Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : National Living Wage increases to £12.71 per hour [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : National Living Wage increases to £12.71 per hour [April 2026]

    The press release issued by the Low Pay Commission on 1 April 2026.

    Increased rates of the National Minimum Wage, including the National Living wage came into force from 1 April 2026. These rates bring into effect recommendations made by the Low Pay Commission last autumn.

    The new rates are set out in the table below.

    NMW Rate from April 2026Annual increase (£)Annual increase (per cent)
    National Living Wage (21 and over)£12.71£0.504.1
    18-20 Year Old Rate£10.85£0.858.5
    16-17 Year Old Rate£8.00£0.456.0
    Apprentice Rate£8.00£0.456.0
    Accommodation Offset£11.10£0.444.1

    Baroness Philippa Stroud, Chair of the Low Pay Commission, said:

    The recommendations we made last autumn sought to balance the need to protect the economy and labour market, whilst providing a real-terms increase for the lowest-paid members of society.

    A lot has changed since we gave our advice to the Government last autumn, and we are now beginning to gather evidence for recommendations later this year. The current economic uncertainty makes it essential that the Commission hears from those affected by the minimum wage and builds consensus for evidence-based recommendations.

    To mark the uprating, the Low Pay Commission has published a report looking at the immediate impacts of the new rates. It has also published a consultation to inform its recommendations on future minimum wage rates.

    NOTES FOR EDITORS

    • The LPC’s recommendations were submitted to the Government on 27 October 2025. The Government announced acceptance of those recommendations at the Autumn Budget on Wednesday 26 November.
    • The Government’s remit to the LPC, which determines the Commission’s work through the year, was published on 16 March and is available here.
    • The National Living Wage (NLW) is currently the statutory minimum wage for workers aged 21 and over. This age threshold came down from 25 to 23 in April 2021 and from 23 to 21 in April 2024.
    • The Low Pay Commission is an independent body made up of employers, trade unions and experts whose role is to advise the Government on the minimum wage. The rate recommendations introduced today were agreed unanimously by the Commission. The current Low Pay Commissioners are: Baroness Philippa Stroud (Chair), Nigel Cotgrove, Matthew Fell, Andrew Goodacre, Louise Fisher, Professor Patricia Rice, Simon Sapper, Professor Jonathan Wadsworth and Janet Williamson.
    • Baroness Philippa Stroud can be contacted via the Low Pay Commission’s press office (07341 098734).
  • PRESS RELEASE : New measures coming in to ease cost of living pressure [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New measures coming in to ease cost of living pressure [April 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 April 2026.

    A raft of new measures – coming into force today (1 April 2026) – will see wages go up, bills come down, and more support for those who need it most.

    In an uncertain and volatile world, the Prime Minister is continuing to work with allies to push for de-escalation in the Middle East – which is the surest and quickest way to bring down pressures on prices.

    On Monday, he hosted a roundtable with energy, insurance, and shipping companies and on Tuesday he chaired a COBR(M) meeting to assess the situation with Cabinet colleagues.

    Measures coming into force today include:

    –       Increasing the National Living wage to £12.71 – a £900 boost for 2.4 million workers

    –       Increasing the National Minimum Wage to £10.85 – a £1,500 boost for over 200,000 young workers

    –       Cutting energy bills by an average £117 a year for millions across the UK – locked in until end of June

    –       The Crisis & Resilience Fund starts running – enabled by £1bn of funding – which helps vulnerable households with things like heating oil

    –       A freeze on prescription prices – so people aren’t spending more than a tenner on their medicines

    This follows an update to the public on 16th March where the Prime Minister set out five steps that were already in place on the cost of living. These were:

    1)    Cutting the energy price cap until the end of June – thanks to last year’s Budget

    2)    The Chancellor’s decision to extend the cut in fuel duty until this September

    3)    £53 million for households that are most exposed to heating oil rises

    4)    Building Britain’s energy security and independence

    5)    Ongoing work towards a swift resolution of the situation in the Middle East

    The cut to the energy price cap comes on top of the £150 Warm Home Discount that around 6 million families will have received this winter, following its expansion last year – and eligible billpayers will continue to receive this support every winter for the rest of the decade.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    “In an uncertain and volatile world, it is my government’s duty to protect the British people at home and abroad.

    “I know the public are concerned about the conflict in Iran and what it means for them and their families.

    “I want to reassure them that they have a government on their side, working with allies on de-escalation and bearing down on the cost of living.

    “Today, millions of people up and down the country will see energy bills go down by £117, wages go up for the lowest paid, and more support will be available for people who need it most – because of the decisions this government has taken.

