UKPOL.CO.UK

Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Courts expansion to deliver speedier justice for victims [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Courts expansion to deliver speedier justice for victims [January 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 27 January 2026.

    Former court buildings in Fleetwood, Telford, Chichester and Cirencester – used as Nightingale Courts since the pandemic – will now become permanent fixtures.

    • Nightingale Court era over as four temporary courts become permanent fixtures
    • Next step in wider Government plans to end interminable delay for victims
    • Move comes as new landmark London court readies for opening

    Thousands of victims will be spared from interminable delays waiting to see justice done thanks to a significant expansion to the court’s estate. 

    Former court buildings in Fleetwood, Telford, Chichester and Cirencester – used as Nightingale Courts since the Covid-19 pandemic – will now become established parts of the court estate, ending their temporary status.  

    This move secures 11 additional courtrooms across the country where capacity is most needed, covering a mixture of criminal, family and civil cases – tackling the caseload and delivering swifter justice for victims. 

    Today’s news comes as the Courts Minister, Sarah Sackman, visited the site of the new London Law Courts – a state-of-the-art building which, when open next year, will act as the benchmark for delivering modern, transparent and speedy justice. 

    The building will provide 18 new state-of-the-art courtrooms which can hear Crown, magistrate and civil cases in the heart of London.  

    As part of the core estate, these former Nightingale Courts will now qualify for future modernisation and investment. This will allow HMCTS to put money into improving their infrastructure and ensure buildings are suitable for the latest technology – speeding up justice and providing a better experience for all court users. 

    Minister for Courts Sarah Sackman KC MP said: 

    This marks a new chapter for these courts. We’re ending the Nightingale era and making a lasting investment in justice. The permanent courtrooms, as part of our Plan for Change, will help deliver faster justice and give much-needed clarity to victims and the staff who serve them. 

    Investment matters, but it isn’t enough on its own. We must deliver bold reforms to put the broken system we inherited – on the brink of collapse – back on sustainable ground.

    The move marks the end of the Nightingale courts initiative, which at its peak in July 2021 saw 60 temporary courtrooms operating in hotels, conference centres and office buildings to keep justice moving during the pandemic.   

    This year alone, the Government is investing £148.5 million to repair and upgrade courts across England and Wales – tackling longstanding maintenance issues, reducing delays caused by ageing infrastructure, and improving conditions for those who rely on them. 

    Alongside investment in the estate, Ministers have also increased funding for Crown Courts to sit a record 111,250 days this financial year. More sitting days means more hearings and faster justice. 

    The Deputy Prime Minister has also announced a bold package of reforms to bring down the Crown Court caseload which will be introduced when parliamentary time allows.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Bishop of Ely [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Bishop of Ely [January 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 January 2026.

    The King has approved the nomination of The Right Reverend Sarah Clark, Suffragan Bishop of Jarrow in the Diocese of Durham, for election as Bishop of Ely, in succession to The Right Reverend Stephen Conway, following his translation to the See of Lincoln.

    Background

    Sarah was educated at Loughborough University and prior to ordination worked as a civil servant within the Department of Employment. She trained for ministry at St. John’s College, Nottingham.  She served her title at St. James Porchester, in the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham, and was ordained Priest in 1999.

    In 2002, Sarah was appointed Rector of the United Benefice of Carlton-in-Lindrick and Langold with Oldcotes and, from 2009, she served as Team Rector of the Clifton Team Ministry in Nottingham. In 2011 Sarah became an honorary Canon of Southwell Minster and took on the additional role of Dean of Women’s Ministry. From 2014 she served as Archdeacon of Nottingham.

    In 2019, Sarah took up her current role as Suffragan Bishop of Jarrow and, since 2024, she has additionally served as Acting Diocesan Bishop of Durham since The Right Reverend Paul Butler’s retirement from that See.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Top British AI expertise to help spark renewal of public services and bolster national security [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Top British AI expertise to help spark renewal of public services and bolster national security [January 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 27 January 2026.

    Government sets out key part of its digital transformation agenda, bringing world class talent into Whitehall to modernise essential services.

    • UK AI experts join government to improve everyday public services including in transport and national security with $1 million from Meta.
    • Anthropic will collaborate with the government to create AI assistants that support job seekers with career advice and finding employment.
    • This forms a key part of the government’s wider digital transformation agenda, bringing world‑class talent into Whitehall to modernise essential services and deliver quicker, safer and more efficient outcomes for the public.

    People across the UK could benefit from faster, safer and more reliable public services as leading British AI specialists join government to modernise critical systems used every day – from public safety to transport maintenance.

    Backed by a $1 million investment from Meta and delivered through the Alan Turing Institute, this new cohort of AI fellows will spend the next year developing open‑source tools that tackle some of the biggest challenges facing public services.

    In transport, fellows will harness AI to develop models which analyse images and videos, enabling councils to prioritise infrastructure repairs more effectively.

    Specialists will develop cutting-edge AI solutions which run offline or within secured networks to support national security and defence teams to make vital decisions while safeguarding sensitive data.

    Ensuring emerging technologies like AI can go further and faster to support people at all stages of their lives, a new partnership with Anthropic also launches today to help build and pilot a dedicated assistant tool for public services. The AI assistant will support people through crucial life moments, starting with job seekers, providing custom career advice and help to lock down a job.

