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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : UPR51 – UK Statement on Georgia [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UPR51 – UK Statement on Georgia [January 2026]

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

    Thank you, Madam President,

    The United Kingdom welcomes Georgia’s engagement with the Universal Periodic Review process. However, we remain concerned about the serious deterioration in the human rights situation. Since 2024, there has been excessive use of force by police against peaceful protesters, politically motivated arrests, restrictions on freedom of assembly, intimidation of journalists, and legislative measures that undermine civil society and political pluralism.

    We recommend that Georgia:

    • Ensure independent, impartial investigations into allegations of police violence and ill-treatment during protests, and hold perpetrators accountable. 
    • Guarantee the safety and independence of journalists, civil society and human rights defenders, and repeal or amend legislation that restricts their ability to operate. 
    • Release all those unjustly detained on politically motivated charges, and take urgent steps to uphold the independence of the judiciary and right to a fair trial.

    We urge the Government of Georgia to ensure accountability for human rights violations and to uphold its international obligations on freedom of expression, assembly, and association.

    Thank you, Madam President.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK lenders step up with £11 billion push to back British businesses [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK lenders step up with £11 billion push to back British businesses [January 2026]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 26 January 2026.

    UK banks agree £11 billion lending packages to support small business growth, particularly for small and mid-sized enterprises.

    • Money will help firms invest, hire and expand into new international markets, taking advantage of major new trade deals  
    • Agreement reached at a roundtable convened by Business Secretary Peter Kyle 

    UK businesses to benefit from a landmark £11 billion lending package to help them invest and expand abroad, to grow their businesses and the economy.   

    The lending commitment, from the UK’s five leading banks, is one of the largest collective moves by the banking sector in over a decade, representing an historic show of confidence in the UK economy.  

    Senior executives from NatWest, HSBC UK, Barclays, Lloyds and Santander finalised an agreement with the Government today (26 January) at a roundtable in Westminster convened by the Business Secretary and the CEO of UKEF Tim Reid.  

    Together, the banks serve half of all British businesses across all corners of the country.   

    Business Secretary Peter Kyle said:

    Strengthening Britain’s export potential relies on British businesses having the means, motive, and opportunity to succeed in new overseas markets.  

    The £11 billion these banks are making available will help meet the ambitions of smaller British businesses to fully export, expand and exploit these international market opportunities. It is positive proof of UK lenders’ confidence in the growth prospects of British enterprise.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    Britain’s small businesses are ready to take on the world – and this £11 billion commitment gives them the firepower to do it. 

    We’re turning the power of the City into rocket fuel for UK exporters – backing ambitious firms in every part of the country to break into new markets, create good jobs and drive the next decade of British growth.

    The lending will be drawn entirely from the banks’ own balance sheets and will give small and mid-sized enterprises a powerful route to access the finance and expert advice they need to compete on the world stage. 

    UK Export Finance (UKEF), the government’s export credit agency, will guarantee up to 80% of eligible loans issued by each bank. Banks can apply UKEF’s guarantee automatically for working capital loans of up to £10 million. 

    Alongside funding, businesses will also benefit from advisory support through banks’ relationship managers and UKEF’s regional Export Finance Managers, helping them navigate global markets and seize new opportunities.  

    UKEF Chief Executive Tim Reid said:

    British exporters are at the heart of economic growth. This partnership unlocks billions of pounds to help UK businesses compete to win overseas contracts, showing how UKEF stands behind companies with global ambitions.

    Economic growth is the government’s number one mission, and backing British exporters is central to delivering it. This partnership puts billions of pounds within reach of ambitious small businesses across the UK, reinforcing UKEF’s role as one of government’s most powerful levers for growth. It builds on the government’s wider commitment to backing small businesses as engines of the economy, including measures to tackle late payments, cut red tape and create the right conditions for investment.  

    Together, these form a joined-up approach to removing barriers and helping smaller firms scale up. Working in partnership with business is central to the government’s growth mission. Alongside the trade and modern Industrial Strategies, the government is building on the UK’s unique strengths in high-growth sectors, boosting exports abroad and ensuring the benefits of growth are felt across every part of the country. 

