Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Dad and son (Henry Thomas Allen and Lee Allen) get suspended sentence for illegal scrapyard [October 2025]
The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 15 October 2025.

The Environment Agency has successfully prosecuted a father and son for running an illegal scrap metal site in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire.
- Environment Agency investigation ends in successful prosecution
- Defendants ignored advice and became uncooperative
At Northampton Crown Court on Friday 10 October 2025, Henry Thomas Allen, 73, and his son Lee Allen, 37, both of Station Road, Irthlingborough, both received prison sentences of six months suspended for 18 months.

This was on condition that they each undertake 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days. They were also ordered to pay £5,000 each in costs plus a victim surcharge of £128.

The guilty pleas, at a previous hearing, were for operating without an environmental permit and handling waste in a manner likely to cause pollution.

Site of concern

The court was told that the Environment Agency had designated a scrap metal business in Station Road as a site of concern for a number of years.

Located in the River Nene flood plain and without the correct sealed, foul drainage system the site contained large quantities of motor vehicle waste.

This included batteries, tyres, gas cannisters, fridges, freezers and motor vehicle fluids such as fuel, oil and battery acid. This was stored on bare ground without the correct, sealed, drainage system with a working interceptor.

The company was instructed to remove the unpermitted scrap metal on the land.

But the Environment Agency continued to receive complaints that new waste was being treated and stored.

Officers visited the site and on several occasions provided advice, guidance and support.

Environmental law

Sarah Dunne, the Environment Agency’s Solicitor Advocate, told the court that officers had made every effort to work with the Allens to bring the site into compliance with environmental law. This included guidance regarding the storage and treatment of motor vehicle waste.

However, in spite of this advice, the company continued to accept, deposit and store large quantities of waste metals including end-of-life vehicles. They also became uncooperative with Environment Agency officials.

After a court warrant was gained, Henry Allen was arrested with support from Northamptonshire Police. Drone images showed the scale of the waste on site.

Non-cooperation

The court was told that the father had a long history of non-cooperation with the Environment Agency. He had been served with a warning letter.

Though his son was made sole director of the company, the court was told this was nothing more than a paper exercise.

Sentencing both Allens, His Honour Judge Mayo said that their offending had crossed the custody threshold, that the risk of harm had been high and that they had undermined lawful waste operators. “If you breach the orders, it’s simple, there is a custodial sentence,” the judge said.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said:

We hope this case will send a clear message that we do not hesitate to take action to protect the environment and bring perpetrators to justice.  

These people operated the site without the required permit which, as well as undermining the regulatory regime, also had an impact on lawful waste operators.  

We are actively targeting illegal waste activities across Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire and the country.

Anyone who suspects a company is operating illegally can call the Environment Agency 24/7 on 0800 80 70 60 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Background

Businesses and householders should carry out checks to ensure that they are using legitimate companies to deal with their waste.

To check if a waste carrier is genuine visit: Public Registers Online  

Environmental permits exist to ensure waste is handled safely and does not harm local residents or damage the natural environment

Charges

Henry Thomas Allen
1. Between 24 January 2021-24 February 2023 at Station Road, Irthlingborough, A6 Scrap Metals Ltd did keep controlled waste, namely end of life vehicles, scrap metals and mixed waste in a manner likely to cause pollution of the environment or harm to human health. And the offence was committed with the consent or connivance or attributable to neglect on the part of Henry Thomas Allen contrary to sections 33 (1) (c), 33 (6) and 157 (1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 as amended.
2. Between 24 January 2021-24 February 2023 at Station Road, Irthlingborough, A6 Scrap Metals Ltd operated a regulated facility, namely a waste operation for the deposit, treatment and storage of end of life vehicles, scrap metals and mixed waste, except under and to the extent authorised by environmental permit and the offence was committed with the consent or connivance or attributable to neglect on the part of Henry Thomas Allen contrary to sections 33 (1) (c), 33 (6) and 157 (1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 as amended.
Lee Allen
1. Between 24 January 2021-24 February 2023 at Station Road, Irthlingborough, A6 Scrap Metals Ltd did keep controlled waste, namely end of life vehicles, scrap metals and mixed waste in a manner likely to cause pollution of the environment or harm to human health. And the offence was committed with the consent or connivance or attributable to neglect on the part of Lee Allen contrary to sections 33 (1) (c), 33 (6) and 157 (1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 as amended.
2. Between 24 January 2021-24 February 2023 at Station Road, Irthlingborough, A6 Scrap Metals Ltd operated a regulated facility, namely a waste operation for the deposit, treatment and storage of end of life vehicles, scrap metals and mixed waste, except under and to the extent authorised by environmental permit and the offence was committed with the consent or connivance or attributable to neglect on the part of Lee Allen contrary to sections 33 (1) (c), 33 (6) and 157 (1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 as amended.
October 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor takes on the blockers to get Britain building [October 2025]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 15 October 2025.