    The technology, which will be entirely optional, is part of a cutting-edge plan to use AI agents for national government services, with a pilot expected to begin later this year.

    Today’s announcement comes as the government marks a week of focused action, showcasing how emerging technologies like AI are being put to work for the public good, benefitting hardworking people at the point of delivery.

    A bold new vision for how tech will be used to help re-wire Whitehall will drive a further boost to the government’s digital transformation agenda. Launched in January 2025, the roadmap capitalises on the AI Opportunities Action Plan as it prepares to celebrate its first birthday, bringing the benefits of AI to the frontline of public services.

    Minister for Data and Modern Digital Government, Ian Murray said:

    A digital world needs a modern, digital government. That is why we are enlisting the homegrown talent we already have to elevate our public services.

    Having met the fellows I know they will play a pivotal role in re-wiring our healthcare, police, transport systems and more, to make sure hardworking people benefit from the opportunities that only technologies like AI can deliver.

    Rob Sherman, VP, Deputy Chief Privacy Officer, Policy, at Meta said:

    Meta is proud to help bring top British AI talent into government, fast-tracking the transformation of public services. Advanced AI is already woven into daily life—powering the UK’s economy, driving innovation, and enhancing quality of life for citizens. By placing AI experts at the heart of government institutions, we’re accelerating meaningful change and ensuring these benefits reach everyone.

    Pip White, Head of UK, Ireland and Northern Europe at Anthropic:

    We’re excited to partner with the UK government to help deliver on the AI Opportunities Action Plan.

    This partnership with the UK government is central to our mission. It demonstrates how frontier AI can be deployed safely for the public benefit, setting the standard for how governments integrate AI into the services their citizens depend on.

    Professor Mark Girolami, Acting CEO and Chief Scientist at the Alan Turing Institute said:

    AI has huge potential to help us anticipate risks, improve decision making and boost productivity, strengthening the UK’s resilience and prosperity. The new fellows will play an important role in putting effective AI tools into the hands of our public servants in order to realise these benefits.

    The programme brings together some of the UK’s leading AI researchers and practitioners including:

    • Dr Armin Mustafa, University of Surrey – an expert in computer vision and AI‑driven modelling
    • Angus Williams, Senior Data Scientist at the Alan Turing Institute – specialist in real‑world machine‑learning applications for the public sector
    • Dr Shan Luo, Associate Professor of Computer Vision at King’s College London – known for robotics‑led approaches to imaging and automated decision‑making
    • Dr Frank Soboczenski, Assistant Professor in AI at the University of York – a leader in trustworthy AI and safety‑critical systems
    • Dr Mingfei Sun, Assistant Professor in Computer Science at the University of Manchester – an expert in large-scale reinforcement learning

    Earlier this month, the UK government announced CustomerFirst – a new team within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) focused on eliminating long wait times, repetitive form‑filling and outdated processes across a number of public services. To accelerate this work, government is bringing in additional private‑sector expertise and emerging technology to deliver tangible improvements on the frontline.

    Led by Tristan Thomas, formerly of Monzo and with Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy as its first co‑chair, CustomerFirst will put modern technology to work to cut out long phone queues, reduce paperwork and make it easier and faster for people to access the services they rely on.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Solicitor General announces expansion of Victim’s Right to Review scheme [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Solicitor General announces expansion of Victim’s Right to Review scheme [January 2026]

    The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 27 January 2026.

    More rape and sexual assault survivors across England and Wales will have the right to ask for their cases to be reviewed before a final decision to offer no evidence is made after pilot scheme is significantly expanded into three more regions.

    Following positive feedback from an initial pilot in the West Midlands, which launched in June 2025, the Solicitor General has confirmed the scheme will now expand to three more CPS Areas.

    Beginning with CPS North West in January, followed by CPS Yorkshire and Humberside in early February, and CPS Cyrmu-Wales in April. 

    Under the current system, criminal cases can be stopped at any point if a prosecutor decides there is no longer a realistic prospect of conviction. While victims can ask for the decision to be reviewed under the Victims’ Right to Review (VRR) scheme, this will not change the outcome. 

    The pilot gives victims of rape or serious sexual abuse the right for their case to be reviewed by a different prosecutor before any final decisions are made, and the chance to continue proceedings remains.  

    If that prosecutor determines there is enough evidence, the case will continue. 

    The move will help to enhance confidence in the justice system by giving victims more control over their case, getting them the answers they deserve and putting perpetrators behind bars. 

    The pilot is an important part of the government’s VAWG strategy, which sets out its commitment to halving violence against women and girls within a decade. 

    Solicitor General Ellie Reeves MP said: 

    Rape and sexual assault are abhorrent, causing long-lasting physical and emotional trauma to victims.  Victims who come forward deserve to know that their experiences are being heard.   

    This government is committed to halving violence against women and girls and following a positive pilot in the West Midlands, I am working with CPS to roll out the victims right to review pilot to three more regions. 

    This will increase routes to justice and above all, it will ensure victims are given fairness, dignity and are truly heard. 

    Survivors eligible for the pilot in the West Midlands – including those who did not request a review – gave positive feedback, saying they valued having the opportunity for their case to be reconsidered before a final decision was reached. 

