Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : New multi-million pound Army support deal for North-East firm to boost national security and growth [August 2025]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 18 August 2025.

New agreement with Cook Defence Systems will provide vital spare parts to the British Army armoured vehicle fleet.

125 jobs are to be supported in the North East through a new agreement between the MOD and Cook Defence Systems to supply spare tracks for the British Army’s armoured fighting vehicles.

The three-year deal announced today (18 August), worth up to £125 million, will see the company supplying spare parts for all the Army’s principal combat vehicles including its new Challenger 3 tanks, securing investment in advanced manufacturing techniques and supporting skilled jobs at Cook’s County Durham site.

The announcement supports the Government’s Plan for Change: boosting UK defence spending and our security, backing British industry, and growing the economy by creating skilled jobs in communities across the country.

The agreement comes ahead of Ukrainian Independence Day on Sunday 24 August. Cook Defence Systems have played a vital role in the UK’s enduring commitment to Ukraine, supporting donated British armoured fighting vehicles and as the main manufacturer of spare tracks for the Soviet-era vehicles used by the Ukrainian Army.

This highlights how the UK and British industry are working together to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position on the battlefield.

Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard, said:

This contract not only strengthens our Army’s warfighting capability, but helps sustain hundreds of skilled jobs in the North East. It’s a clear example of the defence dividend – this Government’s historic increase in defence spending supporting high-skilled jobs across the UK, part of the Plan for Change. This investment is a clear example of the defence dividend where higher defence spending, spent with British firms, supports good, well-paid skilled jobs nationwide.

The war in Ukraine has taught us that a military is only as strong as the industry behind it. That’s why we’re investing more in our own forces and working with UK industry to scale up production, support our allies, and secure long-term national resilience.

The new agreement delivers on the recommendations of the Strategic Defence Review, published in June, and the upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy. By aligning national security and economic growth, this Government is ensuring that every pound of taxpayer money spent on defence not only makes our country safer but contributes to growing the economy.

Director of Cook Defence Systems, William Cook said:

As the only British designer and manufacturer of track systems for fighting vehicles, Cook Defence Systems is critical to the operational independence of the British Army and allied forces.

This latest contract directly supports 125 jobs at Cook Defence Systems and underpins £5m of investment in new plant and machinery over the next twelve months.

Our core relationship with the UK MOD is the foundation of our export success, with Cook Defence Systems currently supplying British allies in Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

This comes as part of wider defence investment, with the UK ramping up procurement of artillery ammunition, drones, and combat spares in response to lessons learned from Ukraine, whilst continuing to support them following Putin’s barbaric invasion.

The UK, together with allies, is stepping up support for Ukraine – providing £4.5 billion of military support this year – more than ever before. In March this year, the Prime Minister announced a historic £1.6 billion deal to provide more than five thousand air defence missiles for Ukraine.

The UK is also stepping up on the supply of drones, with £350 million this year to increase the supply of drones from 10,000 in 2024 to 100,000 in 2025; and the UK has completed a delivery of 140,000 artillery munitions since the start of 2025 in a vital boost for Ukraine’s frontline troops.

August 19, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : The UK calls on South Sudan’s leaders to take urgent steps to end violence and restore dialogue – UK statement at the UN Security Council [August 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 August 2025.

Statement by Ambassador Caroline Quinn, UK Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on South Sudan.

President, I will make three points.

Firstly, the United Kingdom remains concerned by the continued violence across South Sudan, which has led to widespread suffering.

As highlighted in the Secretary-General’s report, military offensives and intercommunal clashes continue to devastate communities.

We condemn these repeated attacks, including aerial bombardments against civilians, humanitarian workers and medical facilities.

We call on South Sudan’s leaders to take urgent and concrete steps to halt the violence and restore dialogue, and we urge all parties to protect civilians and comply fully with international humanitarian and human rights law.

Second, President, as we have heard today, the political situation continues to deteriorate.

The ongoing house arrest of First Vice President Machar undermines the core principles of the 2018 peace agreement and is a serious obstacle to reconciliation.

Meanwhile, persistent reshuffles have caused further destabilisation, and government institutions are not operating as they should.

The United Kingdom echoes the African Union’s call for the immediate release of all political detainees, including the First Vice President.

This is necessary for credible and inclusive dialogue.

