Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK cracks down on Russia’s exploitation of vulnerable migrants and deadly drone capability [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK cracks down on Russia’s exploitation of vulnerable migrants and deadly drone capability [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 May 2026.

    The UK has announced new sanctions to curb production of Russian drones and the nefarious networks that are exploiting vulnerable migrants from across the globe to support Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.

    • the UK continues to disrupt Russia’s military supply chains and the callous trafficking of foreign migrants in a fresh wave of sanctions
    • as Russia attempts to exploit migrants to prop up its war machine, sanctions announced today directly target individuals trafficking vulnerable migrants to fight on the frontline of Putin’s war, as well as companies supplying Russia’s drone factories  
    • fresh action demonstrates continued UK leadership to combat Russian aggression at every level, ratchet up economic pressure on the Kremlin and support Ukraine for as long as it takes to secure a just and lasting peace. 

    The UK has announced a raft of new sanctions to curb production of Russian drones and the nefarious networks that are exploiting vulnerable migrants from across the globe to support Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. The latest action hits 35 individuals and entities, including those responsible for human trafficking networks, funnelling exploited migrants into Russia’s war machine.   

    Networks sanctioned by the UK have been deceptively recruiting foreign migrants in search of a better life and either sending them to the front line as cannon fodder or putting them to work in weapons factories. This includes through schemes like Russia’s Alabuga Start programme for drone production at a UK-sanctioned entity. 

    Russia continues to terrorise Ukraine by indiscriminately using drones, killing, and injuring innocent civilians and damaging critical infrastructure. Russia fired the equivalent of over 200 drones per day into Ukraine in March 2026, the highest ever monthly total. Russia is likely to exceed this grim record for a second consecutive month in April.   

    These attacks rely on domestic manufacturers and third country suppliers providing key components and technical support. This new action is designed to disrupt these supply chains and hold those responsible to account by targeting the businessmen and companies fuelling Russia’s drone manufacturing capabilities. 

    Sanctions Minister Stephen Doughty said: 

    The practice of exploiting vulnerable people to prop up Russia’s failing and illegal war in Ukraine is barbaric.  

    These sanctions expose and disrupt the operations of those trafficking migrants as cannon fodder and feeding Putin’s drone factories with illicit components to target innocent civilians and vital infrastructure.   

    The UK continues to lead international efforts to disrupt Russia’s war machine, ramping up pressure on its economy and confronting its hybrid threats. We stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in defence of European security and our shared values. 

    Sanctioned targets also include individuals and entities based in third countries, including Thailand and China, responsible for supplying drone components and other critical military goods to Russia.   

    Among those sanctioned is Pavel Nikitin, whose company develops Russia’s VT‑40 drone – a cheap, mass‑produced attack drone which has been used extensively by Russia in its attacks on Ukraine.  

    Also sanctioned are 3 individuals with links to the Russian state involved in recruiting individuals to travel to Ukraine to fight for Russia.   

    This includes Polina Alexandrovna Azarnykh, who, backed by the Russian state, has been facilitating the travel of individuals from countries including Egypt, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Morocco, Syria and Yemen through Russia to Ukraine, where they are deployed with minimal training and under dire conditions to the frontline to sustain Russia’s illegal war of aggression.   

    The UK remains unwavering in its support for Ukraine and will continue to use the full force of its sanctions powers to disrupt Russia’s hybrid threats and squeeze the Kremlin’s war machine. These measures underline our determination to hold Russia and its enablers to account, defend European security and support Ukraine’s fight for freedom.  

    Background  

    • the UK Global Irregular Migration and Trafficking in Persons (GIMTiPS) sanctions regime is the world’s first dedicated sanctions regime targeting illegal migration and organised immigration crime. The UK government can now target individuals and entities anywhere in the world involved in people smuggling and human trafficking, as well as enablers such as financiers, and companies involved in small boat supply chains
    • this marks the first use of the GiMTiPs regime to tackle human trafficking and the instrumentalisation of migration to destabilise other countries. The UK government is committed to playing its part in eradicating all forms of modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking
  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint Declaration on a Strategic Partnership between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Armenia [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint Declaration on a Strategic Partnership between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Armenia [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 May 2026.