    The expansion will allow the Crown Prosecution Service to gather further evidence and data on the scheme’s effectiveness before any decision is made on a national rollout. 

    Siobhan Blake, National CPS Lead for Rape and Serious Sexual Offences, said:  

    For survivors of rape and sexual offences, the possibility that their abuser may never face justice can be deeply distressing.  

    Victims deserve absolute confidence that every decision is made with care and expertise. Our specialist prosecutors usually get it right first time, but when we don’t — and a case that could have continued is stopped — an apology alone can never feel like justice.  

    Victims who have taken part so far have told us that simply having this option makes a positive difference.   

    I’m pleased we are now expanding the pilot so we can gather the evidence we need to understand the full impact and how best to support victims.

     Jade Blue McCrossen-Nethercott, said: 

    It’s encouraging to see the VRR pilot expanding further. From lived experience, I know the difference an earlier opportunity for review can make, and the learning from the West Midlands shows this clearly – survivors have said that simply having this option makes a positive difference.

    Adding this right is an important step forward. It helps build confidence in the justice system by giving victims greater control at a critical moment in their case and the chance to get the answers they deserve. The phased, evidence-led approach reflects constructive engagement and a genuine willingness to learn from what’s working. I’m proud to see this steady progress and grateful for the openness to change.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New and upgraded grassroots sport facilities to get the UK active [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New and upgraded grassroots sport facilities to get the UK active [January 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 27 January 2026.

    Nearly 1000 community projects across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland benefitting from new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities.

    • Boost will improve accessibility and sustainability, through multisport, all-weather pitches, goalposts, floodlights and community hubs – with 50% going to 30% most deprived communities in the UK
    • Move supports drive to break down barriers to opportunity, give families affordable ways to stay healthy, and deliver an NHS fit for the future 
    • Applications for £85 million of funding to be distributed in 2026/27 across the UK to open

    Nearly 1000 community projects across the UK are benefitting from new all-weather pitches, extended playing hours through floodlighting, and modern changing facilities designed to welcome underserved groups like women and girls, in a new boost for grassroots sport facilities by the Government. 

    991 projects across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been awarded funding through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme in 2025/26, with more beneficiaries to be announced soon. 

    These new or refurbished facilities will give families low-cost options to stay active on their doorstep, helping when many are facing cost-of-living pressures. It will also open up opportunities to underserved groups like women and girls. At least half of all funding will go directly to the 30% most deprived communities in the UK. 

    Sports clubs and organisations will also benefit from new goalposts, fencing and new changing pavilions – all of which help make sites more accessible and sustainable for local communities. To ensure broader participation beyond football, at least 40% of funded projects must have a multi-sport offer. This approach will give more people access to a wider variety of sports and activities, such as rugby, cricket, and basketball.

    Full details of all the 991 projects funded through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme in 2025/26 at time of writing to date are attached and available on GOV.UK.

    Today, the Government has also announced the allocations for the next £85million investment for 2026/27 for grassroots sports facilities, part of a £400 million boost launched by the Government in June 2025.  Applications are now open in England, with Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland to follow.

    The announcement was made as Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy visited East Kilbride United Community Sports Club, who received £310,000 across 2024-26 for a new artificial pitch and changing pavilion at Kirktonholme. The upgraded facility now hosts women’s and girls’ teams, school PE lessons, and a walking football programme supporting men’s mental health. 

    It follows the Government  launching the ‘Team Up’ campaign yesterday, which has brought some of the UK’s biggest sport stars, sport governing bodies and charities together to tackle male loneliness using the power of sport through a wide range of initiatives across the country. More details are available on the new Team Up website.  

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, said:

    This is sport delivering for the nation. Every pound we invest in grassroots facilities is a pound that takes pressure off our NHS, supports mental and physical health, and opens doors for new community members to benefit from sport – like women and girls who’ve been shut out for too long.

    We’re supporting communities that have made do with run-down pitches and crumbling changing rooms for years. This government is turning that around – building the facilities that get people active, bring communities together, and nurture the next generation of sporting talent.

    Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation said: 

    High quality sports facilities are vital. This season we’ve been celebrating 25 years of game changing impact in the grassroots game thanks to £1.3bn of funding from our partners the Premier League, The FA and Government since we started work in 2000.

    The funding from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, announced today, alongside that of the Premier League and The FA, ensures the Football Foundation can continue to deliver the football and multi-sport facilities that inspire people to play, get healthy and come together.   

    Football in England is evolving and we need to ensure the facilities support its growth. Guided by our Local Plans we systematically deliver where need is greatest and impact is strongest, creating inclusive opportunities for generations to come.  

    The £68.4m will help us support the growth of the women’s and girls’ game, provide the facilities that grassroots organisations need, back our biggest and best clubs and ensure we know about every pitch and how we can best support them.  

    We are excited about the next year, and look forward to working with our funding partners to continue to provide very community with a great place to play.” 

    Sport England Chief Executive, Simon Hayes said:

    Community sport sits at the heart of our society. It brings people together across the UK, helping them to connect, have fun and live healthier lives. But none of that is possible if there aren’t enough pitches and facilities, designed in the right way and located in the right places. We therefore very much welcome today’s announcement and look forward to working with the Government and our partners to ensure as many people as possible from all over the country have the chance to participate.