    Stephanie Betant, Head of Global Trade Solutions for HSBC, said:

    Amid geopolitical volatility, UK businesses continue to reap the benefits of global trade. Recent HSBC UK research found that 82% of businesses that trade overseas expect to grow over the next two years. 

    As a UK bank providing market leading international services, we help companies to invest, innovate, and export with confidence. We look forward to continuing this work, using our international connections to help leaders navigate complexities and unlock sustainable growth overseas.

    Robert Begbie, CEO, Commercial & Institutional Banking, NatWest Group said:

    As the UK’s biggest bank for business, NatWest is committed to supporting companies across the UK to innovate, expand into international markets and play a bigger role in driving longterm economic growth. By improving access to the right finance, we’re helping those businesses to grow with confidence.

    John Baldwin, CEO of Santander Corporate and Commercial Banking, said:

    Our recent Trade Barometer showed UK businesses have an ever-growing interest in international expansion – despite the various geopolitical challenges they face. I’m proud to have worked with UKEF on the lending packages announced today, which will help power the overseas growth ambitions of businesses across the UK – and in turn boost the UK economy.  

    In addition to our partnership with UKEF, Santander helps businesses expand into new markets with our sector and country expertise, and our new digital Navigator Global platform.

    Matt Hammerstein, CEO of Barclays UK Corporate Bank, said:

    Small and medium-sized businesses are the heart of the UK economy. We welcome the support this brings to UK exporters and those looking to export. By working closely with Government and with UKEF, we can help ambitious firms access the finance, expertise and international networks they need to export, scale and compete at global scale.  

    As a globally connected bank, Barclays stands ready to deploy capital for growth and provide the trade support to help reduce barriers to new markets, manage risk and unlock opportunity. We are excited to join the Government and our fellow lenders in supporting British businesses to invest, innovate and win new customers around the world.

    Paul Kempster, Managing Director, Commercial Banking Coverage, Lloyds Banking Group, said:

    Working alongside UKEF demonstrates how banks and government can come together to unlock the full potential of UK businesses to help them compete and win on the global stage. This dedicated trade finance support will enable more firms to seek new export opportunities, scale internationally and drive investment and jobs back into the UK.

    Through its Plan for Small Business, the UK Government is delivering the most comprehensive package of support for small and medium sized business in a generation. This includes the most significant legislation in over 25 years to end the scourge of late payments, which closes 38 business daily, a massive £4 billion finance boost to increase access to finance for entrepreneurs, and the launch of the new Business Growth Service, which is bringing together government support and advice in a single place for the first time.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Kier Pritchard announced as Ministry of Defence Police Chief Constable [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Kier Pritchard announced as Ministry of Defence Police Chief Constable [January 2026]

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

    Lucy Bogue, Director SJC GUARDIAN, has announced the appointment of Kier Pritchard as Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) Chief Constable following an open selection process.

    Kier joined the MDP in September 2023 as Deputy Chief Constable, following an exemplary career with Wiltshire Police, and in September 2025 he stepped into the role of Interim Chief Constable. He has already made a significant impact, emphasising the critical importance of the MDP amid an increasingly unpredictable global landscape and is committed to ensuring the force is recognised as the vital national asset it truly is.

    With the force continuing its programme of modernisation and improvement, it is vital to maintain continuity of force command and leadership and therefore several temporary promotions have been granted, until substantive selection processes are finalised: Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dobinson has stepped up to Interim Deputy Chief Constable, and Chief Superintendent Sarah Johnson has stepped up to Interim Assistant Chief Constable.  They will continue to support CC Pritchard and the MDP in the collective mission to protect the nation’s defences and national infrastructure. 

    Commenting on the appointments, Lucy Bogue, Director SJC GUARDIAN, said:

    I am delighted that Kier has been appointed to the position of Chief Constable. Kier is well placed to lead the Force, who provide unique specialist policing, and support Defence to mitigate the complex and evolving threats that we, and the UK face. I look forward to working with him as Chief Constable.

