Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister drives global work on artificial intelligence at UNGA as UK and US make history with firing from undersea drone [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister drives global work on artificial intelligence at UNGA as UK and US make history with firing from undersea drone [September 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 22 September 2026.

    The UK has fired a US torpedo from a Plymouth-made undersea drone in a major boost for Euro-Atlantic and maritime security, as both countries join forces on rapidly developing technology to keep people safe.

    • Prime Minister Andy Burnham at the UN General Assembly today to discuss tackling major global challenges with international partners to deliver breathing space and boost security for people at home
    • UK will use the New York summit to drive forward work on some of the most difficult issues of our generation, including harnessing AI for good, the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and climate change
    • Comes as the Prime Minister confirms the UK hosted G20 leader’s summit will be held in Manchester 
    • Prime Minister also announces UK and US have for the first time fired a US torpedo from a British undersea drone as both countries prepare to go further on next generation technology collaboration with new AI and autonomy partnership

    The UK has fired a US torpedo from a Plymouth-made undersea drone in a major boost for Euro-Atlantic and maritime security, as both countries join forces on rapidly developing technology to keep people safe.

    It comes as the Prime Minister travels to New York today to attend the UN General Assembly and hold his first meeting with the President of the United States, Donald Trump.

    Major global challenges such as AI, the conflict in Ukraine and security in the Middle East are expected to dominate the agenda of the Prime Minister’s meetings in New York over the next 24 hours, as world leaders converge on the city.

    The Prime Minister is expected to use the visit to drive forward global work on AI, both to ensure it is being used as a force for good and to maximise opportunities to use the technology to deliver safety and security for people at home.

    His speech to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday evening is expected to focus on AI, making the case for the international community to harness the technology for good to drive down the cost of living and support a more stable and secure world. 

    As part of using AI responsibly to support people at home, the Prime Minister will announce the launch of work between the UK and US on a new AI and Autonomy partnership. This collaboration will help the UK protect critical national infrastructure, from sea lanes to air space – enabling us to detect threats and deter our adversaries using the latest AI technology developed on both sides of the Atlantic.

    It will see the UK’s Ministry of Defence Rapid AI Delivery Taskforce and the US’s Department of War Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office work together on artificial intelligence and autonomy, accelerating the delivery of trusted, interoperable capabilities that enhance deterrence and both countries’ technological edge.

    This will build on the next generation technology already being developed through AUKUS, the landmark partnership bringing together the US, UK, and Australia to produce a new fleet of cutting-edge attack submarines and undersea autonomous capabilities to deter adversaries long into the future.

    As part of the AUKUS programme, the UK and US successfully conducted a historic live firing of a heavyweight torpedo – jointly developed by the US and Australia – designed to sink ships and deep diving submarines launched from a 12-metre-long undersea Plymouth-made drone named Excalibur.

    The firing, which happened in UK waters last week, was the first time either country had launched a torpedo from an undersea uncrewed vessel, rather than a crewed submarine. This marks a major advance in the future of submarine technology for the UK, US, and Australia, and delivers a significant breakthrough for Euro-Atlantic security and NATO’s undersea advantage.

    Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:

    We are at our strongest when we work with our partners to tackle the most complex shared challenges we face, driven by our values.

    When the global financial crisis hit, the UK brought together the world’s leading economies. As we confront the opportunities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence, we will show that same leadership, ensuring rapidly changing technology is harnessed for good to make our countries safer and stronger.

    That ambition is underlined in our new defence partnership with the United States on AI and autonomy, bringing together the brightest minds to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure, deter those who threaten our security, and use the enormous potential of AI to our advantage.

    Our work together already shows what can be achieved when our two countries combine our expertise and innovation.

    This week I will be making the case for closer international cooperation on AI, a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, and renewed efforts to bring an end to the conflict in the Middle East because what happens abroad impacts each and every one of us at home.

    During the visit to New York, the Prime Minister is also expected to tell leaders the UK will continue his drive to tackle major global challenges, such as AI, through the UK’s hosting of the G20 next year.
    He will confirm that the flagship Leaders’ Summit will be held in Manchester next November, convening the major global economic players to deliver on our shared goals, drive global growth, and address the most acute global challenges we face.

    After months of scoping host cities, Manchester was chosen earlier this year for its cultural heritage, and preparations will now step up this Autumn, with hundreds of local people expected to be involved in the summit, from showcases to security.

    As well as the Manchester Leaders’ Summit, locations across the UK will host events throughout the year – bringing the G20 to nations and regions across the UK and ensuring the Summit and the year-long Presidency benefit people across the UK.