    Through new local sports facilities or critical upgrades to outdated facilities, the funding will deliver: 

    • New 3G grass pitches enabling year-round play regardless of weather
    • Upgraded changing pavilions with more appropriate changing facilities for women and girls
    • Floodlighting to extend playing hours into evenings and car parking for better accessibility
    • New goalposts, fencing and storage facilities to improve safety and access
    • Priority use time slots for women and girls teams at funded sites
    • Facilities that can host PE and school activities alongside community use
    • Sites that support health initiatives and community outreach programmes

    The funding is designed to promote health, wellbeing and community cohesion, remove the barriers to physical activity for under-represented groups (such as women and girls, people with disabilities, and ethnic minority communities), and support the Government’s Plan for Change by breaking down barriers to opportunity and delivering an NHS fit for the future.  

    Today’s announcement is the latest part of a £400 million boost for grassroots sport facilities announced by the Government in June 2025. £98 million was invested in 2025/26. The 2026/27 investment includes £85million and a recently announced £5 million boost for basketball facilities (matched by £5 million from the NBA). Further details on £10million funding for innovative facilities models is due to be set out in the coming months. 

    Following the Lionesses’ defence of their European title last summer, the Government announced plans to more than double the share of primetime slots dedicated to women’s and girls’ teams. This will happen at facilities that have been funded by the Government, Premier League and The FA’s charity the Football Foundation over the next five years, with a clear long-term target of reaching equal access as demand grows.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors:

    2026-27 funding:

    Funding breakdown by nation:

    • England: £68.35 million (delivered through the Football Foundation)
    • Scotland: £8.14 million (delivered through the Scottish Football Association)
    • Wales: £5.735 million (delivered through the Cymru Football Foundation)
    • Northern Ireland: £2.775 million (delivered through the Irish Football Association)
    • Applications can be submitted on an ongoing basis in England via the Football Foundation.
    • Application windows will open soon in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and the relevant FA websites will be updated with more details.

    Funding in action for 2025-26: 

    Scotland – East Kilbride United Community Sports Club

    • East Kilbride United received a grant of £200,000 towards a new artificial grass pitch in 2024/25, followed by a grant of £110,000 towards a new changing pavilion in 2025/26 for their facilities at Kirktonholme. 
    • The addition of a changing pavilion has enabled greater use of the facility by women and girls teams. The facility is now used for PE school activities, and the club runs a range of health initiatives and community outreach programmes, including a walking football group supporting men’s mental health.

    England – Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation, Ben Scott’s Field

    • The project is receiving £990,248 towards the development of a new World Rugby 22 and FIFA Quality 3G pitch, new changing pavilion with office space, social/community room and kitchen, as well as new access and car parking.
    • The site offers crucial multi-sport availability, being designed to support rugby, with Guisborough Rugby Club using the site for training as well as hosting the RFU’s T1 Rugby programme, a fun and inclusive, non-contact version of rugby union designed for all ages and abilities.
    • The site will also boost access for women and girls, being supported by partner club Skelton United, who would have 13 women and girls teams on site by year five.
    • The Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation will also deliver Premier League Kicks and Wildcats provision to support recreational women and girls activity. 
    • A key aim of the project is to support under-represented groups with programmes to support Mental Health, Disability through team growth and the North Riding FA Ability Counts League, Warm Space (a cost-of-living programme), Match Fit and Team Talk (linked to public health).

    England – Academies Enterprise Trust, Lift Tendring School

    • The project is receiving £1,000,000 towards the development of a 3G pitch.
    • This project is aimed at improving access for under-represented groups and has a strong women and girls focus, with recreational programmes such as Wildcats and Squad Girls, in addition to the proposed growth of ten new women and girls teams in the next five years. 
    • Sessions are also proposed free of charge through Colchester United Community Trust, as well as mental health provision and walking football.
    • The new 3G pitch allows football to migrate out of the indoor sports hall providing an opportunity for greater collaboration and usage of other sports such as Pickleball, Badminton, Netball and Basketball which will be possible in the existing indoor space.

    Wales – Afan United Project

    • The project received £315,360 towards a full size artificial grass pitch upgrade and new changing pavilion.
    • It is a multi-sport flagship project, including rugby and rounders activity.
    • The site offers a percentage of priority use slots to women and girls.

    Northern Ireland – Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Foyle Arena 3G Development project 

    • This project received £200,842 towards a full size artificial grass pitch upgrade.
    • It is a multi sport flagship project, including Cricket, Rugby, Running, GAA and PE school activity
    • Derry City FC Women will use this facility as their home facility

    Team Up campaign: 

    • The campaign unites sport to tackle male loneliness, promote social connection, and highlight support for men’s mental health. 
    • During the week of 26 January – 1 February, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is working with the Premier League, EFL, Rugby Football Union, England and Wales Cricket Board and Movember on the campaign, using sport’s collective voice to show young men that help is out there and where they can find it.
  • PRESS RELEASE : 450,000 disadvantaged pupils could benefit from AI tutoring tools [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : 450,000 disadvantaged pupils could benefit from AI tutoring tools [January 2026]

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

    Safe AI tutoring tools co-created with teachers to be available to schools by the end of 2027, helping to close the attainment gap.

    Up to 450,000 children from disadvantaged backgrounds could benefit from safe AI powered tutoring tools providing personalised, one-to-one learning support – levelling the playing field for those who cannot afford private tutors.