    “But we must go further to bear down on costs, and that means pushing for de-escalation in the Middle East and a re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz. That is the best way we can bring down the cost of living for families and that is my focus.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Iceland – Jane Stevens [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Iceland – Jane Stevens [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 March 2026.

    Mrs Jane Stevens has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Iceland in succession to Dr Bryony Mathew. Mrs Stevens will take up her appointment during September 2026.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Jane Elizabeth Stevens

    YearRole
    2025 to presentFull time language training (Icelandic)
    2024 to 2025FCDO, temporary assignments in MENAD, EECAD and Analysis Directorate
    2022 to 2023FCDO, Deputy Director, Ukraine Campaign Unit
    2018 to 2022FCDO, Europe Directorate (Deputy Head EU Exit, then Europe Strategy)
    2013 to 2018FCO, Team Leader then Deputy Head, Projects Task Force
    2010 to 2013FCO, Olympics Directorate (London 2012)
    2004 to 2010Maternity/special unpaid leave
    2003 to 2004FCO, Press Officer to the Permanent Under Secretary, then Chief Press Officer
    2001 to 2003FCO, Communication Directorate (Islamic Media)
    1998 to 2001FCO, Middle East and North Africa Directorate (Iraq)
  • PRESS RELEASE : Truth for victims and families as Orgreave Inquiry launchesTruth for victims and families as Orgreave Inquiry launches [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Truth for victims and families as Orgreave Inquiry launchesTruth for victims and families as Orgreave Inquiry launches [March 2026]

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

    Miners and campaigners will finally get the answers they deserve as the government launches an inquiry into the violent events at Orgreave in 1984.

    From today (26 March), the inquiry will begin investigating the violence that arose between police and picketing miners at Orgreave Coking Plant on 18 June 1984, resulting in 95 arrests and scores of injuries. Those arrested were charged with riot and unlawful assembly, but all charges were later dropped after police evidence was discredited.

    The terms of reference, which have been published today, were developed in consultation with the Chair, the Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, the Bishop of Sheffield, informed by his engagement with campaigners, policing bodies, and local representatives.

    The inquiry will focus on securing and disclosing historical material so that the full picture can finally be understood. Using its statutory powers where necessary, it will have access to relevant records including those held by police, central and local government, trade unions, media organisations, and other public and private bodies.

    The inquiry will seek to establish what happened at Orgreave by examining:

    Planning undertaken by the police and government for the policing of the demonstration at Orgreave on 18 June 1984: This includes relevant decision-making in the leadup to the day.

    What happened on the day and afterwards: The inquiry will examine the events at Orgreave on 18 June 1984, the immediate aftermath, and the lasting impact on individuals and communities, as well as the public narrative.

    What happened to those arrested: This includes the charging decisions and prosecutions, all of which collapsed after police evidence was discredited.

    The inquiry will also establish a publicly accessible digital archive of disclosed material. This approach reflects the strong views of campaigners that transparency must sit at the heart of the inquiry.

    Minister of State for Policing and Crime, Sarah Jones MP, said:

    For more than four decades miners, their families and their communities have lived with unanswered questions about what happened at Orgreave. Today we have delivered on our promise to these tireless campaigners to ensure the facts finally come to light.

    The terms of the inquiry have been shaped by the Chair’s close engagement with campaigners, and they place transparency at the very heart of the panel’s work.

    I am confident that they will bring the independence, expertise and balance needed to uncover the truth of what happened — however difficult that truth may be.

    The Right Reverend Dr Pete Wilcox, Chair of the Inquiry said:

    I am very pleased the Orgreave Inquiry, announced by the UK government in July 2025, is now live.

    In reaching this point, the government has approved the Terms of Reference and confirmed the Panel to support me as Chair; and I am fully satisfied with both.

    These foundations allow us to begin the inquiry’s work with confidence, and engagement with stakeholders will begin immediately.

    I am acutely aware of the weight of expectation placed on this inquiry. It is my ambition, with the panel, to deliver an outstanding inquiry as swiftly as thoroughness will allow.

    The Orgreave inquiry was a government manifesto commitment to ensure the truth about the events at Orgreave comes to light. The inquiry will be carried out independently by the Chair and its carefully selected panel.

    The 4 panel members who will support the Bishop in delivering the inquiry have been confirmed today as:

    Wendy Williams CBE, a former chief prosecutor in the Crown Prosecution Service and, between 2015 – 2024, an Inspector in His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services. She published the report of her independent Windrush Lessons Learned Review in March 2020, and her update report on the Home Office’s response in March 2022. Ms Williams will provide independent insight on police governance, and the decision-making and effectiveness of police forces.

