pupils benefitting from the landmark partnership to drive education standards across both nations.

The new support comes as the Foreign Secretary welcomes Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha to London today [Thursday 13 November] for the Strategic Dialogue. They will discuss the long-term and strategic partnership between the UK and Ukraine, reaffirming the shared commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and democratic future.

The UK continues to be a key partner in helping broker a just and lasting peace for Ukraine and ensure that they are in the strongest position possible now and for future generations.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

Ukraine’s security is our security. Through our 100 Year Partnership, we commit to stand with Ukraine not just today or tomorrow, but for many decades and generations to come, deepening our economic, security and cultural ties.

Time and again, Putin shows he is willing to threaten the lives of civilians, take children from their families and destroy critical infrastructure. The UK’s support will help reconstruction of hospitals and critical national infrastructure as well as building connections between our countries for years to come.

Our support for Ukraine is stronger than ever.

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said:

I was lucky enough to grow up with a grandfather who passed on his love of reading to me – opening up my world and shaping who I am today. Reading is one of the greatest gifts a child can receive, building empathy, widening horizons and helping us to see the world through others’ eyes.

For children in Ukraine, who are dealing with hardships that many of us can’t comprehend, this programme is creating something truly special – bringing young people together through stories, building understanding and friendship, and forging bonds between schools. It’s wonderful that, as part of our Plan for Change and 100 Year Partnership, another 5,000 pupils will now have the chance to be part of it.

Deepening the UK and Ukraine’s partnership through education, culture and research ties is pivotal to the 100 Year Partnership. This week, three UK universities, Birkbeck – University of London, Durham University and Edge Hill University, will sign an agreement with the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies, enabling them to strengthen partnerships on education, research and cultural links.

The UK continues to give Ukraine its ironclad support. Building on the signing of the 100 Year Partnership in January, today’s meeting further solidifies the growing cooperation between the UK and Ukraine, and the incredible potential for our countries and generations to thrive for years to come.

Notes to editors
- More information on the 100 Year Partnership can be found here.
- More information on the UK’s support to Ukraine can be found here.
- More information on the British Council UK-Ukraine School Partnerships programme can be found here
- More information on the university twinning initiative and its 2025 report can be found here
- The Strategic Dialogue was established under the 2020 Strategic Partnership Agreement. It sets clear bilateral priorities across eight key areas including security, trade, energy, and culture, culminating in a leader-level meeting and joint communique.
- The inaugural Strategic Dialogue was held in December 2021. It was paused following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 and is now being relaunched to set clear priorities across growth, reform, and security, and to build on the momentum of the 100YP signed in January 2025.
- It aims to demonstrate long-term UK leadership and commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, resilience and recovery.
- These objectives directly support the PM’s Plan for Change by advancing UK growth and economic resilience through trade and innovation, and reinforcing our global leadership in security and democratic values.
November 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Government convenes expert group to secure future of water industry workforce [November 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 13 November 2025.

Water skills group, co-chaired with Energy & Utility Skills, holds inaugural meeting today.

The water industry is set to benefit from a new group created by government to ensure it has the skilled workforce it needs to deliver record levels of investment and reform.

The Water Skills Strategic Group held its first meeting today, 13th November 2025, bringing together senior leaders in government from and across the water sector and its supply chain.

The group’s focus will be the delivery of the £104 billion investment – the largest since privatisation – which will create more than 30,000 new jobs, support the building of 1.5 million new homes, and help restore the nation’s rivers, lakes and seas.

Convened by Defra and co-chaired with sector skills body Energy & Utility Skills, the group will drive coordinated action to grow a future-ready, highly skilled workforce across England and Wales, which will form the future of the water sector.

The Group will ensure the water sector has the skills needed to deliver huge infrastructure projects including nine new reservoirs, nine large-scale water transfer schemes and reducing leaks from water pipes. This will include roles such as bioresources technicians, hydraulics specialists, engineers, construction workers, and surveyors.