    The government’s mission is to break down barriers to opportunity so every child, regardless of background, can achieve and thrive. Currently, too many disadvantaged children are lagging behind their peers with just one in four achieving a pass in English and maths at GCSE at grade 5 or above, compared to over half of their peers.

    Evidence shows that one to one tutoring can accelerate a pupil’s learning by around five months, but access to tutoring is deeply unequal, with children from wealthier families far more likely to benefit. The government is running a tender for industry to co-create AI tutoring tools with teachers, with the goal of bringing these tools to a similar level of quality, so that we can offer, at scale, the kind of personalised one to one support often only available to a privileged few.

    By adapting to individual pupils’ needs, the tools could provide extra help when they get stuck and identify where they need more practice to master their lessons, with the potential to help them catch up with their peers.

    From Summer term this year, there will be teacher-led co-creation of AI tutoring tools with industry. The tools will then be available to schools by the end of 2027. From years 9 – 11 alone this means the tools could support up to 450,000 children a year on free school meals to access one to one tutoring.

    Under the plans the government will work alongside teachers, AI labs and leading tech companies to robustly test AI tutoring tools, so they are safe and work for pupils, including the most disadvantaged, and school staff. This includes ensuring they work in tandem with the National Curriculum to build on children’s learning in class.  

    The tools will help drive up standards by complementing high-quality face-to-face teaching – not replacing it – offering targeted support to students who need it most while also pushing the most able pupils to go further, so every child can achieve and thrive.

    Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said:

    Our mission is to break the link between background and destiny, and we’re working hand-in-hand with teachers to make that a reality. AI tutoring tools have the potential to transform access to tailored support for young people, taking tutoring from a privilege of the lucky few, to every child who needs it – so all children can achieve and thrive.

    But AI tools are only helpful in education if they are safe and support learning – and that is a non-negotiable. We will ensure tutoring tools are designed with teachers and rigorously tested, so they enhance pupils’ learning and keep our children safe online, never replacing the human connection that only great teachers can provide.

    Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall, said:

    Every child should have an equal shot at success, no matter their background – but in reality, too many disadvantaged children are falling behind their peers in school.

    We’re determined to close that gap. That’s why we are going to work with teachers and tech experts to make safe, smart AI tutoring tools available to schools by the end of 2027 – providing extra help for kids who couldn’t otherwise afford it.

    Alongside the high quality, face-to-face teaching of our brilliant educators, this will help level the playing field for hundreds of thousands of children from disadvantaged backgrounds to make the most of their education by removing the barriers that get in the way.

    Trials of the AI tutoring tools will begin later this year with children in secondary schools across the country, drawing on first-hand experience from teachers. Their expertise and feedback will ensure the tools are at their most effective, with evidence gathered from trials then informing their wider use.

    Robust benchmarks will also be developed so parents and teachers can be confident that AI tools for use by pupils are high quality, reliable and most importantly safe.

    Teachers and school staff will be supported with clear, practical training developed with the education sector, so they have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to use AI safely and effectively.

    The announcement today builds on the measures announced last week to ensure opportunities to harness the benefits of AI and technology in education can be maximised and protect young people from online harms including:

    • Launching a consultation on children’s social media use and banning phones in schools to protect young people’s wellbeing and ensure safer online experiences.
    • Developing the first-ever guidance on screen use for under-fives to offer parents practical support on balancing screens with play, speaking and reading.
    • A £23 million investment to expand the government’s EdTech Testbeds pilot programme – enabling more than 1,000 schools and colleges to test AI tools and assistive technology, supporting teachers from primary school onwards by saving them time and reducing workloads.
    • Updated safety standards that will ensure tech companies meet the high bar the government expects when developing tools for use in education, with a focus on tackling emerging risks like AI affecting learning, emotional and social development.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Heat network customers to be shielded from unfair price hikes [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Heat network customers to be shielded from unfair price hikes [January 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 26 January 2026.

    Greater consumer protections introduced for heat network customers across Great Britain for the first time, supporting half a million consumers.

    • New protections for homes and businesses on heat networks in England, Scotland, and Wales introduced for first time
    • Ofgem appointed regulator and will be able to act on unfair price hikes and poor service
    • Clearer, itemised billing and greater support for vulnerable customers
    • More than £47 million for four new heat networks across the country

    More than 500,000 heat network customers will be shielded from unfair energy price spikes as greater consumer protections are introduced for the first time across Great Britain. 

    The previously unregulated industry will come under new rules to finally bring heat network customers across England, Scotland and Wales closer in line with people living on traditional gas and electricity connections, with Ofgem installed as regulator. 

    Ofgem will have powers to act if a heat network operator puts up prices unfairly, and if an operator delivers a poor level of service, with compensation awarded to customers who suffer a service outage through the Energy Ombudsman.  

    Homes and businesses on heat networks will receive clearer, itemised billing – with previous cases of customers being issued with an unexplained monthly charge – and there will be greater support for vulnerable customers. 

    Some heat network customers have seen energy prices rises of up to 450% following the increase in gas prices. 