We also encourage renewed political engagement with regional efforts to advance peace in South Sudan.

Thirdly, the United Kingdom remains deeply concerned by the ongoing acute humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, with over 7.7 million people facing severe food insecurity, and a cholera outbreak that has claimed more than 1,400 lives.

These conditions are being exacerbated by spillover from the conflict in Sudan and by the effects of climate change.

The situation in South Sudan is a clear example of the linkages between climate, peace and security. We commend UNMISS for its tireless work in addressing these climate-related risks, as well as its broader efforts to enable the delivery of aid and protect civilians.

In this respect, President, the United Kingdom calls on South Sudan’s leadership to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all civilians in need, irrespective of political affiliation or ethnicity.

And with respect to broader efforts to build resilience and secure lasting peace, we also urge South Sudan’s leadership to take meaningful steps to address the growing impacts of climate change as a key driver of fragility and instability.

August 19, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland–Republic of Korea Senior Economic Dialogue 2025 – Joint Communiqué [August 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 August 2025.

The UK and Republic of Korea held a Senior Economic Dialogue in Seoul on Monday 18 August 2025.

The Second Vice Minister of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kim Jina, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West MP (hereinafter referred to as “the Ministers”), co-chaired the second UK–ROK Senior Economic Dialogue in Seoul on 18 August 2025.

The Ministers welcomed the opportunity to meet under two new administrations, reaffirming the strength of the UK–ROK Global Strategic Partnership and their shared commitment to advancing sustainable economic growth, resilience, and prosperity. They acknowledged the evolving global economic landscape, including developments in US economic policy, trade relations with China, and ties with the EU.

The Ministers welcomed the opportunity today to discuss these issues of shared economic interest and recognised the ongoing efforts of both governments to deepen cooperation across a broad range of areas, including national economic security, defence-related industrial cooperation, and other economic diplomacy issues.

Bilateral Economic Cooperation

The Ministers reaffirmed the UK-Korea Global Strategic Partnership, centred around shared interests of growth and economic elements. They reviewed progress of negotiations for an upgraded UK–ROK Free Trade Agreement. They noted the successful conclusion of five negotiation rounds and reaffirmed their ambition to complete talks by the end of 2025.

Both sides committed to deepening the bilateral trade and investment relationship, and agreed to work together to foster a favourable environment for each other’s business activities in their respective countries. Ministers noted the complementarity of industrial strategies and discussed greater cooperation in priority sectors such as clean energy, digital technologies, defence industry and engineering biology. They welcomed the UK’s recent ministerial visit to Korea to promote investment opportunities and the growing bilateral investment pipeline. Ministers expressed support for the first UK-ROK Investment Dialogue at senior official level.

The Ministers reaffirmed commitment to enable our Joint Defence Exports MOU by facilitating defence industrial collaboration.

Science, Technology and Innovation

The Ministers discussed opportunities for enhanced cooperation in science and technology, including artificial intelligence, quantum, engineering biology, and space. They welcomed the UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan and ROK’s ambitious new strategy to become a world-leading AI power.

They reaffirmed support for the UK–ROK Digital Partnership and looked forward to the next Digital Partnership Forum.

Economic Security

Both sides shared the view on the importance of advancing economic security cooperation among like-minded countries, and agreed to enhance collaboration on key issues such as the supply chains of critical minerals, through the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), a multilateral consultative body on critical minerals.

Energy Transition and Climate Cooperation

The Ministers agreed to deepen multilateral climate collaboration ahead of COP30 and welcomed efforts to enhance the UK-ROK Clean Energy Partnership. Minister West welcomed ROK’s continued efforts to transition away from fossil fuels and to submit an ambitious 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

Ministers noted shared economic growth opportunities through deeper collaboration in expanding clean energy and ensuring energy security. They discussed opportunities for joint work on nuclear fuel supply chains, including UK investment in LEU and HALEU capabilities.

Development and Global Cooperation

The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the UK–ROK Strategic Development Partnership and the implementation of the agreed action plan: to hold workshops enhancing understanding of the ODA implementation systems of the UK-ROK by the end of 2025. They shared their intent to strengthen cooperation in global health.

They discussed the upcoming 8th replenishment of the Global Fund, under the UK’s joint hosting with South Africa. The Ministers reiterated the importance of continued multilateral efforts to fight against infectious diseases, AIDS, TB and malaria.