Meeting quarterly, the group will focus on identifying where skills are needed most across the sector, exploring how to improve its attractiveness to new, diverse talent and ensuring the right training and qualifications are in place. A framework for measuring progress will ensure the group is achieving its objectives, creating impact and robustly planning to support the implementation of the government’s water reform.

Water Minister Emma Hardy said:

We’re driving the biggest overhaul of the water sector since privatisation – making sure record investment goes where it’s needed most to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas.

That means opening up jobs and opportunities across England and Wales so we have skilled people on the ground, in every community, delivering the change we all want to see.

This partnership between government, industry and training bodies will help build the workforce we need for the future of our water sector.

Paul Cox, Group Chief Executive, Energy & Utility Skills, said:

The water sector stands at a pivotal moment with a shared responsibility to deliver for customers and the environment. Skills are central to that ambition. The scale of AMP8 investment will bring lasting benefits for communities, families and individuals across the United Kingdom.

By grounding decisions in evidence, attracting new talent, developing expertise and retaining experience, the sector can build a skilled and resilient workforce ready to meet future challenges. Through collaboration and pace, the sector can turn ambition into delivery and secure clean, reliable and sustainable water for generations to come.

This builds on commitments made at the Water UK Skills Summit earlier this year where government and industry leaders signed the Water Skills Pledge, affirming the government’s commitment to ensuring the water sector has the skills and workforce it needs to succeed.

Defra also established the Water Delivery Taskforce, which brings together Government, regulators, and water industry representatives, to ensure water companies complete their planned investments on time and on budget – providing value for money for customers.

The government will fast-track key recommendations from the Independent Water Commission and outline further actions in a White Paper later this year, paving the way for new legislation to attract investment, speed up infrastructure delivery, and restore public confidence in the sector.

Notes to editors:
- The Water Skills Strategic Group is jointly chaired by Defra and Energy & Utility Skills.
- Membership includes senior representatives from Defra, Energy & Utility Skills, Water UK, British Water, the Institute of Water, CIWEM, the Future Water Association, major water companies across England and Wales, supply chain contractors and key government departments.
- The group will run until March 2030, aligning with Asset Management Period 8.
November 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Armed forces set to benefit from £50 million novel blood products research [November 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 13 November 2025.

A £50 million funding opportunity is available for the development of a novel blood products research centre, set to benefit armed forces on the frontline over the next 14 years.

Novel blood products research aims to improve treatment in emergency and trauma care and address current critical blood product challenges nationally.

The funding opportunity is being delivered by the Medical Research Council (MRC) in partnership with MOD’s Defence Medical Services and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).

Research applications are invited to advance the development of novel blood products which include a focus on current and future challenges such as:
- Improving traditional blood products, by reducing the requirement for cold storage and developing products that can be administered universally rather than to a specific blood group.
- Accelerating the development of laboratory-derived blood, whether synthetic or from cell-lines, which will reduce the reliance on donors.
- Develop novel products with characteristics that natural blood cannot achieve.
Blood transfusions are critically important, including in emergency situations such as trauma-related haemorrhage, blood disorders such as anaemia, and treatment-related complications including cancer.

The existing supply chain is fragile due to a shortage of blood donors. Each of the UK’s four nations relies on a single provider to meet demand, while successful transfusions require blood from compatible, cross-matched donors to avoid reactions.

Global challenges including blood products that have specific requirements for storage, handling and shelf-life are exacerbated in a warfighting at scale scenario, where access to specialist biomedical support, state-of-the-art facilities and cold-chain storage may be limited, and geography may prevent blood provision close to the point of need.

Dr Paul Hollinshead, Dstl Chief Executive, said:

Protecting the lives of our armed forces is our highest priority.

Battlefield injuries involving severe trauma and blood loss often occur in austere conditions, many miles from hospitals.

Our scientists have worked seamlessly with stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy for research in novel blood technology. This MRC CoRE funding opportunity offers applicants the ability to work closely with industrial partners and other initiatives to ensure provision of blood when and where it is needed.

Director General of the Defence Medical Services, Air Marshal Clare Walton, said:

Ensuring adequate blood supply on operations is critical part of the work of the Defence Medical Services, and it is crucial that we continue to invest in this area.