    The UK will take over the Presidency from the US following the G20 Summit in Miami in December.

    While in New York, the Prime Minister will host US business leaders for breakfast to discuss how his government is making it easier to invest, easier to raise capital, easier to hire the talented people businesses need, and easier to grow.

    In addition to President Trump, the Prime Minister is also expected to meet a series of world leaders to advance UK interests from getting closer to the EU to supporting Ukraine this winter, as well as co-hosting a High Level event on the two-state solution in Israel and Palestine with President Macron, Prime Minister Carney, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, Faisal bin Farhan and the UN Secretary General.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with Prime Minister Ramgoolam of Mauritius [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with Prime Minister Ramgoolam of Mauritius [September 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 21 September 2026.

    The Prime Minister spoke with the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navin Ramgoolam, this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister began by setting out his intention for the UK and Mauritius to work closely together.

    He noted the clear benefits the two countries could bring to each other across a range of shared objectives, including tackling climate change, combatting illicit finance, and boosting growth and trade, as they looked to create opportunities for people at home.

    Turning to the future of the military base on Diego Garcia, the Prime Minister underlined his commitment to working with Mauritius and the United States on a way forward that secures the operation of the base and protects UK national security.

    The two leaders agreed to stay in close contact, with the Prime Minister adding that he hoped the UK Foreign Secretary and Mauritian Foreign Minister Ramful would be able to meet this week at UNGA to further strengthen the relationship between the UK and Mauritius.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 63 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Iran [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 63 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Iran [September 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 September 2026.

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Iran. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Kumar Iyer.

    The United Kingdom thanks the Fact-Finding Mission for its report.

    We remain horrified by the dire human rights situation in Iran.

    The Mission’s findings regarding the violent repression of peaceful protests that began in December, including the use of lethal force against those who posed no imminent threat, such as children, are particularly alarming. The crackdown was the deadliest in the Islamic Republic’s history.

    Iran’s abhorrent use of the death penalty, prolonged nationwide internet shutdowns, torture and ill treatment, and restrictions on fundamental freedoms fuel cycles of repression for the people of Iran.

    The report documents civilian deaths arising from the March 2026 conflict – in Minab in Iran, and across the region. Innocent civilians should never be caught in the crossfire.

    The United Kingdom continues to support the work of the Fact-Finding Mission and the Special Rapporteur. Independent documentation of violations is essential to accountability, justice for victims and survivors, and the prevention of future abuses.

    The UK calls on the Iranian authorities to end the use of repression and to respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people in Iran.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 63 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Russia [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 63 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Russia [September 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 September 2026.

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Russia. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Kumar Iyer.

    Thank you, Special Rapporteur.

    Your report’s findings are stark, and demonstrate that the Kremlin’s system of domestic repression is extending beyond the country’s borders. The UK condemns the continued deterioration in the Kremlin’s dire domestic human rights record. The international community has a shared responsibility to protect and promote the values it upholds.  

    We are concerned but not surprised by your finding that Russia has become one of the world’s most prolific perpetrators of transnational repression and that these practices have intensified significantly since 2022 including as you report, on UK soil. The UK condemns Russia’s use of threats, surveillance, digital repression, cyber-enabled activity and legal mechanisms to target activists, journalists, human rights defenders and anti-war voices, including those in exile.

    The UK reiterates its call for the Russian state to release all those imprisoned on political grounds, including for their opposition to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. The Russian authorities must uphold its international obligations, and protect fundamental freedom of expression, association, and religion or belief.

    Special Rapporteur, how can States best strengthen protection for those targeted by Russian transnational repression and ensure they can safely engage with international human rights mechanisms?

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 63 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Nicaragua [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 63 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Nicaragua [September 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 September 2026.

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Nicaragua. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Thank you, Mr Vice-President.

    We remain deeply concerned by the human rights situation in Nicaragua. The report describes a troubling concentration of executive power and erosion of the separation of powers. Proposed constitutional reforms will further centralise power and weaken institutional checks and balances.

    The report also highlights continued restrictions on civic and democratic space. We are concerned by reports of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, deaths in custody, and intimidation of political opponents, journalists, human rights defenders, religious leaders and indigenous communities. We are also concerned by reports of transnational repression targeting Nicaraguans abroad.

    We were alarmed by the reported death in custody of Brooklyn Rivera, following prolonged arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance, and call for a full and transparent investigation.