New roads, reservoirs, airports, and railways held up by lengthy legal challenges will be completed more quickly under new proposals announced by the Chancellor today (15 October), fast-tracking national renewal.
- Major infrastructure projects gummed up in the courts by legal challenges set to be unblocked by new proposals to cut court time by around half a year.
- Lengthy judicial reviews have left over 30 infrastructure projects since 2008, like the Norfolk Offshore Windfarm and A38 Derby junction improvements, in limbo, stunting economic growth and taking up thousands of court working days.
- Announcement comes as amendments to strengthen the government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill are tabled to get Britain building and growing.
Backing the builders not the blockers, the government will work with the judiciary to cut the amount of time it takes for a judicial review to move through the court system for nationally critical infrastructure projects by around half a year, like Sizewell C. The project, that will deliver clean power to the equivalent of six million homes and support 10,000 jobs at peak construction, was delayed by two judicial reviews, both of which were dismissed by the courts.

Judicial reviews can currently take well over a year to be resolved and have seen some major projects essential for kickstarting economic growth left in limbo. In many cases they go over budget by millions and put thousands of new jobs, energy security for millions of homes and greater transport links for communities on ice. Of the 34 infrastructure projects that faced judicial reviews since 2008, just four were upheld.

The Norfolk Offshore Windfarm judicial review took two years, causing delays to the delivery of energy to the equivalent of more than 1.3 million homes and the A38 Derby junction improvements were delayed for over a year holding up much needed investment in local transport connections. Major road projects are paying up to £121 million per scheme due to delays in legal proceedings, with the cost of workers’ wages, legal fees and weakened investor confidence fuelling overspend.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

The previous government sided with the blockers, who held our economy to ransom for too long, abusing the lengthy judicial review process to delay critical national infrastructure projects and holding back economic growth.

Our planning reforms are set to benefit the economy by up to £7.5 billion over the next ten years, so whether through reducing the length of the judicial review process, tearing up burdensome regulations, or streamlining planning permissions with AI, we want to go further still by backing the builders not the blockers and deliver national renewal by getting Britain building.

Housing Secretary, Steve Reed, said:

Serial objectors have held Britain’s future to ransom while families struggle to find affordable homes and businesses wait years for vital infrastructure. We can’t let frivolous legal challenges gum up the courts and grind our economy to a halt.

Just four out of 34 judicial reviews since 2008 were actually upheld. It’s clear the system is being abused by those who want to stop progress at any cost. We’re backing the builders, not the blockers, and getting Britain building again.

As the Budget approaches, the Chancellor will be spearheading a cross-government drive to kickstart the economy through a series of pro-growth announcements, including a new wave of planning reforms to get Britain building, providing the homes, infrastructure, and jobs the economy needs to grow and boost living standards.

In addition to this week’s amendments, the Chancellor is committed to going further and faster on breaking down barriers in the planning system, building on progress already made, with a record 21 decisions made on major infrastructure projects in the first year of this government.

These include greenlighting of the Lower Thames Crossing, the Rampion 2 Offshore Wind Farm off the Sussex coast and the Simister Island development outside Bury – projects that boost connectivity, energy supply and create jobs, essential for kickstarting economic growth that people can feel in their daily lives.

Katy Dowding, President and CEO Skanska UK said:

I welcome this announcement to curb the delays to major infrastructure delivery – it is a crucial step in enabling construction as a key driver for economic growth. I encourage government to continue ‘back the Builders’ and work closely with industry to consider how to unblock other issues that equally hamper infrastructure delivery so we can get Britain building again.

Chris Ball, President, UK & Ireland, AtkinsRéalis said:

Critical infrastructure is the lifeblood of the economy: it powers homes and businesses, moves people to places and goods to markets, creates capacity for new homes and industrial zones and enables sustainable, resilient growth.