    Joint Declaration on a Strategic Partnership between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Armenia.

    The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Armenia (hereinafter: the Sides), building upon the Joint Statement on the establishment of the UK–Armenia Strategic Dialogue of November 2023, and recognising the longstanding and friendly relations between them, founded on mutual respect, shared values, growing cooperation, and convergence of interests in various fields, express their determination to reinforce their bilateral relations through the establishment of a Strategic Partnership.

    Recalling their commitment to uphold and promote democracy, human rights, the rule of law, good governance, and a rules-based international order, including respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognised borders, the Sides reaffirm their adherence to the purposes and principles set forth in the Charter of the United Nations and other international instruments promoting peace and security.

    Emphasising the importance of the Washington Peace Summit Declaration of 8 August 2025 and the initialled Agreement “On the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan”, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland reaffirms its continued support for the institutionalisation of peace and normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, based on mutual recognition of each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as delimitation of the interstate borders in accordance with the 1991 Almaty Declaration.

    Welcoming the ongoing efforts to unblock regional transport communications to improve regional connectivity and stability, the Sides recognise that sustainable peace and connectivity can catalyse prosperity and security in the region. In that regard, the Sides agreed to continue discussing connectivity projects, highlighting the “Crossroads of Peace” and “TRIPP” initiatives as platforms for enhanced regional connectivity and economic cooperation.

    The Sides have reached the following understanding:

    1. Defence and Security: The Sides share a long-term commitment to building Armenia’s capacity in the areas of security, resilience and defence. They underline the importance of advancing regional peace and stability, strengthening Armenia’s ability to manage evolving security challenges, and enhancing cooperation in areas including defence cooperation, institutional reform, border security and tackling illegal migration, cyber resilience, and the wider response to hybrid threats. The Sides further affirm their intention to cooperate in multilateral fora where interests align and opportunities permit.
    2. Economic Growth and Development: The Sides share an objective to promote sustainable economic growth and diversification in Armenia, deepen bilateral trade and investment ties, and strengthen regional connectivity in areas such as transport, energy and communication, as enablers of stability and prosperity. They recognise the importance of improving the business environment, supporting private‑sector development, facilitating investment, and cooperating in specific sectors of mutual agreement.
    3. Governance and Democratic Resilience: The Sides share a commitment to democratic values, transparent and effective governance, and inclusive institutions. They recognise the importance of strengthening public sector performance, ensuring free and fair elections, countering hybrid threats, advancing anti‑corruption efforts, and supporting an enabling environment for independent media and civil society. They also commit to exploring further bilateral cooperation that reinforces democratic resilience.

    Final Provisions

    The Sides have reached an understanding to hold an annual Strategic Partnership session on the three aforementioned areas, where the Sides have reached a mutual understanding. This will be delivered through a jointly owned Outcome Framework Document, which will ensure coherence between UK and Armenian activity and provide a monitoring mechanism to review progress against delivery.

    This declaration is not an international treaty and does not create legal rights or obligations under domestic or international law. Implementation of activities under this declaration will be subject to the availability of resources and in accordance with the respective laws and regulations of the Sides. Additional areas of cooperation may be identified and mutually agreed upon. This Joint Declaration may be amended at any time by mutual written consent. Each Side may end cooperation under this Joint Declaration at any time, informing the other Side in writing at least six months prior.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Funding boost to help councils tackle antisemitism [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Funding boost to help councils tackle antisemitism [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing on 5 May 2026.

    Government funding to tackle antisemitism and support Jewish communities.

    • £1 million expansion of MHCLG’s Common Ground programme will support communities and places facing the greatest risk of antisemitism today
    • Plus an additional £500,000 will be allocated immediately to Barnet Council, reflecting the recent serious antisemitic incidents in the borough, following their ask for government support
    • Funding builds on the government’s commitment to work closely with Jewish communities to ensure actions work for them and drive real change on the ground

    Jewish communities across England will receive a further £1 million of government funding to tackle antisemitism and strengthen community cohesion in those places facing the greatest risk.