    Kier Pritchard said: 

    I am incredibly honoured to step into the role of Chief Constable. We are operating at a time of heightened global tension, from hostile acts and insider threats to protestor incursions and community unrest. The spotlight is on us. I have every confidence that MDP will continue to rise to these challenges with professionalism, courage, and unity. I look forward to working with, and leading, our dedicated officers and civilian colleagues through this vital next chapter, where together we will further modernise our force to protect Defence.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Baroness Barbara Young of Old Scone appointed as Forestry Commission Chair [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Baroness Barbara Young of Old Scone appointed as Forestry Commission Chair [January 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 26 January 2026.

    The new Chair will continue to drive the Forestry Commission’s efforts to protect and expand England’s trees, woodlands and forests for future generations.

    By Royal Warrant, His Majesty King Charles III has today (Monday 26 January) appointed Baroness Barbara Young of Old Scone as the new Chair of the Forestry Commission.

    The announcement comes as Sir William Worsley’s tenure as Chair ends after six years in post. Baroness Young has been appointed for a four-year term, commencing on 10 February 2026.

    The new Chair will bring extensive leadership experience across environmental protection, land management, regulation and public service to the role. Under her leadership, the Forestry Commission will continue its work to deliver a resilient and sustainable future for England’s trees, woodlands and forests.

    Baroness Barbara Young of Old Scone said:

    It will be a great privilege to join the Forestry Commission team at a time when the importance of trees, woods and forests for the economy, local communities, resilience and security, climate change, biodiversity, and human health and wellbeing is great and growing.

    The Forestry Commission has a huge contribution to make and I look forward to helping take that forward.

    Minister for Nature, Mary Creagh said:

    Baroness Young brings a wealth of experience in environmental protection and land management to this vital role. She is therefore ideally placed to champion England’s trees, woodlands and forests, and I look forward to working with her to help restore our natural environment.

    I’d also like to thank Sir William Worsley for his service and dedication throughout his tenure.

    Richard Stanford, Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, said:

    I’m pleased to welcome our new Chair, Baroness Barbara Young, who brings a wealth of experience from her distinguished background in the environmental sector. I’m excited to work with Barbara to deliver our strategy of helping to tackle some of society’s biggest challenges with thriving trees, woods and forests.

    I would also like to acknowledge the fantastic contribution of our outgoing Chair, Sir William Worsley. William’s leadership has been instrumental in driving the growth of the Commission in recent years and building strong foundations for the future.

    Sir William Worsley, outgoing Chair of the Forestry Commission, said:

    It has been a great honour to serve as Chair of the Forestry Commission. Together with dedicated colleagues, we have strengthened the organisation and helped lay firm foundations for the future of our nation’s trees, woods and forests.

    As I step down, I am delighted to welcome Baroness Young as the new Chair. Her deep experience and commitment to the environment will serve the Commission exceptionally well.

    As Chair of the Woodland Trust from 2016 to 2024, Baroness Young led the organisation through a period of significant growth and impact, expanding woodland creation and the protection and restoration of ancient woodland across the UK.

    This appointment has been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process, nor is a bar to appointment. Baroness Young has been a Labour Life Peer in the House of Lords since 1997 and has canvassed locally for the Labour Party.

    Biography

    • Barbara Young, Baroness Young of Old Scone, is one of the UK’s most experienced public service leaders, with a distinguished career as both chief executive and chair of large, complex public and not-for-profit organisations, many operating in regulated, competitive and commercial environments.
    • She is currently Chair of the Labour Climate and Environment Forum, an independent organisation working with senior leaders across the Parliamentary Labour Party to strengthen climate and environmental ambition and coherence across the Labour movement. She has particular interests in agriculture, land use, trees, forestry, climate change and regulation.
    • She has held numerous senior leadership roles, including Chair of English Nature (1998-2000), Vice Chair of the BBC (1998-2000), Chief Executive of the Environment Agency (2000-2008), Chair of the Care Quality Commission (2008-2009) and Chair of the Royal Veterinary College (2019-2025), She has also served as Chief Executive of Diabetes UK and as Chancellor of Cranfield University.
    • She holds an MA (Honours) in Classics from the University of Edinburgh, is a Chartered Environmentalist, and has received numerous honorary degrees and fellowships in recognition of her contribution to public life, environmental protection and education.
    • Headshot attached.