Multilateral Engagement

The Ministers discussed cooperation in multilateral forums including the G7, G20, and CPTPP. The UK offered to share lessons from its own experience of CPTPP accession. Both sides committed to continued dialogue on Indo-Pacific–Euro-Atlantic cooperation.

Next Steps

The UK and Korea agreed to further deepen our economic cooperation in various fields including trade, defence, climate and AI and technology. They also welcomed the intention to strengthen links between Korean and British businesses, parliamentarians and academics, including through a proposed UK-Korea High Level Forum.

The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to holding regular Senior Economic Dialogues, to monitor progress of the bilateral economic cooperation and identify new areas for collaboration and economic growth.

August 19, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Extra border checks cancelled ahead of UK-EU deal [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 18 August 2025.

The forthcoming deal will slash red tape, cut costs for businesses, and speed up the smooth flow of agrifood trade at the border.
- Introduction of time-consuming border checks suspended
- It comes ahead of the UK’s forthcoming SPS deal with the EU
- Deal will save businesses time and money by cutting red tape as part of government’s Plan for Change
In a win for traders, the government is suspending the introduction of extra border checks on live animal imports from the EU, and on specific animal and plant goods from Ireland, to support British businesses and ease trade ahead of its new SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) deal with the EU.

The deal will establish a UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary zone, cutting costs and red tape for businesses that export and import from the EU, reducing delays at the border, and making food trade with the UK’s biggest market cheaper and easier.

Under the agreement, border checks on live animal imports from the EU as well as on certain plant and animal goods arriving from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (termed non-qualifying goods) will not be required, as their implementation is disproportionate.

Some live animals imported from the EU will continue to be inspected at their place of destination based on a series of risk factors. Non-qualifying goods arriving from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland can continue to enter the UK without physical inspection, and will continue to require pre-notification and certification in some instance.

Protecting UK biosecurity remains a key government priority, and risk-based surveillance will continue to manage the biosecurity threats of these products.

Biosecurity Minister Baroness Hayman said:

Our deal with the EU will boost British businesses as we cut cumbersome bureaucracy and make trading food with our biggest market both cheaper and easier.

Protecting the UK’s biosecurity is essential, and our partnership with the EU will ensure this while delivering for working people as part of our Plan for Change.”

The suspension will be reviewed on a rolling basis to ensure the biosecurity of the UK is effectively maintained.

The forthcoming SPS agreement will remove routine border checks on plant and animal products moving between the UK and EU, strengthening food supply chains and reducing costs for businesses and consumers.

While the details of the agreement are negotiated, traders must continue to comply with the terms of the UK’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) that protect the essential biosecurity of the country, including existing checks.

Defra will continue to work with the Animal and Plant Health Agency, Border Control Post operators, and Port Health Authorities to maintain UK biosecurity while minimising disruption to the flow of goods.

This suspension follows the announcement in June that border checks on EU fruit and veg imports have been scrapped to ease trade ahead of the SPS deal.
August 19, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Government discounts for electric vans and trucks extended [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 18 August 2025.

Plug-in van and truck grant extended to at least 2027.
- thousands of businesses and fleet operators will continue to receive crucial financial support after existing grant scheme extended
- move provides certainty for businesses to continue their switch to electric, supporting their expansion and jobs across the UK
- forms part of government’s £650 million scheme to make it cheaper to buy EVs and helping to boost growth as part of the Plan for Change.
Thousands of drivers and businesses across the country are set to benefit from lower prices as the government has today (18 August 2025) confirmed vital funding to support the uptake of electric vans and trucks.

The plug-in van and truck grant currently offers discounts up to £2,500 for small vans, £5,000 for large vans, £16,000 for small trucks, and £25,000 for large trucks, and the Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood has confirmed the grant will continue through to at least 2027. Grant levels for the 2026 to 2027 financial year will be confirmed in due course.

By switching to electric, businesses could save more than £2,800 annually on fuel alone according to industry figures. This support is helping companies cut costs, expand sustainable operations, and build stronger supply chains, helping to drive growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

The UK logistics sector – which employs 1.2 million people and generates over £79 billion annually for the economy – will benefit from this smoother transition, creating jobs and business opportunities whilst helping keep the UK on track to becoming a clean energy superpower.