    Baroness Mary Bousted, a former senior trade union leader representing teachers, leaders, and support staff and workers. She led the panel which, in April 2025, published the report of its independent review of the Police Federation of England and Wales. Baroness Bousted will provide relevant knowledge and insight concerning the strategic and operational leadership and management of trades unions.

    Doctor Joanna Gilmore, Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of York, whose research expertise includes public order law, human rights and policing policy. Drawing on her socio-legal and historical research into the 1984-85 miners’ strike, Dr Gilmore will contribute analysis of the broader societal, legal and political issues arising from the events at Orgreave.

    Doctor Angie Sutton-Vane, a historian with extensive experience in evidence-based research, historical accountability and the archiving, preservation of and access to police force records. Dr Sutton-Vane will provide expertise on the interpretation of historical records, particularly those of the police.

    This panel has been carefully selected to ensure the inquiry is independent, fair, and equipped with the necessary expertise.

    Chris Kitchen, General Secretary, National Union of Mineworkers said:

    The National Union of Mineworkers welcomes the government’s announcement today launching the inquiry into the battle of Orgreave, delivering on a long-standing manifesto commitment.

    We have full confidence that the Chair, Rt Reverend Dr. Pete Wilcox, and the panel members, have the knowledge required to get to the truth about what happened, why it happened, who orchestrated the events at Orgreave on 18 June 1984, and why no one was held accountable. The NUM are fully committed to assisting the inquiry in its work.

    Our hope is that once the truth has been brought to light, those directly and indirectly affected can finally start to move on.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New boost to defence victim support and prevention to raise standards across the Armed Forces  [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New boost to defence victim support and prevention to raise standards across the Armed Forces  [March 2026]

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

    More than half a million pounds is being committed to expand the Victim Witness Care Unit to support around 100 additional cases each year and specialist Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) teams set to be deployed to Catterick Garrison and HM Naval Base Devonport.

    Specialist teams are being established to prevent unacceptable behaviour and sexual violence in the Armed Forces, alongside a significant uplift to victim support.  

    An investment of more than £500,000 will create five permanent new posts within the Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU) at the Ministry of Defence, increasing its capacity to support around 100 additional cases each year.   

    The VWCU provides independent, trauma-informed support to victims and witnesses of serious crime, operating independently from military chains of command.  

    The new roles – including victim liaison officers – will enable the unit to provide sustained support for complex cases, and enhanced coordination with investigators and prosecutors throughout the Service Justice System.   

    This expansion also ensures the unit can continue to deliver dedicated support to victim-survivors of serious crime as wider work aims to increase awareness of the support available and strengthen confidence in accessing it.  

    Specialist VAWG Taskforce teams are deploying to Catterick Garrison and HM Naval Base Devonport, embedding expertise directly within military settings to identify and address the cultural and behavioural drivers of sexual violence at source.  

    With reach also across Yorkshire and the Humber and the South West respectively, these 12-month deployments will see civilian experts working alongside service personnel, assessing root causes and organisational factors contributing to sexual violence.   

    The teams will design targeted, evidence-led interventions – from training and scenario-based workshops to bystander-focused activity and unit-specific tools. This approach reflects a deliberate shift from reacting to incidents after they occur towards preventing harm before it starts. Expansion to further sites – including RAF Halton and the UK’s sovereign bases in Cyprus – is planned subject to evidence of impact.  

    Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP said:  

    Those who serve deserve to work in an environment where they are safe, supported and valued. This investment strengthens the support available to victim-survivors of serious crime and puts specialist prevention teams in place to tackle unacceptable behaviour before it causes harm.  

    With awareness increasing, more people having boosted confidence in reporting mechanisms, we’re taking practical, targeted action to ensure Defence is a place where people are proud to serve. 

    The VWCU expansion and Taskforce deployments are the latest in Defence’s Raising our Standards interventions to embed consistently high standards, build trust in leadership and create a culture where personnel thrive, unacceptable behaviour is challenged, and every case is acted upon. 

    This includes the forthcoming Independent Legal Advocacy pilot, which will provide free, independent legal advice to complainants of sexual offences within the Service Justice System.   

    This complements newly-introduced measures in the Armed Forces Bill to deliver stronger support to victims of serious and sexual offences within the Service Justice System, from new protective orders to take action against those responsible for sexual harm and strengthened guidance to inform victims’ views to prosecutors on whether they want their case tried in civilian courts or the military system.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Trail hunting set to be banned [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Trail hunting set to be banned [March 2026]

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

    Trail hunting is set to be banned in England and Wales – delivering a key manifesto commitment. A public consultation will open today on how to take the ban forward.