    Other protections to be introduced include: 

    • suppliers required to meet standards of conduct on how they treat consumers, covering customer service, engagement and being transparent and clear when sharing information 
    • consumers will in future be provided with a heat supply agreement, similar to a contract, providing clear terms and conditions and advance notification of any changes to these
    • vulnerable customers (elderly or those living with health conditions) added to a priority services register so if something goes wrong, they are top of the list to be reconnected
    • vulnerable customers will also have new protections shielding them from the forced installation of pre-payment meters
    • more transparency about how a customer’s heat network operates and who to contact if they have a complaint or maintenance issue 

    Minister for Energy Consumers Martin McCluskey said: 

    For too long customers on heat networks have been unprotected, being hit with unfair price rises and having to manage with hugely inconvenient service outages. 

    It’s simply not good enough – and that is why from today, we’re giving Ofgem new powers to act and hold heat network suppliers operating a poor-quality service to account.  

    Support is already available through the Energy Ombudsman, and I would encourage anyone with an ongoing issue with their heat network to get in touch with them and take advantage of these new consumer rights.

    Heat networks are a way of heating multiple buildings from a central heating source – such as taking excess heat generated from a data centre or factory – to provide hot water and heating to connected properties through pipes. 

    The systems provide communities with low-cost and efficient heat and will play a key role in the government’s mission to achieve clean power by 2030. 

    That is why government is also announcing more than £47 million of funding through the Green Heat Network Fund to support the development of four heat network projects in Waterloo and Hounslow in London, Sunderland, and Media City in Salford. 

    The project in Waterloo will take heat from the River Thames to supply connected buildings, while the Media City project will take heat from wastewater source heat pumps. 

    Helena Charlton, Director of Heat Networks at Ofgem, said:  

    Ofgem is committed to putting consumers first, and the beginning of heat network regulation marks an important step towards better protections. 

    This change means customers will begin to benefit from stronger protections on billing, complaints, and support for those in vulnerable situations. Heat networks can deliver efficient, cost-effective heating – but there are instances where this is not the case. This framework will set important standards for consumers to rely on, backed up by our oversight.

    Gillian Cooper, Director of Energy at Citizens Advice, said:

    New protections for people who rely on heat networks are a pivotal moment. For too long, people on heat networks have faced gaps in support and fewer safeguards than households using gas or electricity.

    But these changes will start to make a real difference, giving people more accurate billing, better debt support and clearer communication from their provider.

    As the official advocate for heat network consumers in England and Wales, Citizens Advice is dedicated to providing tailored support through our specialist advice service. Our priority is clear: heat network consumers must get the same outcomes as other energy consumers, and our advice and representation will work to turn that tide.

    Aaron Gould, interim CEO of ADE: Heat Networks, said:

    After 15 years of talking about it, the wait is over. Today marks the turning point where consumer protection becomes a reality, derisking the investment we need to build a national clean heat system. Ofgem’s open, collaborative approach shows how far we’ve come. But this is just the start, the real work begins now to turn this framework into affordable, secure and low-carbon heat.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK stands firm in our support for the institutions which defend and advance the international rule of law – UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK stands firm in our support for the institutions which defend and advance the international rule of law – UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2026]

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

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on International Rule of Law.

    The United Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to the rule of law is a key part of our national story, beginning over 800 years ago when the Magna Carta was signed, guaranteeing rights to justice and a fair trial.

    The rule of law remains fundamental to the international system. It is the bedrock of stable democratic societies and prosperous economies. 

    As embodied in the UN Charter, it is key to the maintenance of international peace and security. We must never lose sight of why nations first came together in this forum, and the principles that continue to bind us together.

    Respect for international law is fundamental to offering a better future to citizens from the Middle East, to Sudan, to Haiti, and beyond. And, of course, in Ukraine, which has been on the receiving end of an egregious breach of the UN Charter.

    President, the UK stands firm in our support for the institutions which defend and advance the international rule of law. 

    The International Court of Justice’s demanding workload is testament to its impartiality, independence, and legal rigour. 

    We also remain steadfast in our support for the International Criminal Court and its vital work to end impunity for the gravest crimes.

    The UK believes that international law delivers real benefits and helps us address contemporary global challenges. 

    For example, the recent entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement marks a major milestone in safeguarding our shared marine environment.

    As we speak, work towards a Convention on Crimes Against Humanity is underway, representing a significant opportunity to strengthen prevention and accountability. 

    And progress on a draft Convention for the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters reflects the importance of legal frameworks that enhance preparedness and cooperation. 

    These efforts show what is possible when states work collectively to build and refine the international legal order to address new and emerging challenges.

    In this context, the UK was pleased to recently pledge additional voluntary contributions to a range of UN funds supporting participation in these initiatives and the rule of law.

    These include the UN Programme of Assistance on international law, the operationalisation of the BBNJ Agreement, participation of developing States at the PPED negotiating conference, and the ICJ Judicial Fellowship.

    President, the United Kingdom’s enduring commitment to the rule of law is unwavering, reflecting our firm commitment to peace, international cooperation, accountability, and to the UN Charter.

  • PRESS RELEASE : White paper sets out reforms to policing [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : White paper sets out reforms to policing [January 2026]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 26 January 2026.

    Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced the largest reforms to policing since the police service was founded two centuries ago.

    The  largest reforms to policing since forces were professionalised 2 centuries ago have been announced today (26 January) by the Home Secretary.

    A white paper titled ‘From local to national: a new model for policing’, outlines a radical blueprint for reform, so local forces protect their community and national policing protects us all.