This collaborative effort between different parts of Defence, UK Research and Innovation, and civilian academia is a prime example of the whole-of-society approach required to meet national challenges emphasised within the Government’s recent Strategic Defence Review.

Professor Patrick Chinnery, Executive Chair of MRC, said:

MRC Centres of Research Excellence bring together ambitious, multidisciplinary teams to tackle complex health challenges with the potential for transformative impact.

This targeted funding opportunity, delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Defence, invites applications to develop clinically effective, scalable blood products for use in emergency and trauma medicine, including in military and low-resource settings.

Our aim is to accelerate progress from mechanistic understanding to clinical testing, overcoming key barriers to translation and adoption, and delivering solutions that can be applied across diverse healthcare environments.

How to apply

Outline proposals must be submitted by 4 February 2026. Successful applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal in autumn 2026, with the outcome of the funding opportunity expected in spring 2027.

Interested parties are invited to attend a webinar on 25 November. Further information and details on how to apply are available at: https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/mrc-centre-of-research-excellence-round-four-outline-application/
November 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Rugby League legends tackle male loneliness with Government-backed programme [November 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 13 November 2025.

Boys and young men in Wigan and Wakefield to receive support to tackle loneliness and isolation through new Government and Rugby League Cares initiative.
- Rugby League greats including Keith Senior and Adrian Morley will lead sessions challenging harmful masculinity narratives and promoting mental health
- Sessions to teach life skills and emphasise that toxic online cultures are no match for positive, in-person experiences
Boys and young men in Wakefield and Wigan will benefit from a new sense of community, purpose and wellbeing as the Government teams up with independent charity Rugby League Cares to tackle male loneliness. This is part of the Government’s plans to break down barriers to opportunity as part of our Plan for Change.

Rugby League legends Keith Senior and Adrian Morley are among a group of former players leading pilot programmes across the two regions. They will kickstart honest conversations about male mental health and help young men build confidence and resilience, so they are better equipped to cope when life gets tough.

Young men are more than twice as likely to take their own lives as young women, according to the Office for National Statistics. Since the pandemic, there has been a sharp rise in the number of young men not in employment, education or training, leaving many without regular opportunities to forge friendships and meaningful connections.

Now, the Government is harnessing sport’s unique power to give people the feeling of belonging and ensure fewer boys and young men are left vulnerable to isolation.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

Too many young men today are struggling with loneliness and isolation. We know the devastating consequences this can have, both for their mental health and for our communities. When young people can’t find a sense of belonging where they live, they are vulnerable to finding it in the wrong places.

Rugby League has always been more than just a sport in towns like Wigan and Wakefield. It is the heartbeat of these communities. By bringing together the legends of the game with the next generation, we are creating spaces where young men can open up, build genuine connections and develop the resilience they need.

Everyone deserves to feel they’re part of something bigger than themselves. Through this work with Rugby League Cares, we are making sure more young men get that chance and can reach their full potential.

The Culture Secretary will make the announcement on Thursday during a visit to a Rugby League Cares programme in Wigan. The Government investment of more than £330,000 will fund two Rugby League Cares pilot programmes, reaching 1,300 boys and young men by March 2026.

The first programme, Offload, is designed to give men aged 16 to 24 who are at risk of isolation a safe environment to open up without pressure or judgement, while developing the tools they need to look after themselves and contribute positively to their communities.

The second, the Movember Ahead of the Game programme, will use rugby to deliver sport-focused mental health training to younger boys aged 11-18, as well as parents, carers and youth workers, engaging those at risk early through the game they love and the heroes they admire.

RLC Head of Wellbeing Programmes, former England and GB international Keith Senior said:

The difference these programmes make is incredible. They’re delivered by people who are embedded within the villages, towns and cities where the sport is played and who know all about the challenges boys and young men face growing up in these communities.

Being able to call on our own experiences of tackling issues like loneliness, social isolation and having little sense of belonging as we grew up is invaluable in helping us to relate to, and engage with the people we are reaching out to.