The faster these projects move into delivery, the sooner their economic impact can be felt locally and through the jobs and investment in supply chains across the country. We welcome efforts to remove systemic barriers to delivery and streamline the system by fast-tracking projects whilst also taking careful account of the impact on nature and ensuring that local communities continue to have a vital role within the decision-making process.

Stephen Beechey, Group Public Sector Director, Wates Group said:

At Wates, we support the government’s efforts to remove delays that obstruct the delivery of critical social infrastructure. The proposed judicial review reforms are a vital step toward ensuring that essential projects, such as new prisons, schools and hospitals, can proceed without unnecessary hold-ups. Every month of delay adds cost to the taxpayer and slows down the provision of vital public services. By streamlining the process, these measures will help us build faster, plan better, and deliver the facilities our communities urgently need.

Richard Whitehead, AECOM’s regional CEO for Europe & India, said:

The government faces urgent challenges in delivering infrastructure fast enough to meet the ambitions outlined in the infrastructure strategy and drive growth. Speeding up project delivery will be a key element to ensuring the highest return on the planned infrastructure pipeline. This approach has other benefits, namely it can be applied across sectors and play a critical role in achieving 2030 clean energy goals.

The UK’s consenting process can be subject to legal challenge which can cause substantial delays to projects resulting in scheme benefits not being realised within anticipated timescales as well as rising costs to the Exchequer. The government has been making commendable progress with its planning reform agenda, and the focus must now be on ensuring the reforms can translate into success through effective implementation and adequate resourcing. We commend any moves that can lead to faster approvals whilst also maintaining environmental and community safeguards.
October 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Government works in partnership with industry to unlock £30 million electric vehicle R&D project [October 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 15 October 2025.

Backed by £15 million in government funding, Toyota will lead a cutting-edge match-funded project to boost zero-emission vehicle innovation in a major win for the government’s modern Industrial Strategy.
- Toyota to lead cutting-edge match-funded project to boost zero-emission vehicle innovation.
- £15 million in HMG funding, supported by the government’s modern Industrial Strategy, will go towards accelerating electric mobility tech, supporting high quality jobs, and fuel long-term growth.
- Funding supports the government’s ambition to boost business investment in advanced manufacturing sector by 2035, helping UK firms lead in industries of the future and deliver on the Plan for Change.
The government has enabled over £30 million in joint funding with industry to boost electric vehicle innovation in the UK.

The project, spearheaded by Toyota alongside other key project partners, will accelerate the feasibility of the development of zero-emission technology, drive innovation in cutting-edge R&D and support high quality automotive engineering jobs in the UK.

Backed by £15 million in government funding, the investment will support the feasibility of electric mobility solutions designed to meet the growing demand in the UK for zero emission vehicles and delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.

The vehicle will feature cutting-edge innovations including an integrated solar roof for enhanced energy efficiency, advanced connectivity for smart urban integration and lightweight, sustainable materials designed for recyclability.

The project includes key partners such as the University of Derby and Elm Mobility Limited, combining academic expertise and entrepreneurial agility to deliver a transformative mobility solution.

Industry Minister Chris McDonald said:

This shows the power of our partnership with industry, driving innovation and helping investors build a globally competitive electric vehicle supply chain in the UK as we deliver on our Plan for Change.

Economic growth is our number one priority, and by funding our world leading auto sector our modern Industrial Strategy is creating the right conditions for increased investment, bringing growth, supporting jobs, and opportunities to every part of the UK.

Dariusz Mikolajczak, Managing Director of TMUK, said:

We are delighted to receive support from the Advanced Propulsion Centre for this important feasibility study. This funding allows us to advance our understanding around the feasibility of creating a cutting-edge battery electric vehicle that addresses the growing demand for sustainable urban mobility.  The project acknowledges TMUK’s overall project excellence and will further strengthen the capabilities of our members.

The R&D project will explore the feasibility of developing electric micro mobility vehicles in the UK, supporting high quality automotive engineering jobs and deepening the knowledge and skills within the UK’s advanced manufacturing sector.

The multi-million-pound funding package has been awarded through the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) Collaborative Research and Development programme, helping to unlock further private investment and supporting the government’s ambitions to build an end-to-end supply chain for zero-emissions vehicles in the UK.

Rik Adams, Innovation Delivery Director, The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC):

APC is very proud to be able to support Toyota with this Electric Vehicle (EV) urban mobility project, which embodies much of what DRIVE35 aims to support – innovation, UK competitiveness, productivity, and zero emission vehicles. As an integral part of the UK automotive industry, we are delighted that Toyota is partnering with some of our innovative SME businesses, such as ELM, and our world-class academics from the University of Derby to deliver a cutting-edge vehicle concept designed, developed and tested in the UK.