    The Forestry Commission

    • The Forestry Commission is the non-ministerial government department responsible for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woodlands.
    • Established a century ago, the Forestry Commission works with two agencies: Forestry England, which manages the Public Forest Estate, and Forest Research, the principal organisation for forestry and tree-related research.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and Europe sign historic pact to drive clean energy future [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and Europe sign historic pact to drive clean energy future [January 2026]

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

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband signs a historic clean energy security pact.

    • Energy Secretary signs historic clean energy security pact – the Hamburg Declaration – with European leaders at the North Sea Summit in Hamburg to deliver major offshore wind projects in shared waters
    • In an increasingly unstable world, UK and EU allies double down on clean power as route to energy sovereignty and abundance, protecting the British people and strengthening national security
    • New partnership signed to secure 100 GW of joint offshore wind projects – powering homes and businesses across the continent – built jointly between UK and EU companies

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has today (Monday 26 January) signed a historic clean energy security pact – the Hamburg Declaration – with European allies to bolster energy security for families and businesses across the UK and Europe, in an era of global instability.

    The deal will drive forward an unprecedented fleet of joint offshore wind projects between European countries, including Germany, Norway, France and Denmark, taking advantage of Europe’s shared abundant energy in the North Sea.

    The UK and Europe stand together amid global headwinds, to reaffirm their commitment to clean, secure energy as the only route to escape the fossil fuel rollercoaster. The summit comes after the UK delivered a record-breaking offshore wind auction, unlocking 7,000 jobs and driving £22 billion of private sector investment into the UK’s factories and ports.

    Three years ago, North Sea countries pledged to build 300 GW of offshore wind in the North Sea by 2050, in response to Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and weaponisation of Europe’s energy supplies.  
     
    The deal agreed today means, for the first time, North Sea countries have agreed to deliver 100 GW of this offshore wind power through joint clean‑energy projects. These will include new ‘offshore wind hybrid assets’ — wind farms at sea that are directly connected to more than one country through interconnectors. This joint commitment is set out in the ‘Hamburg Declaration’, agreed today at the Future of the North Seas Summit. 

    The Energy Secretary met European leaders to push forward plans to transform the North Sea into the world’s largest ‘clean energy reservoir’. The major summit brings together European leaders in Germany, France, Belgium, Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark and Norway.

    Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, said:   

    We are standing up for our national interest by driving for clean energy, which can get the UK off the fossil fuel rollercoaster and give us energy sovereignty and abundance. 

    After our record renewables auction, we today went further by signing a clean energy security pact with European allies to ensure we maximise the clean energy potential for the North Sea.

    Industry are expected to respond to the pledge by unveiling ambitious plans for new projects. Interconnectors are crucial to Europe’s energy security, enabling countries in the North Sea to send clean power to where it’s needed most and end Europe’s reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets controlled by petrostates and dictators.  

    The UK is leading the way on the pledge, earlier this month the delivery of its record-breaking auction secured 8.4 GW of offshore wind – the biggest ever auction in European history. This includes projects in the North Sea, setting a powerful example to European partners.  