The values I learned as a professional athlete equipped me with many of the same coping mechanisms and strategies that we all need to thrive and lead fulfilling lives, and I am looking forward to sharing my experiences with boys and young men in Wakefield and Wigan.

Notes to editors

Programme details
- Both programmes aim to increase awareness of loneliness, isolation and mental health impact, as well as improving wellbeing, confidence and aspirations of participants.
- Each will be led by former professional players who are trained in mental health support, including Bob Beswick, Paul Broadbent, Teddy Chapelhow, James Chapelhow, Ian Hardman, Robbie Hunter-Paul, Dan Keane, Kevin Larroyer, Craig Lingard, Johnny Lawless, Shaun Lunt, Adrian Morley, Keith Senior, Jordan Turner and Adam Walne. *Programmes will run across four sites in the Wigan and Wakefield local authority areas, each linked to a Rugby League club: Castleford, Featherstone, Wakefield and Wigan.
Offload:
- For boys and young men aged 16-24 who are not in employment, education or training (NEET) and at higher risk of isolation and loneliness.
- The programme consists of six two-hour sessions.
- Sessions will include team-building challenges, physical activity and teach mental fitness skills, while providing a supportive, no-pressure space to talk.
Ahead of the Game:
- Consists of four workshops: two for boys and young men aged 11-18, one for parents and carers, and one for youth workers.
- The workshops for 11-18-year-old’s will teach participants how to start conversations about mental health, how to support themselves and friends, and where to seek help when needed.
- The workshops for adults will help participants develop the skills and knowledge they need to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people, as well as recognise warning signs around loneliness and isolation.
November 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : North Wales to pioneer UK’s first small modular reactors [November 2025]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 13 November 2025.

Anglesey set for thousands of new jobs as Prime Minister confirms Wylfa will host UK’s first small modular nuclear reactors.
- Wylfa on Anglesey in North Wales selected as site to deliver the UK’s first small modular reactor nuclear power station
- Most significant industrial investment in North Wales for a generation, supporting 3,000 new good jobs in local economy
- Government continues to deliver ‘golden age’ of nuclear, after years of dither and delay, as part of clean energy superpower mission, and will also identify new sites for potential future large nuclear
A generation of young people on Anglesey / Ynys Môn and across North Wales are set to benefit from thousands of new jobs and billions of pounds in investment over the next decade, as the Prime Minister today confirms that Wylfa has been selected to host the UK’s first small modular reactor nuclear power plant.

North Wales will become a beacon in the “golden age” of nuclear, delivering the UK’s first ever small modular nuclear reactors built by publicly-owned Great British Energy-Nuclear and, subject to final contract, designed by Britain’s Rolls-Royce SMR – proving that the UK can still build big projects that stand the test of time.

The confirmation of Wylfa as the host site rights the wrongs of previous failure to bring new nuclear power to North Wales. Sitting on the North Wales coast, Wylfa has a strong nuclear heritage dating back to the 1960s. The first-of-its-kind project is expected to support up to 3,000 good jobs in the local community at peak construction, underpinned by billions of pounds of infrastructure investment out to the mid-2030s.

This investment of over £2.5 billion builds on the government’s record of investment into the North Wales economy, including an Investment Zone to boost advanced manufacturing, the Anglesey Freeport and critical rail upgrades to the North Wales mainline.

The UK’s first small modular reactors – mini nuclear reactors which are smaller and quicker to build than some traditional nuclear power stations – are expected to deliver power for the equivalent of around 3 million homes as part of the government’s clean energy superpower mission, giving the UK energy independence that will power the NHS, national security and British innovation.

The SMRs will be backed by the British people through Great British Energy-Nuclear, giving the British people a stake in a leading-edge technology that has global export opportunities and builds a vital sovereign capability for the country.

This is part of our modern industrial strategy, directing every lever of the state to win in technologies like SMRs. In the Spending Review, the government confirmed major investment in Sizewell C, which will provide power for the equivalent of 6 million homes and 10,000 jobs, as well as over £2.5 billion funding for the country’s first SMR programme.