Earlier this year, the government announced the launch of DRIVE35 to support the shift to zero-emission vehicle manufacturing. Announced in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, it offers £2.5 billion in capital and R&D funding to 2035. The programme backs everything from large-scale gigafactories to start-ups and prototypes for strategic vehicle technologies, aiming to boost innovation, attract investment, and strengthen the UK’s automotive supply chain.

Since its foundation in 2013, the APC R&D programme has supported 354 low-carbon and zero-emission projects involving 614 partners. Working with companies of all sizes, this funding since 2013 is estimated to have helped create or safeguard over 59,000 jobs in the UK. The technologies and products are projected to save over 425 million tonnes of CO2.  
October 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Countryside Stewardship extended to support farming and nature [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 15 October 2025.

Thousands of farmers will receive extensions to continue restoring nature and farming sustainably, supporting long-term food security.

Farmers will continue to be rewarded for their vital role in sustainable food production and nature’s recovery with the offer of one-year extensions to their Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier agreements, Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle confirmed today (Wednesday 15 October).

Countryside Stewardship gives farmers and land managers the opportunity to be paid for environmental work – such as planting wildflower margins that boost pollinators and managing hedgerows to create vital habitats for birds and small mammals – alongside sustainable food production.

With agreements set to expire on 31 December this year, the targeted, time-limited extension is being offered to ensure farmers have the support they need to continue their vital activities to restore nature and produce food sustainably. This is part of our plan to give farmers long term strategic certainty.

The one-off investment of up to £70m supports more than 5,000 farmers and reflects our commitment to working with the sector to build a stronger, more profitable farming future. There are currently more than 77,000 live agri-environment agreements – the highest number in history – and half (4.3m hectares) of farmed land in England is actively managed in these schemes.

Funding for farmers through the Environmental Land Management schemes, which include the Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier scheme, will increase by 150% to £2 billion by 2029, helping to boost rural economies, strengthen domestic food production and enhance the UK’s natural environment for future generations.

Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle said:
We’re backing farmers with the largest investment in nature-friendly farming in history, underpinning our cast iron commitment to food security.

This targeted extension to Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier agreements ensures farmers have the certainty and support they need to continue to grow their businesses, get more British food on our plates, and help restore nature.

Plans for the Sustainable Farming Incentive are currently being reviewed to ensure the available funding for that scheme is distributed more efficiently and more fairly. The government will publish information on the next iteration of the scheme in due course.

Investing in nature through the government’s Plan for Change is central to securing Britain’s future economic growth, developing a sustainable, resilient and profitable farming sector, and ensuring long-term food security.

The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) will write to eligible farmers with details about their extension offer. The letter will contain details of how they accept their extension and the deadline they need to meet for it to be processed.

October 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Pensioners warned to stay alert as winter fuel payment scams surge by over 150% [October 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 15 October 2025.

Pensioners are being warned to look out for Winter Fuel Payment text message scams following a surge in activity from opportunistic criminals ahead of next month’s payments.
- New data reveals a 153% rise in scam referrals in the final week of September, compared to the previous week.
- Recent spike comes ahead of Winter Fuel Payments hitting pensioners’ bank accounts next month.
- DWP are increasing efforts to raise public awareness and urge everyone not to engage with scam messages.
Pensioners are being warned to look out for Winter Fuel Payment text message scams following a surge in activity from opportunistic criminals ahead of next month’s payments.

New data from HMRC shows reports of scam texts more than doubled in the last week of September when compared to the previous week

These scams – which see fraudsters exploit pensioners by posing as government officials processing Winter Fuel Payment applications – had begun to drop off after a peak in June but are now increasing again ahead of payments being made next month.

This warning comes as the DWP ramps up its social media campaign in partnership with Action Fraud to raise awareness of these scams across Facebook and Twitter. This is alongside DWP’s continued work with trusted partners and charities such as Independent Age to ensure accurate and timely information is available.

Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically, and the government will never ask for bank details by text. Anyone who receives a text message inviting them to apply for a payment should not engage with it and instead forward it to 7726.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said:

If you get a text message about Winter Fuel Payments, it’s a scam. They will be made automatically so you do not need to apply.