    Further key outcomes expected from the summit include:

    • Interconnected offshore grid – the Energy Secretary signing a statement of intent with Germany, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands to unlock cross-border offshore electricity projects, focusing on joint planning, cost-sharing and market arrangements to speed up delivery
    • Offshore Hybrid Assets – The UK agreeing a framework to deepen German and UK collaboration on offshore hybrid assets. These are advanced subsea energy infrastructure that combine offshore wind farm connections with electricity interconnectors. This would put UK firms at forefront of grid technology, unlocking export opportunities and boosting growth

    Ben Wilson, President of National Grid Ventures, said: 

    Today is a step towards a more integrated energy system in the North Seas. LionLink and projects like those being announced today are important for maximising the efficient use of resources, reducing costs, and minimising the impact on coastal communities. Collaboration on projects like these are key to delivering on more secure, affordable energy for British and European consumers.

    Dhara Vyas, Chief Executive of Energy UK, said: 

    The UK’s energy sector is fully behind the landmark efforts to be announced at the Hamburg North Sea Summit to transform the North Sea into a truly regional clean power hub. Delivering the goal of 100 GW of offshore cooperation projects by 2050 will require a relentless focus on maintaining the momentum of UK-EU alignment on electricity market coupling and ETS linkage.  

    This deeper cooperation on supply chains, standardisation, and shared infrastructure is not just a strategic necessity, it is the most effective way to bring down energy costs for households and businesses while fuelling sustainable economic growth and high-value jobs for years to come.

    Jane Cooper, Deputy Chief Executive of RenewableUK, said:  

    This ambitious announcement to build a vast number of new offshore wind farms jointly with our European partners will increase the energy security of the UK and the whole of the North Sea region significantly. This historic declaration puts offshore wind right at the heart of Europe’s power system, with the UK leading the way.  

    We are strengthening our security collaboration to ensure the North Sea’s critical energy infrastructure is protected from harm, so that we can continue to generate the huge quantities of clean power needed by the UK and our neighbours reliably at all times.

    William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:   

    It is essential for the UK’s energy security and economic growth that we co-operate more closely with our European allies to realise the full potential of the North Sea.  

    The commitments set out in the Hamburg Declaration will deliver on that, allowing our businesses to work on joint projects on renewables, interconnectors and other vital energy infrastructure. The momentum from today’s Summit and Business Conference needs to be kept up.

    Enrique Cornejo, Energy Policy Director, Offshore Energies UK, said: 

    In an increasingly volatile world, this deal sets ambitious targets for UK and European offshore wind collaboration. 100 GW from such joint projects would become a major part of our shared North Sea energy mix, which will include oil, gas and also hydrogen for decades to come. Affordable and secure energy is key to the UK’s future and to those of our European partners. The future of the North Sea is in our hands.

    Gus Jaspert, Managing Director, Marine at The Crown Estate, said:  

    The UK’s offshore wind sector is a national success story and an engine of economic growth. It attracts billions in investment, supports tens of thousands of jobs across the country and each new turbine built boosts our energy security.  

    As such we welcome opportunities for the UK to utilise its world-leading experience in offshore wind and work closely with international partners in the North Sea to collectively drive clean energy generation and enable greater energy security at a time of geopolitical uncertainty.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Costa of the European Council [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Costa of the European Council [January 2026]

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

    The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the European Council António Costa this evening. 

    Discussing events of recent days, he reiterated his position that the future of Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark alone. 

    He reiterated that the UK is prepared to play its part to protect Arctic security, alongside NATO.  

    They agreed on the fundamental importance of continued defence and security co-operation in these volatile times.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto [January 2026]

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

    The Prime Minister hosted the President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto at Downing Street today.

    The leaders welcomed the strong progress on the Strategic Partnership between the UK and Indonesia, which they had committed to pursuing in 2024 and formally agreed today.

    It was a clear example of how the UK and Indonesia’s relationship continued to go from strength to strength, and deliver for people in both countries, the Prime Minister said.

    The £4 billion Maritime Partnership Programme agreed between the UK and Indonesia in November underlined that, supporting thousands of jobs in Rosyth, Bristol and Devonport, and across Indonesia, while also boosting regional and food security, the leaders agreed.

    Both leaders also welcomed the strong education links being formed between the two countries.

    Turning to international affairs, the leaders discussed the situation in Gaza and their strong continued support for a two state solution.