Individual drivers can also benefit from the grant, making it cheaper to buy an electric van and putting money back into their pockets.

Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said:

Extending these grants is another decisive step to power Britain’s transition to cleaner transport while backing the industries that keep our economy moving, driving new investment in EVs and helping businesses cut costs and expand.

Every EV on our roads means healthier communities and new economic opportunities across the country, which is why grants like these are crucial to both accelerating that transition and building a resilient, competitive economy.

Commercial transport is responsible for more than a third of CO2 emissions on UK roads meaning it is crucial businesses are supported in make the transition to electric, building a cleaner future for businesses communities across the UK.

The grant extension gives fleet operators, ranging from major logistics firms to smaller independent businesses, the certainty they need to confidently plan their electric vehicle purchases. This builds on the government’s ongoing commitment to help businesses save money and get the charging infrastructure they need to make the switch to electric, after £30 million investment was announced in July to install over 3,000 new chargepoints at depots across the UK.

With over 1.4 million EVs already on UK roads, more than 83,800 public charging points available and over 100,000 more on the way through the £381 million Local EV Infrastructure fund alone – as well as the new Electric Car Grant offering record discounts of up to £3,750 off the price of new EVs – the government is backing British businesses and families to go electric by reducing costs and in turn helping to boost economic growth.

John Boumphrey, UK Country Manager at Amazon, said:

We welcome the government’s continued commitment to supporting the electrification of commercial fleets. Decarbonising the transportation network is a critical step to enable us to achieve our goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions across our operations by 2040.

Checkatrade CEO Jambu Palaniappan:

This news is a big boost for tradespeople across the UK. Lower running costs, freedom from charges like ULEZ, and the ability to plan ahead with confidence – it all adds up to real, practical support. For many Checkatrade members, with help to switch to electric vans, they can keep moving, win more work, and build a future that’s both cost-effective and sustainable.
August 19, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Thousands more checks, tests and scans available out of hours [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 18 August 2025.

100 community diagnostic centres across the country now offer out-of-hours services, 12 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Milestone means tens of thousands of patients can access vital tests, scans and checks around busy working lives
- Delivering more convenient care out of hours as part of government’s Plan for Change, transforming healthcare and making the NHS fit for the future
Tens of thousands of patients across England can now access vital diagnostic tests and scans out of hours and in their community, with 100 community diagnostic centres (CDCs) opening in the evenings and on weekends.

With the government already delivering 7.2 million CDC tests and scans since July 2024, patients no longer have to choose between their job and vital health appointments as more centres open 12 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Based in convenient settings closer to people’s homes like shopping centres, community hospitals and university campuses, many of these centres also offer free parking to make care as easy as possible, with many NHS services already feeling the positive impact of being open out of hours.

Latest NHS England data shows that the NHS delivered over 1.6 million more tests and scans from July 2024 to June 2025 compared to the same time the previous year.  For cancer, the NHS hit the Faster Diagnosis Standard with 76.8% – or 218,463 people – having cancer ruled out or diagnosed within 28 days, the highest June since the standard was introduced. Improved performance on the Faster Diagnosis Standard means that nearly 100,000 (97,000) more people have had cancer diagnosed or ruled out within 28 days between July 2024 and June 2025, compared to the same period last year.

Extending opening hours for CDCs is opening up access and speeding up diagnosis for patients all around the country.

For example, Oldham CDC has slashed lung cancer diagnosis times from 42 days to just 18.8 days, meeting the Faster Diagnosis Standard for the first time. Queen Victoria Hospital CDC in East Grinstead now delivers five times more respiratory patient interactions per session, with 92% avoiding hospital outpatient appointments entirely. These centres are helping to speed up care, making it easier for patients nationwide.

Community diagnostic centres are a pivotal part of the government’s Plan for Change to transform care, moving it out of hospital and into the community.

By speeding up diagnosis and treatment, government is reducing pressure on overwhelmed hospitals and putting patients at ease faster.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said:

This government is determined to offer healthcare that fits around working people’s lives and not the other way around.

From early morning MRI scans to late evening blood tests, we’re meeting patients where they need it most by extending the operating hours for community diagnostic centres and putting patients first.