These despicable attempts by criminals to target people are on the rise. We are raising awareness to make it harder for fraudsters to succeed.

If you receive a suspicious message about Winter Fuel Payments, don’t engage – forward it to 7726 and delete it immediately.

Independent Age Chief Executive Joanna Elson CBE said:

Scammers are shamefully exploiting the Winter Fuel Payment to target older people living on low incomes. This entitlement is a vital lifeline that helps protect those facing financial hardship during the colder months.

Our helpline has received calls from older people who have been sent these fraudulent messages. Many of them are already anxious about being able to afford to heat their homes this winter, and these scam texts may wrongly lead them to believe they must take action to receive their payment.

The key message is clear: you do not need to do anything to receive your Winter Fuel Payment. If you are eligible, it will be paid automatically.

Jonathan Silvester, HMRC’s Digital Defence Lead, said:

Scammers target individuals by attempting to take your money or access your personal information. I’m urging you to stay alert to their pressure tactics.

Never let yourself be rushed. If someone contacts you relating to Winter Fuel Payments, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard. If a phone call, text or email is suspicious or unexpected, don’t give out private information or reply, and don’t download attachments or click on links. You can report any suspicious HMRC-related activity on GOV.UK, just search ‘report an HMRC scam’.

Winter Fuel Payments will automatically be paid into people’s bank accounts with eligible pensioners receiving a letter in October or November saying how much they will receive. Payments will be made between mid-November and December 2025.

Supporting pensioners is a top priority for this Government which is why we are committed to the Triple Lock which means millions of pensioners will see their State Pension rise by up to £1,900.

On top of this, pensioners on low incomes can apply for further support this winter through Pension Credit – worth £4,300 on average a year. Pensioners with care needs can also apply for Attendance Allowance, worth over £5,740 a year and we will continue to urge anyone who thinks they are eligible to apply.

Know the facts:
- Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically: the vast majority of Winter Fuel Payments will be made automatically and you do not need to apply or provide personal information via text or email.
- The DWP will never ask for bank details via text message.
- Suspicious texts should be forwarded to 7726 which is free of charge, which helps phone providers block the numbers involved.
October 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Huge blow for Putin’s war machine as UK sanctions Russian oil [October 2025]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 October 2025.

Russia’s largest oil companies and global businesses propping up Putin’s illegal war have been hit by fresh sanctions as the UK moves to increase pressure on Kremlin revenues.
- UK unleashes strongest sanctions yet on Russia, choking off energy revenues that flow into its war chest by directly targeting oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil.
- Government is taking Russian oil ‘off the market’ as 90 sanctions announced.
- Foreign Office and Treasury take action in tandem, with Yvette Cooper introducing sanctions in parliament and Rachel Reeves leading discussions with international partners in Washington DC.
The 90 new sanctions strike at the heart of Putin’s war funding, directly targeting Rosneft and Lukoil – two of the world’s biggest energy companies, which together export 3.1 million barrels of oil per day. Rosneft alone is responsible for 6% of global and nearly half of all Russian oil production.

Today’s action demonstrates the government’s determination to cut off Putin’s revenue streams – targeting Russian companies and their global enablers. Four oil terminals in China, 44 tankers in the ‘shadow fleet’ transporting Russian oil, and Nayara Energy Limited – which imported 100 million barrels of Russian crude worth over $5 billion in 2024 alone – have all been hit by this latest wave of sanctions.

The new sanctions, all announced by the Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper in Parliament today, come as Chancellor Rachel Reeves arrives in Washington DC for the International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings, where she will meet G7 Finance Ministers and attend a Ukraine roundtable to rally global partners to cut off revenues reaching the Russian regime.

Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper said:

At this critical moment for Ukraine, Europe is stepping up. Together, the UK and our allies are piling the pressure on Putin – going after his oil, gas and shadow fleet – and we will not relent until he abandons his failed war of conquest and gets serious about peace.

Even with his war economy creaking, his people suffering, and his army enduring unthinkable losses – still he sends drones and missiles after innocent civilians.

Ukraine’s security is important for the security and stability of the whole of Europe and for the UK. Today’s action is another step towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, and towards a more secure United Kingdom. The action we are taking against Russian aggression with partners across Europe makes us stronger here at home.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said:

We are sending a clear signal: Russian oil is off the market.

As Putin’s aggression intensifies, we are stepping up our response. The UK will continue to strip away the funding that fuels his war machine. We will hold to account all those enabling his illegal invasion of Ukraine.