The government is working closely with the US on nuclear and recently agreed a major agreement between regulators to make it quicker for companies to build new nuclear power stations in both countries, alongside major commercial deals such as X-Energy and Centrica’s plans to build up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool.

The Prime Minister said:

Britain was once a world-leader in nuclear power, but years of neglect and inertia has meant places like Anglesey have been let down and left behind.

Today, that changes. We’re using all the tools in our armoury – cutting red tape, changing planning laws, and backing growth – to deliver the country’s first SMR in North Wales.

This government isn’t just reversing decline, it’s delivering thousands of future-proofed jobs, driving billions in investment, and providing cheaper energy bills in the long term.

That’s national renewal in action: powered by British talent, powered by nuclear, and powered by a government that’s delivering for working people.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

This nuclear revival in Anglesey will fire up the Welsh economy, marking the start of a new era in British innovation and energy security.

Wylfa will revitalise local communities, attract major investment and open up exciting opportunities for young people – creating world-class training and apprenticeships in North Wales for the next generation of engineers, technicians and innovators.

Alongside the siting announcement, to pursue the option of a further large-scale reactor project beyond the current deployments at Hinkley Point C and the recently confirmed Sizewell C, the government is announcing that Great British Energy-Nuclear has been tasked with identifying suitable sites that could potentially host such a project. GBE-N will report back by Autumn 2026 on potential sites to inform future decisions in the next Spending Review and beyond. The Energy Secretary has requested this includes sites across the United Kingdom including Scotland.

Any further large-scale project, subject to future policy decisions, would be similar in scale to the Hinkley Point C or Sizewell C projects, with the potential to power the equivalent of 6 million homes. Alongside SMRs and other advanced nuclear projects, this could further deliver the government’s mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower, boosting the country’s energy security, securing the next generation of good, skilled jobs and protecting billpayers.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

This landmark investment proves Britain can still build big projects that stand the test of time.

A generation of young people across North Wales will benefit from the good jobs, homes across Britain will get clean power and we will take a big step forward in meeting our ambition to create a network of small modular reactors across the UK.

This is the government’s clean energy mission in action – driving for energy sovereignty and abundance to take back control of our energy.

First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan said:

This is the moment Ynys Môn and the whole of Wales has been waiting for. New nuclear is a step into the future with secure jobs and secure energy guaranteed for the next generation.

We have been pressing the case at every opportunity for Wylfa’s incredible benefits as a site and I warmly welcome this major decision to invest in north West Wales. Wales is once again leading the way.

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

This is huge news – one of the largest public investments in Welsh history that will bring thousands of high-quality jobs to the local economy.

We said we would deliver new nuclear where other governments dithered and delayed and we said we would deliver growth and prosperity across Wales. Today we are doing just that.

It comes after the government announced there will be 400,000 extra jobs in clean energy by 2030, including 15,000 extra jobs in Wales, with 31 priority occupations such as plumbers, electricians and welders particularly in demand. GBE-N will start activity on the site in 2026. The initial project will be for 3 SMR units, but Great British Energy-Nuclear assesses the site could potentially host up to 8 mini reactors. The ambition is for Wylfa’s small modular reactors to be supplying power to the grid from the mid-2030s.

There is also strong export potential for small modular reactors, after the UK and Czechia signed a deal to cooperate on civil nuclear. It comes after Rolls-Royce SMR and Czechia’s largest public company, ČEZ, agreed last year to partner on SMRs, with ČEZ acquiring a 20% stake.

Great British Energy-Nuclear also owns the Oldbury nuclear site in Gloucestershire. As a site which has previously hosted a nuclear power station, it also has great potential for new nuclear, including the potential to support the privately-led projects being developed by the nuclear industry.

Simon Bowen, Chair of Great British Energy-Nuclear, added:

This is a historic moment for the UK, and is another momentous step in realising Britain’s potential in leading the way on nuclear energy.

These first SMRs at Wylfa will lay the groundwork for a fleet-based approach to nuclear development, strengthening the UK’s energy independence and bringing long-term investment to the local economy.