    An immediate £500,000 will also be allocated to Barnet Council, reflecting recent serious antisemitic incidents in the borough and the large number of Jewish residents there.

    There has been an alarming rise in antisemitism both in this country and across much of the globe, including the horrific antisemitic terrorist attacks in Heaton Park and Bondi Beach last year, and an appalling spate of antisemitic attacks in North West London in recent weeks. 

    To tackle this, the additional funding being announced today will expand MHCLG’s Common Ground programme – which is already providing more than £4 million to communities across the country.

    The additional new government funding will power local efforts to counter antisemitism, support safer communities and respond to rising tensions in those towns and cities where our Jewish communities are most fearful and concerned.

    The funding will help local people – especially those from Jewish communities and Jewish organisations who have been hit hardest recently – take rapid, visible action, ranging from community safety work and targeted youth and schools initiatives, to interfaith projects and programmes to challenge antisemitic narratives or hate crime.

    The investment is in addition to the £25 million announced last week to boost police patrols, specialist officers, and protective security for Jewish communities – taking total funding to £58 million, as well as £7 million to tackle antisemitism in schools, colleges and universities.

    Later today the Prime Minister will convene leaders from across society to call for everyone to play their part stamping out antisemitism.

    Secretary of State for Housing and Communities said:

    The horrific rise of antisemitism and anti-Jewish hatred in Britain and across the world is intolerable. I will not rest until Britain is a place where every Jewish person can live openly, safely and proudly.

    Our Common Ground programme has already awarded millions of pounds into communities across the country, and today’s expansion of that programme builds on our commitment to tackle hate crime, promote integration and support communities most at risk.

    While we know there is more to do, we believe that quickly channelling government funding directly to the communities and places facing the greatest risks today will help local partners to take early, practical action to keep people safe, strengthen communities and stand up to hate.

    Under the expansion, councils, faith groups, schools, police, voluntary organisations and local people themselves – especially our Jewish communities – will work together to develop and deliver tailored local action which addresses the challenges they face in their own area today.

    The funding forms one part a suite of measures from government to combat antisemitism across all corners of society, including the Protecting What Matters strategy which out plans to tackle extremism and antisemitism wherever it occurs.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister to bring together leaders across public life to drive whole of society response to antisemitism [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister to bring together leaders across public life to drive whole of society response to antisemitism [May 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 4 May 2026.

    Leaders from across society are being brought together in Downing Street this morning to drive forward progress on tackling antisemitism in all its forms.

    • The Prime Minister is convening leaders from across society in Downing Street this morning to call for action on all forms of antisemitism
    • Opening the event, he will call for everyone to stand up and play their part in eradicating hatred
    • Influential representatives from business, civil society, health, culture, higher education and policing will take part in individual roundtable discussions with members of the Jewish community, hosted by Ministers

    Leaders from across society are being brought together in Downing Street this morning to drive forward progress on tackling antisemitism in all its forms.

    The Government has been taking action to protect Jewish communities and tackle antisemitism since coming into power. Following the despicable antisemitic terrorist attack in London last week, a spate of serious arson attacks in recent weeks, and the terrorist attack in Heaton Park in October, the Government is committed to accelerating a whole of society response to antisemitism.

    The Prime Minister is convening the event, which will be attended by leaders from the business, civil society, health, culture, higher education and policing sectors, where he will ask attendees to reflect on the forms antisemitism takes in their sector, the work they are already doing to tackle it and how they can go further at pace. Each sector will spend the morning in an individual roundtable meeting, chaired by a Minister.

    Opening the event, the Prime Minister is expected to say that every part of society needs to stand up together and refuse to platform hatred or turn a blind eye to extremism.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer will say:

    Last week’s terrorist attack in Golders Green was utterly appalling. But it was not an isolated incident. It is part of a pattern of rising antisemitism that has left our Jewish communities feeling frightened, angry, and asking whether this country, their home, is safe for them.