The action also coincides with Putin kicking off Russian Energy Week in Moscow, undermining his efforts to pitch his most valuable funding stream to those across the globe.

As Putin’s vital oil revenues shrink year-on-year under the weight of international sanctions, the Kremlin is scrambling to expand its liquified natural gas (LNG) industry to plug these losses. The UK is today also sanctioning seven specialised LNG tankers and the Chinese Beihai LNG terminal. Beihai has been importing LNG from Arctic LNG2 – the severely disrupted flagship Russian LNG project, sanctioned by the UK in February 2024.

To further restrict the flow of funds to the Kremlin, the UK has today announced that we will ban imports of oil products refined in third countries from Russian-origin crude oil.

By removing Russian oil from the market, taking steps towards peace and in turn building a more secure Europe, we are directly strengthening the UK’s national and energy security – key foundations of this government’s Plan for Change.

More than 85,000 military drones have been delivered by the UK to Ukraine in just six months this year by accelerating production from British companies and supporting jobs in both countries, with £600 million invested by the UK this year.

Today’s sanctions extend beyond oil, tightening the net around Russia’s key military supply chains by hitting businesses that supply electronics critical for Russian drones and missiles terrorising Ukrainian civilians, across countries including Thailand, Singapore, Turkey, and China.

Background
- Today’s measures come as new data released today reveals that UK sanctions have frozen £28.7 billion of Russian assets since February 2022. The figure, announced in the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation’s (OFSI) Annual Review 2024-25, highlight the UK’s leading role in choking off the funding streams bankrolling Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine – more detail can be found here.
- A full list of today’s targets can be found here.
- The UK has sanctioned the two largest Russian oil majors, Rosneft and Lukoil. We previously sanctioned the third and fourth largest, Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas in January 2025.
October 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Defence Secretary meets with the niece of the late Agnes Wanjiru [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 15 October 2025.

The UK Defence Secretary, John Healey MP reiterates Government’s steadfast support for her family’s long and painful fight for justice.

The Defence Secretary John Healey MP today met the niece of the late Agnes Wanjiru, Esther Njoki. The meeting follows the Kenyan Director of Public Prosecution determining that a British National should face trial in relation to the murder of Ms Wanjiru, who was killed in Nanyuki in Kenya in 2012.

In April 2025, the Defence Secretary visited Kenya and became the first UK Government Minister to meet Agnes Wanjiru’s family, since her murder in 2012.

Today’s meeting is only the second between UK Government ministers and representatives of Agnes’s family.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

Six months since our first meeting in Kenya, I was pleased to welcome the niece of the late Agnes Wanjiru, Esther Njoki to London today, to reiterate our Government’s steadfast support for her family’s long and painful fight for justice.

I want to pay tribute to Esther, who is an extraordinary spokesperson for her family, and for women who have suffered violence.

We reflected on the significant progress made in recent months, with the case file being handed to the Director of Public Prosecutions in April and a charging decision being made last month. Our Government will continue to do everything we can to support the Kenyan investigation, secure a resolution to this case and finally bring peace to Esther and her grieving family.

The niece of Agnes Wanjiru, Esther Njoki also made a statement after the meeting with the Defence Secretary:

The loss of my beloved aunt, Agnes Wanjiru, has left a permanent scar on my family. It wasn’t just the pain of losing her – it is the years of silence, frustration and trauma we’ve endured trying to get justice since.

Since my family last met with the Secretary of State, there has been a major development with a former British soldier having been charged with my aunt’s murder. This has given us a renewed sense of hope — but we are still far from achieving justice for Agnes. That’s why this meeting with the Secretary of State is crucial. We are urging him and the Government to do everything in their power to ensure the man arrested is extradited to Kenya and faces trial without further delay.

October 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Update on Enhanced UK-Turkey Free Trade Agreement negotiations [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 14 October 2025.

An update following the second round of negotiations on an Enhanced Free Trade Agreement with Turkey.

The second round of negotiations on an enhanced Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Turkey took place in London during the week commencing 15 September 2025.

The UK and Turkey have a strong economic relationship, with trade between the two totalling around £28 billion in 2024, making Turkey the UK’s 16th largest trading partner. Trade with Turkey’s growing market of 86 million people directly supported around 57,100 jobs across the UK in 2020. 