Our 10 Year Health Plan is revolutionising how healthcare works, and this achievement is a vital step in bringing care closer to community. Delivering on our Plan for Change, we’re building an NHS that’s fit for the future.

Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England National Medical Director, said:

We know people are living incredibly busy lives and it’s vital NHS care reflects that.

The services provided by community diagnostic centres enable people to receive the all-clear or a diagnosis at a time and location that suits them – whether before a school drop-off or after a work shift – and extending their opening hours means more people are being seen more quickly.

So, if anyone has any health concerns, we urge them to seek NHS advice so they can get the care they need.

Wayne Rowlands who visited the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) CDC for an emergency CT scan, said:

I came here for the scan and everything went very smoothly. It was such a pleasant experience. Absolutely brilliant. It’s very bright and not at all like a hospital.

The staff have all been absolutely brilliant as well. This is something really quite special that we have here.

The Plan for Change sets out how government is doing things differently to transform the NHS. By moving care out of hospitals into communities, embracing cutting-edge technology, and redesigning services around patients’ needs the government reforms are creating a more accessible, efficient NHS that works for working people.

The plan is backed by £6 billion of additional capital investment to improve capacity for elective, diagnostic and urgent care services over 5 years – with over £600 million capital funding committed for 2025 to 2026 to transform diagnostic services amidst growing demands. This includes funding up to 5 additional CDCs in 2025/26, as committed to in our elective reform plan, alongside extending opening hours for all CDCs at evenings and on weekends.

Patients can be referred to CDCs via their GP or hospital based clinical teams. The NHS is also making it easier for GPs to refer directly to CDCs via schemes like GP Direct Access, and developing more activity involving CDCs, so patients can have their diagnostic test ahead of meeting their consultant, reducing the number of outpatient appointments they need to attend.
August 19, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Ceri Morgan Appointed Trade Commissioner for Europe [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 18 August 2025.

The Secretary of State is pleased to announce the appointment of Ceri Morgan as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Europe, succeeding Chris Barton from 1 September.

Morgan brings a wealth of experience across multiple sectors to this critical role.

In her most recent position she led the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on international trade, international food security, and heading the government’s overseas agri-food attaché network to tackle market access barriers for UK exports.

Prior to this, Morgan returned to the civil service to establish and lead the Global Trade Negotiations team at Defra after the EU referendum, spearheading the negotiation of agri-food aspects of trade deals.

In His Majesty the King’s first Birthday Honours, Morgan was made a Commander of the British Empire for her services to Capability and Inclusion in International Trade.

We wish her every success in this vital role for the UK.

Ceri Morgan, Director of EU and International Trade at Defra, said:

I am delighted to have been appointed His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Europe and can’t wait to get to know the team later this year and work together to deliver this government’s trade objectives in Europe.

These markets are crucial to the success of the newly launched trade, industrial, and small business strategies for HMG’s Growth agenda and I am thrilled to be leading our efforts.

Chris Barton, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Europe, said:

It has been a great privilege to serve as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Europe. Working across government and our diplomatic network, we’ve made real progress in strengthening trade ties, opening doors for UK businesses, and attracting investment that supports jobs and growth at home.

I’d like to give particular praise to my delightful, talented, industrious, and collaborative team members, who work day in and day out to support British interests across the continent.

I’m delighted to hand over to Ceri Morgan, whose leadership and experience will be invaluable in driving this important work forward.

The HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Europe leads a team of over 300 staff in 34 countries across the continent, working to encourage a thriving trade and investment relationship between the UK and other European countries.

The Trade Commissioner has responsibility for all Department for Business and Trade (DBT) work in Europe including:
- Improving market access for UK companies in Europe
- Attracting inward investment from European companies into UK
- Encouraging UK exports to Europe
- Influencing multilateral trade policy with Europe
- Delivering on the commitments made in the UK’s newly published Trade Strategy
The HMTC works closely with UK based government colleagues, UK ambassadors and the wider diplomatic network in Europe in delivering these goals.

Together they engage extensively with UK and European businesses, European governments and wider stakeholders.
August 19, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : 42 mile stretch of King Charles III England Coast Path opens [August 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 18 August 2025.

A continuous path from the Scottish border to Gibraltar point in Lincolnshire has officially been completed with the trail between Easington to Bridlington  .