    Force mergers

    The government will launch a review into dramatically reducing the number of police forces in England and Wales.

    Consolidating the current model will make the police more cost-efficient, giving the taxpayer more value for money, while also ensuring a less fragmented system that will better serve the public and make them safer.

    This is a moment to reset policing’s focus and return to its core principles – restoring neighbourhood policing and tackling local crime by delivering a structural overhaul to meet the demands of the modern world. 

    National Police Service

    A new nationwide police force will be established to fight the most complex and serious crimes.

    The new National Police Service will attract world-class talent and use state of the art technology to fight complex and serious crimes, lifting the burden on overstretched local forces and allowing them to focus on catching local criminals.

    The service will bring the capabilities of the National Crime Agency, Counter Terrorism Policing, regional organised crime units, police helicopters and national roads policing under a single organisation.

    As one force, it will be better equipped to share technology, intelligence and resources to stop the growing threat from crime that has become increasingly complex, digital, online and with no respect for constabulary borders.

    A national police commissioner will be appointed to lead the force and will serve as the most senior police officer in the country.

    It will enable local officers to spend more time supporting victims of crime and delivering neighbourhood policing, rather than navigating the forensics system.

    This will give victims confidence as their case will be supported by world‑class specialist expertise, and the latest technology, no matter where they live.

    Part of the new National Police Service’s remit will be to take on responsibility for forensics from the 43 local forces with direction set centrally from the new organisation.

    Demand for specialist digital forensics means there are 20,000 devices awaiting analysis at any time. The service will deal with these backlogs and help the police keep up with the ever-increasing pace of change in technology.

    Frontline policing will save £350 million by scrapping outdated procurement approaches, which will instead be used to fight crime.

    Under the current localised model, each of the 43 forces often procure technology, equipment and clothing themselves, meaning 43 different teams undertaking the same work.

    The new National Police Service will end this inefficiency, taking on the responsibility for shared services, equipment and IT.

    The National Police Service will buy equipment once on behalf of all, saving money through economies of scale and reinvesting the savings back into frontline policing to go after criminals.

    Accountability and standards

    Ministers will be handed new powers to intervene directly in failing forces, sending in specialist teams to turn them around so they fight crime more effectively.  

    If crime solving rates or police response times are poor, the Home Secretary will be able to send in experts from the best performing forces to improve their performance, so they catch more criminals.  

    The Home Secretary will restore the power to sack failing chief constables. New laws will hand ministers statutory powers to force the retirement, resignation or suspension of chief constables if they are poorly performing. 

    The forces will also be directly accountable to the public, with new targets on 999 response times, victim satisfaction, public trust and confidence. These results will be published and forces graded so communities can compare. 

    To further reinforce accountability, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary Fire & Rescue Services will gain statutory powers to issue directions when forces fail to act on its recommendations. 

    Alongside these force-wide measures, the government will also ensure the highest standards from individual officers. To strengthen safeguards and ensure those unfit for policing are kept out of the profession, the government will introduce laws to impose robust, mandatory vetting standards for all police forces, ensuring the public is protected.  

    These new standards will enable forces to exclude those with a caution or conviction for violence against women and girls offences from policing.

    Stronger requirements on forces to suspend officers who are under investigation for these crimes will also be introduced. 

    Police officers will be required to hold and renew a licence throughout their career so they learn new skills as criminal techniques evolve.  

    The Licence to Practise will ensure officers are best equipped with problem solving and technological skills they need to catch more criminals. 

    Drawn from other professions such as lawyers and doctors, officers will have to demonstrate that they have the skills needed to fight crime. Those who fail to reach the required standard, following opportunities to try again, will be removed from the profession.

    Neighbourhood policing

    Under new reforms, response officers will be expected to reach the scene of the most serious incidents within 15 minutes in cities and 20 minutes in rural areas, and forces will be expected to answer 999 phone calls within 10 seconds. 

    These new targets will ensure that all forces provide the same level of police response to crimes. 

    Currently, data on response times is collected differently across forces, and police are not held accountable if targets are not met. Reforming the system will create more transparency and consistency across the country.

    Where forces fail to deliver, the Home Secretary will send in experts from the best performing forces to improve their performance, including when unmet response‑time targets are part of broader systemic failing.

    To fight everyday crime, the government will ramp up its pledge to restore visible neighbourhood policing and patrols in communities through an extension of its Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. 

    This has already placed named, contactable officers in each neighbourhood. Under the extension, every council ward in England and Wales will have its own named, contactable officers, creating more local points of contact and giving officers a deeper understanding of the issues in their area.

    Police forces will also recruit the brightest and best from universities in a new recruitment drive to cut crime and catch more criminals.

    Modelled on Teach First, the government is investing up to £7 million into the Police Now programme to attract top students from universities into specially trained graduate neighbourhood police officer roles in England and Wales.

    Retailers across the country will see a major crackdown on organised crime gangs thanks to £7 million in new government investment aimed at dismantling criminal networks from the ground up.

    This funding will supercharge intelligence-led policing to identify offenders, disrupt the tactics used to target shops, and bring more criminals to justice.