    Trail hunting is where hounds follow a pre-laid animal-based scent across the countryside, mimicking traditional hunting. It became popular in the UK after the Hunting Act 2004 became law, as an alternative to traditional fox hunting.

    This can result in wild animals, including foxes and hares, being injured or killed by dogs, as well as household pets in some cases. The nature of trail hunting makes it difficult to ensure wild animals are not placed in danger as a result of dogs picking up their scent, as opposed to the intended animal-based scent trail.

    Concerns also persist around whether trail hunting is being used by some as a “smokescreen” to facilitate illegal hunting with dogs.

    Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, who leads on hunting for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, has previously said he believes trail hunting is providing a smokescreen and it “gives people the opportunity to carry on hunting – as they always said they would when the ban came in 20 years ago”

    We want alternative practices such as drag hunting and clean‑boot hunting, which use non‑animal scents, to continue to thrive. We recognise that hunts can support jobs and local businesses, and bring people together across the countryside. We are committed to ensuring that responsible rural pursuits, where there is no risk to our precious wildlife, can continue.

    Baroness Sue Hayman, Animal Welfare Minister, said:  

    We pledged to ban trail hunting in our manifesto and that is exactly what we intend to do.

    The nature of trail hunting makes it difficult to ensure wild and domestic animals are not put at risk of being killed or injured – that is clearly unacceptable.

    We understand that this is a complex issue and so we are seeking views from everyone with an interest to help shape how we bring this forward.

    This announcement follows the publication of the Government’s Animal Welfare Strategy which outlined the most ambitious reforms to animal welfare in a generation – improving the lives of millions of animals across the UK. 

     A public consultation will open today on how to take the ban forward. It will run until 18 June.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Report by the Head of OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina – UK statement [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Report by the Head of OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina – UK statement [March 2026]

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

    UK Chargé d’Affaires, Deputy Ambassador James Ford, welcomes the OSCE Mission’s continued public advocacy and work on election integrity, reconciliation and dialogue between communities.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

    And welcome Ambassador Holtzapple to the Permanent Council. As you know, the United Kingdom is a strong supporter of your Mission’s work.

    Mr Chair, the United Kingdom remains committed to supporting a more inclusive, stable and transparent Bosnia and Herzegovina within the framework of the Dayton Peace Agreement. We are working with our international partners to support domestic institutions to respond to threats to Dayton, and to encourage constructive engagement from leaders in the wider region.  

    We believe that following the recent presidential elections in Republika Srpska there is an opportunity for the new RS President to draw a line under the past and move towards a functional, stable Republika Srpska entity respectful of the BiH constitution. We encourage all politicians – including the current leadership of Republika Srpska – to work for the benefit of all the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    The United Kingdom strongly values the OSCE Mission’s strong public advocacy and continuing work on reconciliation and facilitating dialogue between communities. A more inclusive and cohesive society is essential to achieving a positive future for the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We particularly value the insight and proactive engagement by the nine OSCE Field Offices across the country and their role towards strengthening inter-ethnic relations. This has remained especially important amid recent divisive and inflammatory rhetoric.

    We welcome ongoing efforts to draft reforms to BiH’s Constitution and Election Law, to address electoral discrimination and bring BiH in line with European Court of Human Rights requirements. It is positive news that the Working Group, established to advance this process, has committed to meeting again this month to discuss reform proposals. We urge continued and sustained efforts to implement these reforms ahead of October’s general elections.

    The UK is pleased to have contributed to the Mission’s programme of support for improving the integrity of electoral processes in BiH. The successful rollout of election technology is a key part of strengthening political plurality and bolstering trust in democratic processes.  

    Lastly, I wanted to recognise the role played by OSCE field missions in delivering cost savings which allowed the adoption of the 2026 OSCE budget, for the first time in five years. Decisions around staffing cuts have been difficult, and we thank you for engaging so constructively with the process.

    Thank you again, Ambassador Holtzapple, for your leadership of the Mission at this important time. We highly appreciate the hard work and expertise of your team, and wish you continued success.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 61 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Mali [Mach 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 61 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Mali [Mach 2026]

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

    UK Statement for the Item 10 Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali. Delivered at the 61st Human Rights Council in Geneva.

    Thank you, Mr Vice President,

    The United Kingdom welcomes Mali’s continued engagement with the Human Rights Council and the mandate of the Independent Expert. Respect for human rights, justice and accountability is fundamental to achieving lasting security and stability, and we urge the government of Mali to maintain their engagement with the Independent Expert.

    The human rights situation remains concerning. We are troubled by ongoing reports of violations and abuses affecting civilians, including women and children. As the Independent Expert notes, armed opposition groups violate international humanitarian law with impunity. Restrictions on civic space, the detention of opposition figures and journalists, and limitations on political participation are also of concern.