The final stretch of King Charles III England Coast Path in Yorkshire and the North East has officially opened today (18 August)

The new stretch joins Easington to Bridlington, forming a continuous path from the Scottish border down to Gibraltar point, in Lincolnshire, some 397 miles. It is the latest part of the 2,700 mile (4345km) national path to be completed.

Commencing at the village of Easington, the King Charles III England Coast Path traces a remarkable route northward along the Holderness coastline. The path reveals a striking juxtaposition between industrial landscapes, such as the Easington Gas Terminal, and the natural beauty of the ever-changing clay cliffs and expansive beaches below.

Progressing north, the trail passes through the resort town of Withernsea and crosses the first landfall of the Prime Meridian near Sand Le Mere. It continues past the historic site of the former RAF Cowden before arriving at Hornsea, a coastal town noted for its recently regenerated Victorian Promenade and charming seaside character.

The journey then skirts the vibrant holiday parks that dot the Holderness coast, eventually reaching the rolling dunes south of Bridlington. From there, the path enters the town’s lively harbour and esplanade before culminating in North Bridlington.

1,800 Miles Done, 900 To Go

The King Charles III England Coast Path will be a 2,700-mile long National Trail around the whole of the English coast, passing through some of our finest countryside and some of England’s most stunning, dynamic and internationally famous coastal scenery.

Natural England has worked in partnership with local authorities to open 1814 miles of the route so far – connecting communities from Northumberland to Cumbria via Cornwall.

Commenting on the approval, Paul Duncan Natural England Deputy Director for Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire, said:

Todays new route opens up easy access to our spectacular local coastline for people across the country. It invites visitors to discover the stunning North East shoreline, renowned for its unique blend of heritage and seaside charm, featuring historic gems like Withernsea Pier Towers and Bridlington Harbour.

With this latest, and final stretch, for Yorkshire and North East marking 1814 miles of the King Charles III England Coast Path now open, the benefits of walking for health and wellbeing through getting closer to nature are becoming more available for all. The trail will also support the local economy and growth – bringing walkers and visitors to the towns and villages for daytrips, refreshments and places to stay.

Connecting Coastal Communities

Councillor Barbara Jefferson, cabinet member for heritage and coastal at East Riding of Yorkshire Council said:

We are delighted to announce that the final section of the new National Trail is now open, seamlessly connecting the previously established stretches of the King Charles III England Coast Path.

Thanks to funding from Natural England, a range of enhancements have been carried out to bring the path up to National Trail standards, with particular attention given to accessibility and environmental sustainability. Walking is a year-round activity, and its ability to extend the tourism season makes it a valuable contributor to the local economy.

This newly completed route is expected to attract both domestic and international visitors, inviting them to experience our natural landscapes, heritage, culture and recreational opportunities. It will also enrich the walking experience for local residents who already enjoy the path.

The King Charles III England Coast Path represents a positive development for coastal communities, creating stronger links between them and encouraging exploration through a continuous, scenic walking route.

Start your adventure and discover your perfect trail with National Trails. So that everyone can make the most of the King Charles III England Coast Path, please follow the Countryside Code. This includes not bringing BBQs or dropping litter, and not lighting fires or camping stoves.

August 19, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Sunderland-based debt collection agencies shut down after keeping client funds they recovered [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Insolvency Service on 18 August 2025.

Companies wound-up by the High Court following Insolvency Service investigations.
- EDC Group NE Ltd, UK EDC Ltd and UK TCF Limited have been shut down by the High Court after keeping more than £50,000 in funds they collected on behalf of clients
- The three companies falsely claimed decades of experience despite being recently established, and used fake testimonials and misleading websites to deceive small businesses into paying upfront fees
- Clients paid fees of hundreds of pounds but received no service, with the companies becoming uncontactable while bank records showed payments were made to the director, bookmakers and football clubs
Three connected debt collection companies which kept more than £50,000 in client funds they collected on their behalf have been shut down.

Sunderland-based EDC Group NE Ltd, UK EDC Ltd and UK TCF Limited falsely presented themselves as professional agencies with decades of experience while taking money from both clients and their debtors.

The companies targeted small businesses through unsolicited phone calls, using misleading information to convince them to sign contracts for debt collection services.

Victims reported paying instruction fees and then being unable to contact the companies, despite assurances that collected funds would be safeguarded.