    These disgusting attacks are being made against British Jews. But, make no mistake, this crisis – it is a crisis for all of us. It is a test of our values. Values that are not guaranteed, but are earned. Every single day, through our actions.

    So, it is not enough to simply say we stand with Jewish communities. We must show it. And that responsibility lies with each and every one of us. That is what today is about. Because only by working together, can we eradicate antisemitism from every corner of society.

    The Prime Minister will also convene Ministers this afternoon for a Middle East Response Committee meeting focused on the domestic security implications of the conflict in the Middle East, in particular the heightened threat to Jewish communities in light of recent attacks.

    Today’s event builds on commitments made in recent days to accelerate work to confront extremism, protect the Jewish community and strengthen cohesion.

    This includes announcing an additional £25 million in funding to increase police patrols, enhance security at synagogues, schools and community centres, and place specialist and plain-clothes officers in communities to prevent serious harm before it occurs. It brings the total funding to £58 million this year – the largest investment a Government has made in protecting Jewish communities in history.

    The Government will also fast-track legislation to counter the malign actions against the Jewish community from state actors and strengthening the response of our justice system by working to speed up sentencing for antisemitic offences. A further £7 million investment will also tackle antisemitism in schools, colleges and universities.

  • PRESS RELEASE : PM meeting with Prime Minister Babiš of Czechia [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : PM meeting with Prime Minister Babiš of Czechia [May 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 4 May 2026.

    The Prime Minister met the Prime Minister of Czechia Andrej Babiš today.

    The leaders began by reflecting on the UK’s ambitions for a closer relationship with the European Union to deliver security and prosperity for both sides. 

    In the current context, a stronger, more united Europe was key, the Prime Minister added. 

    The leaders also discussed the need to continue close collaboration on illegal migration. 

    Turning to wider geopolitical issues, the leaders reiterated the need to secure a just and lasting peace to end the war in Ukraine. The Prime Minister also thanked Prime Minister Babiš for Czechia’s ongoing supply of ammunition to Ukraine. 

    On the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Prime Minister underlined the importance of ensuring the normalisation of shipping in the region to ensure the free flow of trade.

    The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Illegal migration update statement from the European Political Community Summit [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Illegal migration update statement from the European Political Community Summit [May 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 4 May 2026.

    Building on the European Political Community Summit (EPC) in Copenhagen last year, European leaders reaffirmed critical lines of effort on upstream migration in Armenia.

    On the occasion of the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Yerevan, the leaders of Albania, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom reaffirmed their commitment to working together to tackle illegal migration.

    At the Copenhagen EPC summit, leaders identified several critical lines of effort in pursuit of a ‘whole of route’ approach to tackling illegal migration. They underlined the need to take action against smugglers, ensure domestic and international frameworks are robust, accelerate returns, forge new partnerships, manage upstream migration effectively, and tackle the instrumentalisation of migration, among other issues. Critically, they also agreed on the need to support one another in these efforts.

    This year, in the face of significant displacement across Sudan, the Horn of Africa and wider Middle East, these priorities remain as vital as ever and, also on the basis of the lessons learned from the 2015 migration crisis and to avoid a similar situation in the future, leaders agreed on how best to prepare and coordinate efforts.

    They agreed on the importance of:

    ● Surveillance and monitoring: ensuring up-to-date information and monitoring is shared to best support preparedness and a coordinated response.

    ● Humanitarian assistance: identifying opportunities for targeted interventions to help those in need, and deter flows from source.

    ● Working with international organisations: partnering with, and supporting the work of key agencies and bodies like UNHCR, the IOM and the Council of Europe.

    ● Security: maintaining a core focus on security, protection and the effective integrity of both land and maritime borders.

    ● Targeting organised immigration crime: deploying targeted interventions against people smugglers and human traffickers as well as their supply chains, including through the use of sanctions.