Wylfa has a proud history of nuclear excellence, and we’re excited to build on that foundation to deliver jobs, training, and low-carbon energy for generations to come.

Chris Cholerton, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce SMR, said:

We are honoured to have the opportunity to establish our UK fleet programme with an initial three units at the Wylfa site. Today’s announcement marks the first step in what will be a 100-year commitment to clean energy, innovation, and community partnership at Wylfa.

This is a tremendous opportunity not just for North Wales but for the whole country, as we establish an enduring supply chain that will enable our fleet deployment in the UK and a large export programme, starting in Czechia.

We will deliver nuclear power very differently by utilising modularisation and a high level of factory build, therefore minimising the impact on local people from infrastructure delivery. We are excited to be working with the local community to create jobs and growth.

Sue Ferns, Senior Deputy General Secretary of Prospect, said:

The nuclear renaissance can bring clean, reliable energy and good, secure jobs to all corners of the UK and it is welcome that government is pressing ahead with the SMR programme that will play a crucial role in the future of our energy mix.

Wylfa has a proud nuclear past and a bright nuclear and is uniquely placed to play a key strategic role in the mission to become a clean energy superpower.

Nuclear can support thousands of well-paid jobs and sustain local economies, and this announcement is the first page of the next chapter for Wales’ Energy Island.

Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said:

Bringing nuclear back to Wylfa is a historic moment for Wales and for the UK’s clean energy future. Wylfa’s revival offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver clean, reliable power for decades to come, create thousands of skilled jobs, attract major investment, and revitalise North Wales’s proud industrial heritage.

With Great British Energy-Nuclear and Rolls-Royce SMR leading the way, the project will bring lasting economic and social benefits to the communities that have long been at the heart of our energy story. We look forward to working with government, local partners and industry to make Wylfa’s return a lasting success.

Ben Martin, Policy Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said:

Nuclear power is critical to supporting the UK’s energy supply, powering homes and businesses, strengthening energy security and providing essential back up to renewables. Expansion of the nuclear sector also offers significant opportunities to support skills development and SMEs across its supply chain.

News that Wylfa has been selected to host the UK’s first small modular reactor plant will bring investment and thousands of jobs to North Wales and beyond, supporting wider economic growth.

Sarah Bailey, Chief Executive Officer at West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce, said:

The announcement that Wylfa on Anglesey will host the UK’s first small modular reactor marks a transformative moment for North Wales.

This project represents not just a huge investment in clean, secure energy but also in the long-term prosperity of our region.

Thousands of skilled jobs, billions in infrastructure investment, and the opportunity to further establish North Wales as a hub for low-carbon innovation will create ripple effects across our business community for decades to come.

Notes to editors

Great British Energy-Nuclear is the UK government’s nuclear delivery body.

Rolls-Royce SMR was announced in June as Great British Energy-Nuclear’s preferred bidder to partner with to build the UK’s first small modular reactors, subject to final government approvals and contract signature, expected later this year.

Earlier this year the government announced a shake-up of planning rules to allow new nuclear projects including SMRs to be built in a range of sites across England and Wales.

Following a fair and open competition, Simon Bowen has been appointed as Chair of Great British Energy – Nuclear, following his tenure as interim Chair since 2023. This appointment marks a key step as the organisation moves into the next delivery phase of the SMR programme, which Simon will oversee.
November 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s narrative of inevitable victory is contradicted by its military and economic failures – UK statement to the OSCE [November 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 November 2025.

Politico-Military Counsellor Ankur Narayan highlights that Russia’s claims of inevitable victory in Ukraine are undermined by minimal territorial gains, unsustainable casualties, and severe economic strain. The UK and its partners remain resolute in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russia’s ongoing aggression.

Madam Chair, Russia’s victory in Ukraine is not inevitable.