At least £54,847 in funds was collected and retained by the companies without being passed back to their clients.

The three companies were all wound-up at the High Court in Manchester on Friday 15 August.

David Hope, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:

These companies systematically deceived their clients by presenting themselves as professional debt collection agencies when they were nothing more than operations designed to take money from clients.

The victims trusted these companies to collect debts on their behalf but instead found themselves unable to contact anyone after paying upfront fees, while money that was collected was kept by the companies.

We will continue to take robust action against those who prey on both creditors seeking legitimate debt recovery services and debtors who believe they are making payments to settle their obligations.

All three companies falsely claimed to have “been collecting unpaid debts, resolving disputes and carrying out investigations and research for more than 25 years.”

EDC Group NE Ltd was only set up in March 2022, with UK EDC Ltd incorporated in August 2023, and UK TCF Limited in December 2023.

The companies operated using nearly identical websites, with UK EDC and UK TCF sharing the same website.

False claims on the websites included descriptions of the companies as “market leaders” with “cutting edge collection activity technology” and 65 positive testimonials which presented an inaccurate picture of the companies as having a successful track record in debt recovery.

Insolvency Service investigations revealed sophisticated deceptive tactics, with the companies operating interchangeably to maximise their improper conduct.

One victim paid £750 to UK EDC Ltd for collection of a debt of more than £20,000 but when the debtor made a payment of £12,143 it was collected by the connected company UK TCF Limited operating as ‘The Creditor’s Friend’. The victim was never informed of this collection and never received any of the money recovered on his behalf.

In another example, a woman who paid £600 to recover £15,000 in debts described how EDC Group NE Ltd claimed to have quickly found the debtors’ addresses and new business locations, even boasting of posing as a tax officer to obtain information.

She said: “They gained my trust and gave me false hope. I see now that this was all a confidence trick to gain my trust and impress me so that I would willingly part with my money.”

Complaints to Action Fraud saw one business owner report that the companies had taken payments estimated at £30,000 – £50,000 from his clients alone.

Other victims reported paying instruction fees ranging from £350 to £750 before the companies became completely uncontactable, with phone lines permanently engaged and no voicemail facilities.

Analysis of EDC Group NE Ltd’s bank account revealed that of the £347,837 in total payments out, almost £160,000 went directly to the director, with an additional £78,071 paid to various individuals as salary, gifts and commissions.

Investigators also found payments of more than £17,000 to various bookmakers, £9,679 to football clubs, and £21,362 to hostelries, hotels, restaurants and supermarkets.

No payments to clients for debts collected on their behalf were found.

Bank accounts for the other two companies showed similar patterns, including unexplained payments to EDC Group NE Ltd.

All three companies failed to provide any accounting or financial records to the Insolvency Service. The registered company director failed to co-operate throughout the investigation, ignoring all attempts by investigators to locate and communicate with the companies and those in control of them.

The failure to provide financial records also prevented investigators from establishing whether the companies operated independently or used phoenix practices – repeatedly closing and reopening under new names to evade responsibility and confuse clients.

The Official Receiver has been appointed as liquidator of EDC Group NE Ltd, UK EDC Ltd and UK TCF Limited.
August 19, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Statement of the Co-chairs of the Coalition of the Willing [August 2025]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 17 August 2025.

President Macron and Prime Minister Starmer today co-chaired a virtual meeting of a grouping of ‘Coalition of the Willing’ Leaders with the participation of President Zelenskyy.

Leaders convened to discuss support for Ukraine and next steps in peace negotiations following President Trump’s meeting with President Putin in Alaska.

The Leaders reaffirmed their continued support to Ukraine, and praised President Zelenskyy’s desire for a just and lasting peace as he prepares for further consultations with President Trump in Washington DC.

The leaders also commended President Trump’s commitment to providing security guarantees to Ukraine, in which the Coalition of the Willing will play a vital role through the Multinational Force Ukraine, among other measures.

They re-emphasised the readiness to deploy a reassurance force once hostilities have ceased, and to help secure Ukraine’s skies and seas and regenerate Ukraine’s armed forces.

The President and Prime Minister also informed leaders that they would travel to Washington DC tomorrow for a meeting with President Trump, alongside President Zelenskyy.

August 19, 2025