    The UK urges Nicaragua to release anyone arbitrarily detained and restore nationality and political rights to those stripped of them. Nicaragua must uphold freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, association, religion or belief, and participation in public affairs. We also urge Nicaragua to safeguard judicial independence and re-engage with the UN human rights system, including by granting OHCHR access.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 63 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Afghanistan [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 63 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Afghanistan [September 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 September 2026.

    NB – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Afghanistan. Not delivered due to time constraints.

    Mr Vice President,

    The United Kingdom thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report.

    Five years after the Taliban’s return to power, we remain deeply concerned by the continued deterioration of human rights in Afghanistan.

    The Taliban’s systematic restrictions on women and girls have deprived them of opportunities that many of us take for granted: the freedom to learn, to work, to move freely and to participate fully in society. Afghanistan will never reach its potential while half its population is denied its fundamental rights.

    We also note the impact of the Taliban’s repressive policies on children. The consequences of the Taliban’s repressive policies on children will be profound and long-lasting, affecting an entire generation. We fully support the Special Rapporteur’s work to protect children’s rights. 

    Mr President, Afghanistan currently faces a severe humanitarian crisis. More than twenty-two million people require humanitarian assistance. Food insecurity and malnutrition remain widespread, with women and girls among those most acutely affected.

    Special Rapporteur, what more can the international community do to address the worsening humanitarian situation while also protecting the human rights of all Afghans, particularly women, girls and children?

    Thank you

  • PRESS RELEASE : Specialist rape courts rolled out across the country [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Specialist rape courts rolled out across the country [September 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 21 September 2026.

    Victims of rape and sexual offences will get the justice they deserve, as their cases take priority and new specialist courts are rolled out across England and Wales, the Prime Minister has announced today.

    • Courtrooms for specialist rape and serious sex offences to be rolled out across every Crown Court in England and Wales
    • Rape cases will be prioritised in the courts, tackling uncertainty and delays for survivors, with specialist upgrades introduced, including private waiting rooms and entrances for victims
    • New approach will put victims front and centre of the criminal justice system

    Backed by a multi-million cash injection, every Crown Court in England and Wales will get at least one courtroom especially set up to hear rape and serious sexual offence cases over the next two years, helping to hold more perpetrators to account.

    Transforming how the justice system treats the survivors of some of the most serious crimes, the changes are designed to encourage more victims to come forward, providing them with private entrances and waiting rooms as well as facilities equipped to pre-record evidence and observe sentencing remotely.  

    Rape and serious sexual offence cases will also now be prioritised in courts. These trials will be given a fixed date as opposed to being placed on floating lists where they can be moved at short notice and delayed by many months.

    For too long, victims of rape and serious sexual offences have felt they were navigating a system that did not consider their needs for tailored support. In 2025, rape cases took an average of 424 days to complete once they reached the Crown Court, with too many victims withdrawing before their case was heard.

    Today’s changes will mean victims get better support and face fewer delays, as the government continues to take decisive action to tackle violence against women and girls and deliver the justice that victims deserve.

    Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:

    For too long, victims of rape and serious sexual offences have felt let down by our justice system. Prosecution rates for rape remain shamefully low, with many victims waiting years for justice.

    This is not good enough. That’s why we are making major changes to rebalance the scales of justice and put victims first. This includes rolling out specialist courtrooms for rape and serious sex offences.

    These changes are long overdue and will make a significant difference, but focusing on prosecution alone will not be enough. So as well as ensuring victims get justice, we will step up action to prevent these horrific crimes from happening in the first place.

    Lord Chancellor Alex Norris said:

    Victims of rape and serious sexual offences have felt they’ve been left alone facing the criminal justice system for too long. They have been treated as cases to process and not as people to support.

    The funding we are announcing today will provide that support that victims deserve – delivering courtrooms that are designed with victim needs in mind and providing specialist training for staff to handle these cases with care.

    Real action to improve our courts. Real action for victims. Real action to deliver the justice they deserve.

    The changes announced today will also see all court staff get trauma-informed training and a trial to give victims of sex offences a single point of contact to ensure their needs are met during the court process. The new measures also include a new Rape Justice Taskforce, drawing leaders from across the criminal justice system to tackle the rising rate of postponed rape trials and confront the myths that cause victims to withdraw from their own cases.

    The changes follow Charlotte Nichols showing immense strength and bravery in coming forward to tell her own story, calling for these crucial measures to support victims and ensure they receive the justice they deserve.