    Technology

    The government is making the largest investment into state-of-the-art police technology in history, with over £140 million to be invested to roll out technologies to catch more criminals and keep our communities safe

    The number of live facial recognition vans will increase five-fold, with 50 vans available to every police force in England and Wales to catch violent and sexual offenders.  

    The government will also roll out new artificial intelligence (AI) tools which will help forces identify suspects from CCTV, doorbell and mobile phone footage that has been submitted as evidence by the public. 

    A new national centre on AI – Police.AI – will be set up to roll out AI to all forces to free officers from paperwork, delivering up to 6 million hours back to the frontline every year – the equivalent of 3,000 police officers. This means more police on the streets fighting crime and catching criminals. 

    More tech specialists will work in police forces to outsmart modern criminals and put more fraudsters and organised crime bosses behind bars.   

    The move will enable police forces to uncover more vital hidden evidence on phones and laptops to secure more convictions of professional criminals and keep people safer from crimes such as child sexual abuse.   

    Public order

    A new senior policing role will be introduced to lead the police’s nationwide response to public disorder, and galvanise and co-ordinate responses to major incidents.

    The senior national co-ordinator role for public order policing will sit within the new National Police Service. They will not be responsible for local public order responses, which remain within the remit of chief constables, and instead sit at a higher strategic level of oversight, with responsibility for decision-making over the most significant national public disorder, such as the widespread disorder seen in the summer of 2024 and the riots that started in London in 2011. 

    While local policing responses will stay the responsibility of chief constables, the new role will provide national oversight and decision-making on mobilisation and resourcing, with enhanced powers to:

    • direct resources under mutual aid arrangements and require forces to contribute during major disorder
    • ensure mandatory data sharing between forces
    • set a national strategy for public order policing
    • monitor and implement relevant recommendations from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services

    Officer wellbeing

    The government will expand the roll out of the dedicated Mental Health Crisis Line so all officers and staff can access mental health support, and have committed to its funding long term.  

    Officers and staff in front-facing and high-risk roles will also be offered psychological risk screenings each year so officers suffering can be signposted to the best support when they need it most. 

    Trauma tracker software will be made available to every force and ensure senior leaders can identify and support staff at the highest risk and intervene at an earlier stage.  

    Mandatory training around resilience and mental health for new recruits and supervisors will be introduced and treated as protected learning time.  

    Special constables

    Experts in cybersecurity and technology are being encouraged to join the Special Constabulary, as police forces across England and Wales ramp up their efforts to tackle modern crime. 

    Since 2012, the number of special constables in England and Wales has fallen year-on-year to just 5,534 as of March 2025. This is down 73% from 20,343 in 2012.  

    To reverse this decline, the Home Office will work with policing to streamline the recruitment process for Specials, making it easier for people to volunteer, while maintaining consistent high standards of vetting and training. Steps will also be taken to ensure existing Specials are incentivised to remain in the role, by better integrating them into the wider police force.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government spends record levels to support our veterans [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government spends record levels to support our veterans [January 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 26 January 2026.

    Government delivers record levels of investment to support veterans, across health, housing, employment and more.

    Over 1.8 million veterans across the UK are benefitting from record levels of investment across statutory and charity support services as ministers step up support for veterans across government by legislating to put the Armed Force Covenant fully into law.

    This government has strengthened the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) in the Ministry of Defence (MOD), with spending for veterans’ support trebling from £11.6m in 2023/24 to almost £37m committed spend in 2025/2026.

    The main increase in spend for veterans comes from the rollout of the new VALOUR system, with £50m committed over three years. The MOD has received 65 area bids so far from across the UK to become part of the new network of veteran support centres. The centres will help improve access to support services such as health, housing and employment, and may extend to finance, wellbeing, welfare and integration into society.   Defence Ministers have also allocated an extra £12m to tackle veteran homelessness, including through Op FORTITUDE, to provide care to veterans with complex needs and ensure no veteran is forced to sleep rough.

    Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey MP said:

    This government is renewing the nation’s commitment to those who have served. We’re investing record levels in veteran support, making mainstream services more responsive and ensuring the special sacrifice of our Forces is properly recognised.

    We are making good on our manifesto commitments to veterans, through ‘first dibs’ on new homes, better jobs and more tailored healthcare. My message to our Forces community is simple: this government is on your side.

    The government recently launched a new Veterans Strategy to transform support for our heroes and recognise their invaluable contribution across the country. 

    The Armed Forces Bill, which will have its Second Reading in Parliament later today, delivers on the 2024 Government manifesto commitment to fully enshrine the Armed Forces Covenant in law. 

    The OVA works with partners in government, charities and the private sector to ensure our veterans get the respect, support and recognition they deserve and are owed due to their service. 

    This includes developing pathways of support such as Op ASCEND, a free careers advice service that has had 420 employers and 4,600 veterans and family members sign up. 

    The Department for Health and Social Care is investing a record £38m in 2025/2026 in veteran-specific healthcare services in England. This includes Op COURAGE for mental health support, Op RESTORE for physical health needs, and the provision of prosthetics.

    Over £35m has been paid to veterans impacted by the pre-2000 ban on gay personnel in the Armed Forces, with a total £75m ringfenced to right that historic wrong.

    Last year, veterans became the first cohort of the UK public to have access to digital credentials. The digital Veteran Card gives ex-forces personnel easier access to services, discounts and concessions, and will soon be available for veterans living abroad.