    ● Governance: ensuring frameworks – both domestic and international – are safeguarded from abuse, so they can meet the demands of the day and so assistance can be targeted to those in need.

    ● Returns: ensuring robust agreements are in place to both deter migrant movements from source and transit countries and alleviate domestic pressure, including through new approaches.

    ● A systems-wide response: using all of the above levers, policies and diplomatic tools, to coordinate international efforts and protect the integrity of our borders.

    Significant progress has been made across last year’s statement, including new measures, partnerships and successes in the disruption of smuggling activity continent-wide.

    Leaders agreed to continue the focus on the most pressing global migration issues, and on opportunities for future cooperation, including at the next EPC Summit in Ireland.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with Prime Minister Pashinyan of Armenia [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with Prime Minister Pashinyan of Armenia [May 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 4 May 2026.

    The Prime Minister met Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister began by thanking Prime Minister Pashinyan for hosting the European Political Community summit.

    He commended the significant steps Armenia had taken to secure peace in the region and thanked Prime Minister Pashinyan for his leadership on the issue.

    The Prime Minister underlined the UK’s support for Armenia’s resilience through counter-disinformation, cyber security and supporting an independent judiciary and media industry.

    As part of discussions, the leaders agreed a new UK-Armenia Strategic Partnership to strengthen cooperation on defence and security, economic growth and democratic resilience.

    The leaders looked forward to staying in touch.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement following a meeting between the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement following a meeting between the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer [May 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 4 May 2026.

    Joint statement following a meeting between the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

    At the European Political Community summit in Armenia today we met to discuss our joint commitment to improving the relationship between the UK and EU to deliver for consumers, businesses and collective European security. 

    We also reflected on the UK’s plan to participate in the EU’s €90 billion / £78 billion loan for Ukraine, and agreed it would be a major step forward in the UK- EU defence industrial relationship.

    We underlined our unwavering support for the Ukrainian people and applauded their resilience and courage in recent weeks and months.  

    We also agreed to commence negotiations on UK participation in the European Innovation Council Fund, including the Scaleup Europe Fund, which will provide support for promising high-growth tech businesses to scale up and support UK and EU ambitions to keep the most promising innovators in Europe.

    We looked ahead to the UK-EU summit and agreed on the importance of being ambitious in what we could achieve together for the benefit of both sides.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with President of France, Emmanuel Macron and NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with President of France, Emmanuel Macron and NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte [May 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 4 May 2026.

    The Prime Minister met the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, at the European Political Community Summit earlier today. 

    The leaders reflected on their recent diplomatic discussions, including on the situation in Ukraine.  

    On the situation in the Middle East and the need for an end to the war in Iran, the leaders agreed on the need to reopen of the Strait of Hormuz to restore freedom of navigation and the free flow of global trade. 

    They discussed European support already positioned in the region to reinforce security, and welcomed the close coordination between European allies.

    They looked forward to speaking again soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with leaders from Ukraine, France, Italy, Poland, Canada, Norway, Finland, NATO, the European Commission and the European Council at the EPC [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with leaders from Ukraine, France, Italy, Poland, Canada, Norway, Finland, NATO, the European Commission and the European Council at the EPC [May 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 4 May 2026.

    The Prime Minister joined leaders from Ukraine, France, Italy, Poland, Canada, Norway, Finland, NATO, the European Commission and the European Council for a meeting on Ukraine this morning.

    The Prime Minister opened the meeting by acknowledging the consistent strength and extraordinary efforts of Ukraine’s frontline to regain territory in recent weeks. 

    The leaders discussed the European Union’s £78 billion loan to Ukraine, and the Prime Minister underlined the opportunity the UK’s involvement would bring for both Ukraine and European security. 

    Reflecting on peace negotiations, the leaders reiterated their support for Ukraine and agreed it was vital economic pressure was maintained on Russia.

    Building on Ukraine’s drone expertise, the group also discussed opportunities to accelerate defence industrial cooperation to provide new technologies to enhance long term security in Europe. 

    The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.