    They looked forward to speaking again soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New Aviation Ambassadors announced to inspire future pilots, engineers and air traffic controllers [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New Aviation Ambassadors announced to inspire future pilots, engineers and air traffic controllers [January 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 15 January 2026.

    Our 10 new Aviation Ambassadors will help encourage more young people to see the UK aviation sector as a place where they can build rewarding, long-term futures.

    • 10 industry professionals appointed to inspire young people into aviation careers in the industry, futureproofing the sector and upskilling young Brits 
    • next cohort of volunteers will start this month, including a former Red Arrows Chief Engineer and Operations Director of East Midlands Airport, to shine a light on the wide range of aviation jobs and to encourage recruits from diverse backgrounds
    • supports government’s mission to deliver growth and opportunity, helping young people into skilled jobs and furthering the UK’s world-leading reputation in aviation

    Thousands of young people across the UK will be inspired to pursue exciting and rewarding careers in aviation as the government confirms the next cohort of Aviation Ambassadors today (15 January 2026).

    The ambassadors are successful aviation professionals who promote jobs, skills and training in the sector by going into schools, hosting workshops, and using social media to reach primary, secondary and college students across England. 

    From ground handling and airfield safety to commercial flying, customer service, and aviation law, the Aviation Ambassador programme raises awareness of the breadth of career paths available to suit every skill set and every passion. 

    Aviation Minister, Keir Mather, said: 

    Aviation is full of exciting opportunities and fulfilling career paths and we’re determined to encourage more young people to see the sector as a place where they can thrive and build rewarding, long-term futures. 

    Our Aviation Ambassadors are key to making that happen – sharing their own journeys, helping to break down barriers and showing the sky really is the limit. By broadening horizons, we’re helping to secure the future of UK aviation while delivering regional growth, jobs and skills.

    A key part of the ambassadors’ role will be inspiring young people from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not have previously considered the opportunities or career paths the industry offers.

    Among the new ambassadors are: 

    • Former Red Arrows Chief Engineer, Ross Priday, from South Wales, who will inspire young people by sharing his wide range of experiences and bridging the gap between aviation and aerospace careers.
    • Lauren Turner, airport Operations Director. Lauren has risen through the ranks at East Midlands Airport from Security Officer to overseeing the entire airport operation in 13 years, becoming a self-led aviation success story who will champion apprenticeships and support pathways into aviation.
    • Miguel Cabrera Vivas, London-based aviation influencer and former Heathrow internal progression lead, also known as The Aviation Mentor. Miguel uses social media and in-person sessions to promote aviation as an accessible career choice.

    Other new ambassadors include Marcus Sellars, who graduated from Newcastle University last year into a role delivering automation and digital transport integration across the airfield at Teesside International Airport, and David Gardner, a senior firefighter and medical lead for the airport’s first responder scheme at Luton Airport. 

    Ambassadors deliver a range of outreach activities, including giving talks in colleges, supporting industry events and promoting aviation careers through online platforms and traditional media. This engagement has reached thousands of people who may never have considered aviation as a career option, including those in underrepresented communities. 

    The initiative is part of the Generation Aviation programme, which sees government and industry working together to help build an aviation workforce fit for the future and to attract diverse, talented people. 

    The new ambassadors will start their roles on 28 January 2026. 

    Ross Priday, former Chief Engineer for the Red Arrows and new Aviation Ambassador, said: 

    Aviation gave me a career I could never have imagined, and I want others to see the incredible opportunities this industry offers. Whether someone is fascinated by engineering, drawn to the skies as a pilot, or interested in roles like air traffic control, ground operations or aviation law and insurance, there truly is something for everyone.

    What’s exciting is that there are so many ways in. School leavers, apprentices, graduates, and those looking for a change from other industries can all find their path into aviation. Through my Aviation Ambassador role, I want to show people not just that these exciting careers exist, but exactly how to access them.