    Ciara Bergman, CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales says:

    This important package of measures represents a significant step forward for our justice system, and includes many of the reforms that Rape Crisis England & Wales have been calling for over many years. Taken together, they reflect the urgency of ensuring that courts are fit for purpose and properly meet the needs of victims and survivors, which is crucial to securing justice.

    We’re particularly pleased to see measures that will improve trial efficiency and ensure survivors are better able to participate in, and observe, proceedings. The recognition that suitable separate waiting areas, entrances and exits are essential to prevent survivors from being intimidated and distressed by the presence of perpetrators and their supporters is also significant. This welcome change is both necessary and long overdue.

    Today’s announcement builds on the Government’s pledge to halve violence against women and girls in a decade and make sure the justice system put victims front and centre.

    Earlier this month, the Prime Minister announced that by the end of 2027, all police forces in England and Wales will have dedicated rape and sexual offence investigation teams, helping to make sure more criminal cases are prosecuted. 

    Since coming into office, the government has pledged over £1 billion to support victims of violence against women and girls, announced plans to place domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms across every police force in England and Wales, and is rolling out new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders to provide victims with protection for as long as needed.

    The government has also committed to use every lever at its disposal to drive down the backlog of victims waiting years for justice through the Courts and Tribunals Bill, which is set to return to Parliament in October.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 63 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Burundi [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 63 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Burundi [September 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 September 2026.

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Burundi. Delivered at the 63rd Human Rights Council in Geneva.

    Thank you, Mr Vice-President.

    The UK thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report.

    Ahead of Burundi’s 2027 presidential election, his findings are concerning with reports of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, restrictions on fundamental freedoms, and the shrinking of civic and political space. The UK calls on Burundi to protect the rights of all citizens to participate freely and peacefully in public life.

    We encourage Burundi to continue supporting the safe return of Burundian refugees and asylum seekers, in line with international law. Burundi continues to welcome refugees from DRC, and we thank Burundi for its work with the UN in particular to support their presence in Burundi, and ensure any returns to DRC are voluntary, safe, and dignified.

    We remain concerned by the Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC and the risk of spillover to other countries. We commend Burundi for prompt work to strengthen surveillance and preparedness and emphasise the importance of protecting human rights during public health responses.

    Special Rapporteur, what practical steps can the international community take to support conditions for a credible, and inclusive, 2027 presidential election in Burundi?

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 63 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Belarus [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 63 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Belarus [September 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 September 2026.

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Belarus. Delivered at the 63rd Human Rights Council in Geneva.

    Mr Vice President,

    The United Kingdom thanks the Group of Independent Experts for its update.

    We remain deeply concerned by the systematic repression of fundamental freedoms in Belarus. Arbitrary arrest and detention, politically motivated prosecutions, torture and ill-treatment all remain tools to silence dissent, while independent media, civil society and trade unions continue to face severe restrictions.

    We welcome the recent release of political prisoners. However, these releases do not address the structures that enable repression, and many others remain unjustly detained. We call for their immediate and unconditional release, full rehabilitation, and access to effective remedy.

    We are particularly concerned by the continued use of incommunicado detention, denial of adequate medical care, and intimidation of prisoners’ families.

    The United Kingdom continues to support the UN’s accountability mandates and the International Accountability Platform for Belarus, which collects and preserves evidence of alleged crimes under international law. We will continue working with partners to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable and victims receive justice.

    We ask the Group of Experts: how can States best strengthen accountability pathways while ensuring that victims, survivors and Belarusian civil society remain central to these efforts?

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with Prime Minister Frederiksen of Denmark [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with Prime Minister Frederiksen of Denmark [September 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 September 2026.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, this morning.

    The two leaders began by discussing their upcoming visits to New York for the UN General Assembly. The Prime Minister said he would use the trip to drive forward work on issues that matter to people at home, including reducing the cost of living through greater global stability and delivering security for people through closer international partnerships.

    Turning to defence and security, the two leaders discussed the forthcoming signing of a new deal to strengthen security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic area between the US, Greenland and Denmark this week.

    They welcomed the US’ commitment to the region and underlined the strategic and shared importance of the High North for Euro-Atlantic security.

    The Prime Minister congratulated Prime Minister Frederiksen and the Kingdom of Denmark on negotiating a deal benefitting the US, Greenland and Denmark, and said he would pass on his congratulations to President Trump.

    The leaders also discussed the situation in Ukraine, and the Prime Minister said he hoped to make further progress with partners on stepping up support for Ukraine during UNGA and in the coming weeks.

    The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.