Economic growth is our first mission in government and FTAs have an important role to play in achieving this. A stronger trade relationship with Turkey will contribute to jobs and prosperity in the UK.

Negotiations were productive, with positive progress being made in a number of areas, including digital trade, financial and professional business services, as well as investment. The UK continues to seek commitments that will support opening new opportunities for services trade, which is not covered by the existing UK-Turkey FTA.

The round included talks on Goods Market Access, Environment, Labour, and Anti-Corruption provisions, building on initial conversations held in Ankara during the first round of negotiations. Both sides continued to assess scope for areas of cooperation, including reaffirming relevant international commitments and building on identified shared priorities.

Positive talks were also held on Dispute Settlement, Intellectual Property, Government Procurement, Customs, and Consumer Protection; productive initial discussions on Trade Remedies and Good Regulatory Practice also helped build a shared understanding of both countries’ initial positions.

The UK will only ever sign a trade agreement which aligns with the UK’s national interests, upholding our high standards across a range of sectors, including protections for the National Health Service.

The third round of negotiations is expected to take place in late Autumn of 2025. Ministers will update Parliament on the progress of discussions with Turkey as they continue to progress.

October 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : WTO General Council – UK Statement [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 October 2025.

UK Statement at the World Trade Organization’s General Council. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and the UN, Kumar Iyer.

Agenda item 4.1. WTO Reform – Report by the Facilitator

The UK supports the work of Ambassador Ølberg; we welcome the report and we support his engagement with the G20 process. We welcome also the focus on MC14 as a reform Ministerial Conference and the UK stands ready to support the process as needed and we will update the membership later on in our information item on the Wilton Park conference last week.

The UK continues to believe like, the majority of Members, that now is very much the time for reform, and the credibility of this organisation rests on it. We all have different priorities but that underlines again the value of the facilitator’s process and the need to engage with it constructively. The UK is keen to move to focussed, detailed discussions on areas identified by the facilitator. The sooner we can get to open, frank, and hopefully constructive discussions, the better. The sooner we can engage with specifics, the more we can minimise the asks of our ministers at MC14, and we recognise the need to be pragmatic in scope to achieve that.

The priorities for the UK remain decision-making, Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) and market-distorting practises, but we recognise the wider interests of the membership and the need for the facilitator to accommodate those. Thank you.

Item 9

Thank you Chair. We’d like to be brief: the UK would like to note that we really welcome this innovation. Simplifying global trade for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) is a really value-added role that the WTO can provide.

The UK Trade Commissioner was able to be present directly. Our focus in our interventions was around SMEs’ access to finance and the green transition. We would also like to know that we support the road map produced and support its implementation. Thank you.

Item 10

Thank you, Chair. The United Kingdom welcomes the initiative and the establishment of the website as a record for members to refer to. We reaffirm that the UK encourages further work on this important topic. The UK stands ready to engage constructively with all Members as these conversations develop. Thank you.

Item 11

Thank you, Chair.

From the 1st to the 3rd of October, the United Kingdom hosted delegates from across the WTO membership at a conference at our Wilton Park venue to discuss the future of the multilateral trading system and WTO reform within this context. Whilst English country houses are both large and charming, sadly they cannot accommodate the whole membership. In the interest of transparency, we wanted to provide this report and are happy to discuss further any detail with any interested members.

We were joined at the conference by the Director-General and the WTO Reform Facilitator, and we invited representatives from the full cross section of the membership or group coordinators and a strong regional mix. We would like to thank all delegates for their attendance and, in particular, for the quality, openness and depth of conversations that we had. There were no clocks. There were no cameras and, after a while, there were no statements either. The conference itself was held under confidentiality terms, but I will try and draw out a few points to report back on general comments and observations.

The first was, unsurprisingly, there was a very wide divergence of views. There was a divergence in the problems that people saw, and there was a divergence in the value people saw in the WTO. However, in response to your question from yesterday and your challenge, DG: everyone saw some form of value in the WTO, it just wasn’t necessarily the same thing.

The second is an observation around stability. There was a general agreement that there was value in some stability for businesses to operate and for that we would need some agreed rules, but again, disagreement that the current rules necessarily were the right ones under which to operate.

The third observation being there were the beginnings of proposals and ideas that were raised. There were no particular agreements, that was not the objective of this. But hopefully in the frank and open discussions that Members had, they were able to evolve their thinking so that we could listen to each other and hopefully develop better ideas in that process. I’m sure in the coming weeks and months, those Members will want to bring those ideas to this Chamber.