    Lauren Turner, Operations Director at East Midlands Airport and new Aviation Ambassador, said: 

    I’m proud and excited to be an aviation ambassador and to share my journey at East Midlands Airport. Aviation is an innovative, fast-moving industry with opportunities for people from all walks of life, and I hope that by sharing my personal career story, I can encourage young people across the region to see it as a career where they can thrive and grow.

    Alice Goodwin, former Aviation Ambassador, said: 

    Congratulations to the new cohort of Aviation Ambassadors!

    This programme is a fantastic opportunity for industry professionals to inspire the next generation, showcase the diverse careers aviation offers, and champion the sector as role models.

    By engaging with schools, speaking at events, and sharing their passion, these ambassadors will play a vital role in closing the aviation skills gap and shaping the future of this exciting industry.

    Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, said:

    Airports and aviation offer a wealth of excellent career opportunities, and it is great to see the next set of sector ambassadors have been appointed to help inspire the next generation.

    Jobs in this sector will not only provide young people with fulfilling and highly skilled careers but will directly contribute to growing the UK economy and help keep our friends, families and businesses connected with the world.

    We wish the new ambassadors the best of luck with their new responsibilities and look forward to exploring how we can work with them to increase awareness of the chances offered by aviation.

    Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said: 

    Airlines UK welcomes the appointment of the new Aviation Ambassadors. Our world-class sector depends on a steady pipeline of skilled young people choosing careers in aviation, and this programme plays a practical role in highlighting the varied and exciting range of careers available. By connecting real aviation businesses with schools and colleges, the scheme supports growth, resilience, and the future competitiveness of our fantastic industry.

    The new ambassadors are:  

    • Emma Garnham – Training and Compliance Director for DHL, a ground handler, based in London
    • Abdullah Bin Sajid Butt – Customer Operations Coordinator at Jet2.com, based in Bradford
    • Ross Priday – CEO of a business delivering aviation safety risk advisory services to industry. Previously served as Chief Engineer for the Red Arrows, based in Wales
    • Sigourney Ansah – an aspiring commercial pilot, who has previously worked for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic at their head offices, based in London
    • Sam Higgins - student outreach manager for British Airways, based in London
    • Ken Eckersall – director of KenEck, a company which delivers aviation outreach to schools and colleges through portable flight simulators, FlightDeck PC, based in Wigan
    • David Gardner – aviation fire fighter and medical lead for Luton Airport’s first responder scheme, based in Luton
    • Lauren Turner – Operations Director at East Midlands Airport, based in the Midlands.
    • Miguel Cabrera Vivas – former Service Recovery Manager at Heathrow and founder of ‘The Aviation Mentor’ social media channels with 177,000 likes and 6,000 followers, based in London
    • Marcus Sellars – Aviation Automation and Digital Transport Integration Lead at Tees Valley Combined Authority, based in the Darlington
  • PRESS RELEASE : Disability Confident scheme overhauled to boost workplace standards for disabled people [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Disability Confident scheme overhauled to boost workplace standards for disabled people [January 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 14 January 2026.

    Sick and disabled people will have more opportunities to move into work following the overhaul of a scheme that will boost living standards and workplace inclusion.

    Scheme to help employers recruit and retain disabled people to be reformed – boosting workplace inclusion and living standards as part of Plan for Change.
    Reforms to previous Government’s Disability Confident scheme include tailored support for SMEs and greater peer-to-peer support for employers.
    New standards to improve scheme for employer and employees will be shaped by the voices of disabled people.
    Sick and disabled people will have more opportunities to move into work following the overhaul of a scheme that will boost living standards and workplace inclusion.

    The Disability Confident scheme – launched by the previous government in 2016 – has delivered huge variations of support across different UK regions, often overlooking specific local needs and priorities.

    While around two thirds of employers agree that joining the scheme had a positive impact on their organisation, the landmark Keep Britain Working review by Sir Charlie Mayfield concluded that while it has many positive aspects it “lacks teeth”.

    In response to the review, the Government is taking action to prevent ill-health, support people to stay in work, and help employers build healthier, more resilient workplaces. Overhauling the Disability Confident scheme is a key part of this.