Russia has repeatedly tried to persuade Ukraine’s supporters and the wider world that its victory in Ukraine is inevitable. Despite sustained aggression and significant investment of personnel and resources, Russia has made only marginal territorial gains since its full-scale invasion in February 2022. After nearly four years since its illegal invasion, Russia controls less than 20% of Ukrainian territory. This is up from the 7% it claimed to control before February 2022. Since the frontlines stabilised in November 2022, Russia has gained just 1.1% more territory, at the cost of over one million casualties.

Russia’s military advances remain slow and costly. Reported Russian advances in September and October were the smallest since April. It has taken over a year for Russia to advance 15 kilometres towards Pokrovsk, suffering nearly 100,000 casualties in doing so. The city’s infrastructure has been largely destroyed, offering little strategic value.

Russia’s losses are unsustainable. Over 320,000 casualties have been recorded in 2025 alone, and the Kremlin is increasingly reliant on inexperienced recruits. Reports indicate that many receive less than three weeks of training before being deployed. Desertions reportedly exceed 50,000, and coercive practices within the ranks are widespread.

Russia’s economy is also under strain. The IMF has revised its 2025 growth forecast down to 0.6%, from 4.3% in 2024. Military spending now exceeds $159 billion. That is over a third of the national budget. Tax revenues from oil and gas have declined 27% year-on-year, and Russia has already depleted over half of its liquid sovereign wealth fund since February 2022. Those around President Putin are admitting that the economy is in trouble. The Head of Sberbank, Herman Gref, warned that interest rates would have to be cut to 12% from their current 16.5% to “create hope” for an economic recovery. Alexander Shokhin, Head of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, said that “the cooling, or well managed soft landing, is neither very soft nor very well managed.”

Sanctions continue to have a significant impact. Russia has lost access to $450 billion in assets, and 80% of its banking system is under sanction. Import costs for strategic goods have risen by 122%, and domestic production of microchips remains unreliable. Chinese financial institutions are increasingly distancing themselves from Russian entities, further limiting Russia’s economic options.

The burden of war is increasingly falling on Russian citizens. Value Added Tax (VAT) has been raised from 20% to 22%, and social spending is facing real-term cuts. Food price inflation and new tax thresholds are placing additional pressure on households and small businesses.

Madam Chair, Russia’s military and economic trajectory does not support its narrative of inevitable victory. This is a war characterised by minimal territorial gains, at disproportionate cost in lives and livelihoods. Ukraine continues to resist with determination and capability. To that end, the UK – and Ukraine’s many other international partners – remain steadfast in our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

November 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Three members reappointed to the Online Procedure Rule Committee [November 2025]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 13 November 2025.

The Lord Chancellor has approved the reappointment of Gerard Boyers, Brett Dixon and Sarah Stephens as expert members of the Online Procedure Rule Committee.

Sarah Stephens

Sarah Stephens is the OPRC lay advice member who is a non-practising solicitor and a legal technologist specialising in access to justice. She spent over a decade as a commercial lawyer with Linklaters and Kennedys, before transitioning to KPMG East Africa where she led their international development portfolio overseeing justice, education, and economic growth programs.

For the past 10 years, she has worked as an independent consultant on projects promoting access to justice, gender equality, and technology for development, working with UN agencies, the World Bank, and various NGOs.

Brett Dixon

Brett Dixon is the OPRC legal member. He is a Deputy Vice President of the Law Society and a Senior Fellow of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. Admitted as a solicitor in 1999, he holds higher rights of audience in civil matters and is also an accredited mediator.

Gerard Boyers

Gerard Boyers is the OPRC technology member and a Director at Deloitte where he leads Digital Transformation Strategy. He brings extensive experience in delivering digital products, having served as the Head of Digital at HSBC and Aviva as well the Government Digital Service and BBC iPlayer

The Online Procedure Rule Committee (OPRC) was established under Section 22 of the Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022. The aim of the OPRC is to improve access to justice for all by harnessing the power of modern digital technology in the pre-action space, in the civil and family courts and in the tribunals.

These reappointments are made by the Lord Chancellor after consultation with the Lady Chief Justice, the Senior President of Tribunals and, in the case of the legal member, the Law Society.

November 17, 2025