Chair, I think there is probably a real value add of those discussions and one for us to remember in this Chamber: that depth of understanding is a prerequisite for any progress. In Geneva we talk all the time to each other. Sometimes we don’t always listen, but we do talk. One of the advantages at Wilton Park was over that period of time we were forced to listen to one another and whilst we may talk here, colleagues from capitals do not always get the chance, and the invitees from capitals saw value in that. I will pause there and on our report. Thank you, Chair.

October 16, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Deprived communities to get new flood defences faster [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 14 October 2025.

A record £10.5 billion investment in flood defences will defend nearly 900,000 properties in England, with new rules to get defences built more quickly.

Deprived communities across the country will benefit from new flood defences, under sweeping reforms unveiled by the government today (Tuesday 14 October), safeguarding England’s renewal by better protecting homes and businesses from flooding.

The last time rules on allocating flood defence funding were updated was in 2011. Since then, the system has failed to support more innovative solutions, like natural flood management, and was based on outdated evidence.

On top of that, the rules required a complex application process which put councils with limited resources at a disadvantage, meaning poorer communities struggled to build the defences they need.

In a major shift, the government has overhauled that complex approach and committed a record £10.5 billion to flood defences to protect nearly 900,000 properties.

The new rules – which will be used for the next flood programme starting in April 2026 – ensure that all prioritised flood projects valued at £3 million or less are eligible for full funding by the government. Prioritised projects valued higher than this will be eligible for the first £3 million of support upfront, and 90% of the costs thereafter.

For example, if an eligible scheme valued at £10 million was approved and prioritised for investment, the scheme owners would only need to provide £700,000 to get spades in the ground, as the government would contribute £9.3 million to the project’s costs.

The move will bring confidence and security to local businesses and investors, helping to kickstart economic growth as part of the Plan for Change and safeguard the government’s plans to deliver national renewal.

Floods Minister Emma Hardy said:

For too long, deprived towns and cities struggled to secure the vital money needed for flood defences due to a complicated and outdated process.

Our reforms will rip this up and help communities get back on their feet after floods – by unlocking economic growth, building new homes and creating new jobs.

This government will be investing a record £10.5 billion into new flood defences and repairing existing assets to protect more people from the devastation of flooding.

At least 20% of future investment will also be set aside to help protect the most deprived communities in England over the next ten years.

Together, these reforms will break the cycle of towns struggling to recover from flooding, with increased protection from new flood defences helping to grow the local economy, create jobs and protect high streets against billions of pounds in damages.

This long-term investment in the nation’s infrastructure will bring with it economic growth and secure national renewal for decades to come, as well as boosting our resilience to a warming climate.

In a move to ensure government investment goes even further, new projects will be prioritised based on value for money, with the contributions from partners – such as businesses, wildlife groups or farm clusters – being better recognised and boosting the chances of projects being approved.

These changes will ensure government funding unlocks external investment, making every pound of taxpayer money go further.

Caroline Douglass, Executive Director of Flood and Coastal Risk Management at the Environment Agency, said:

Our changing climate means it has never been more important to ensure communities are better protected from the devastating impacts of flooding.

We welcome the government’s new approach to flood and coastal erosion investment, enabling a wider range of projects such as natural flood management and property flood resilience to be supported. Together with our partners, we will work to deliver these ambitions on the ground.

The biggest overhaul in 15 years of the government’s approach to flooding will see a number of previously neglected approaches prioritised – reflecting better understanding of flood risk across the country.

For the first time, refurbishment of existing flood defences will be treated on an equal footing with new projects. This recognises the growing pressure on ageing defences and ensures vital repairs get the funding they need.

Natural flood management projects supported by the government are cost effective, while delivering environmental benefits in addition to flood protection. The largest ever investment in natural flood management, delivered over the next decade, will form a key part of the new, overhauled approach to managing flood risk.

In its first year in power, the government has delivered 151 flood schemes, better protecting more than 24,000 homes and businesses from flooding across England. This includes the Pevensey Bay Sea Defences in East Sussex, which has better protected 3,225 properties.

This action forms part of the government’s record investment of at least £10.5 billion until 2036 – the largest flood programme in history – to construct new flood defences and repair existing defences.

Recognising flood defences were inherited in their worst condition on record, £108 million was reprioritised for urgent maintenance works, which halt the decline of major assets and make communities confident that they are protected.

October 16, 2025