    This will involve trialling reforms through employers, alongside the work taking place in the Keep Britain Working Review Vanguards, such as:

    The Disability Confident scheme has three levels of commitment – we are reducing the time employers can remain at the entry level from three years to two, and removing the option for them to renew at this level to encourage employers to progress up the scheme.
    Tailoring support for SMEs to their needs and capabilities, so that businesses of all sizes can benefit.
    Connecting employers together so that they can access peer-to-peer support and share good practice, with practical resources so that they can tap into the scheme’s full potential.
    Reflecting the views and voices of disabled people throughout the scheme so that guidance reflects real experiences.
    The reforms are aimed at making employers’ experience on the scheme more meaningful and more impactful on their organisations, incentivising them to progress their Disability Confident status and make their workplaces inclusive of disabled talent. This will improve the employment outcomes of disabled people across the country, boosting living standards and helping to get the more than 2.8 million people signed off long-term sick in the UK into secure employment.

    Around 19,000 employers are signed up to the current Disability Confident scheme, benefitting an estimated 11 million paid employees in their organisations. By improving the offer to employers, the reformed scheme has the potential to benefit even more employees.

    Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said:
    Disability Confident – with around 19,000 employers signed up – has enormous potential. For too long, though, it has not delivered enough support for disabled people, or for employers who want to recruit, retain and develop disabled people.

    That’s why we are improving the scheme, through robust reforms to ensure a better service for all, including through greater support for SMEs and improving access to resources for employers.

    This comes alongside our investment of £1 billion a year in employment support by the end of the decade, and our Connect to Work programme which will help 300,000 sick or disabled people into work by the end of the parliament.

    Sally Gardner, Business Solutions Manager at Tees Valley Mayoral Combined Authority, welcomed the changes, saying:
    Tees Valley Combined Authority supports the proposed reforms to the Disability Confident scheme and welcomes the opportunity to test new approaches that will strengthen the scheme’s impact.

    These changes, including tailored support for SMEs and enhanced verification, will help ensure the scheme continues to drive meaningful progress and promote greater inclusivity for businesses in our region.

    Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said:
    Adding a small business-focused track to Disability Confident is a good move, delivering on something that FSB proposed in our 2022 Business Without Barriers report.

    Ensuring that the great work done by countless small businesses to support disabled employees can be captured and recognised is an important step, and we look forward to seeing how Disability Confident can be shaped in other ways to make it as relevant and useful to small firms as possible.

    The Government will be engaging closely with current Disability Confident scheme members, SMEs, and larger businesses such as The Gym Group who are Disability Confident leaders, as well as the recently announced Independent Disability Advisory Panel to ensure that reforms are both impactful and realistic.

    The changes build on the work the Government is doing to unlock work for sick or disabled people including the £1 billion investment in employment support by the end of the decade, and the Connect to Work programme that will support 300,000 into work, alongside the launch of employer-led Vanguards to address issues highlighted in the Keep Britain Working Review.

  • PRESS RELEASE : G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement on Iran [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement on Iran [January 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 January 2026.

    Joint Statement from the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, the USA and the High Representative of the EU.

    We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, are gravely concerned by the developments surrounding the ongoing protests in Iran. We strongly oppose the intensification of the Iranian authorities’ brutal repression of the Iranian people, who have been bravely voicing legitimate aspirations for a better life, dignity and freedom, since the end of December 2025.

    We are deeply alarmed at the high level of reported deaths and injuries. We condemn the deliberate use of violence and the killing of protestors, arbitrary detention, and intimidation tactics by security forces against demonstrators.

    We urge the Iranian authorities to exercise full restraint, to refrain from violence, and to uphold the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Iran’s citizens, including the rights to freedom of expression, to seek, receive and impart information, and the freedom of association and peaceful assembly, without fear of reprisal.

    The members of the G7 remain prepared to impose additional restrictive measures if Iran continues to crack down on protests and dissent in violation of international human rights obligations.