    The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting the Malian people. This financial year, the UK is providing around $55 million in assistance, including support for health, education, and humanitarian assistance for those displaced by conflict.

    We welcome efforts taken by the government of Mali to address challenges facing the Malian people and encourage them to take further steps to strengthen the protection of human rights and end impunity.

    Mr Vice President, what further steps could the international community take to support Mali in strengthening accountability and protecting civic space?

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 61: UK Statement on the Democratic Republic of the Congo [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 61: UK Statement on the Democratic Republic of the Congo [March 2026]

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

    UK Statement for the Item 10 Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the oral update by the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Delivered at the 61st Human Rights Council in Geneva.

    Thank you, Madame Vice President.

    The UK thanks the Deputy High Commissioner for her update on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the challenges and concerns that she has raised. We urge the DRC government to engage with these.

    The UK remains gravely concerned by the situation in eastern DRC, where the security and human rights situation continues to deteriorate, driven by M23’s advances with the support of the Rwanda Defence Force.

    Intensifying armed conflict has displaced more than 5 million people, and widespread human rights abuses and violations are being committed by all parties to the conflict. We remain particularly concerned by the scale of conflict-related sexual violence. We remind all parties of their obligations under international law to hold perpetrators to account.

    At the same time, humanitarian workers face unprecedent obstacles. We urge all parties to allow full and unhindered humanitarian access.

    The UK calls on all parties to the conflict to immediately respect the ceasefire, return to the negotiating table and implement their commitments under the Doha Framework and Washington Accords.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New legislation to keep brothers and sisters connected in care [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New legislation to keep brothers and sisters connected in care [March 2026]

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

    Right to maintain contact with siblings to be strengthened in law for children in care via amendment to Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

    Children in care will be better supported to build and maintain relationships with their brothers and sisters under new measures brought forward in law by the government, making life better for vulnerable children and ensuring they have the opportunity to get on in life.

    All local authorities in England and Wales will be required to promote and facilitate contact for children in care who are separated from their siblings. This change puts sibling contact on an equal footing with parental contact —recognising the vital role these relationships play in providing stability, continuity and emotional support.

    Currently, sibling relationships are not prioritised as much as parent relationships for children in care by local authorities. Many care-experienced people have talked about the difficulties of losing contact with siblings as a result of being placed in care, and the long term impact this can have.

    The new legislation will ensure that local authorities will do all they can to provide sibling contact, even if, for instance, they are living a long way away from each other. This includes half and step siblings.

    It will apply unless it is not in children’s best interests, such as in cases of violence or abuse or where social workers have other concerns about wellbeing.

    Children’s Minister Josh MacAlister said:

    It’s a travesty that children in care can end up losing contact with their brothers and sisters when they go into care, and we want that contact to be maintained wherever possible for the sake of their emotional stability and their futures.

    Every child’s circumstances are different, but this amendment is aimed at making life better for more vulnerable children and giving them the best possible start in life.

    Chris Hoyle, who was in the care system as a child, said:

    After being initially separated, being reunited with my brother in the same foster placement changed my life. My brother is the longest relationship I have ever had, by some distance. How do you define the value of that? How do you put a price on still being in contact with the person who loved you first? I can’t. 

    Jonny is a rock in my life. A 6’2 rock who supports the wrong football team. He keeps me grounded in my identity and provides a safety net that has lasted a lifetime.

    The Department for Education once called us ‘The Hoyle Brothers’. We are a package deal thanks to the bravery of senior staff who decided that sharing a bedroom was not worth losing something that cannot be bought.

    Wherever it is safe and possible, the relationships of siblings in care should be a priority. Those relationships can last a lifetime and are priceless.

    Parice, who has experienced the care system, said:

    Sibling relationships are often built on a strong foundation of support, offering both emotional reassurance and practical help throughout life.

    For those who have experienced the foster care system, these bonds can be especially significant, providing a vital sense of belonging in times of uncertainty. Shared history and memories create a unique connection, alongside similarities that can feel unlike any other relationship.

    The amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill was welcomed in the House of Lords on Wednesday 25 March, following continued discussions with stakeholders and parliamentarians. Final confirmation is expected following further debate in the House of Commons after Easter.

    This change forms part of the government’s wider work to reform children’s social care and ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a stable, loving environment.

    This includes work to reduce care placements far from home, and allocating £10.8 million for an expansion of Regional Care Co-operatives to enable better placement planning for children in care.

    The DfE is also supporting more siblings in care to stay together with ambitious plans to create 10,000 more foster care places, backed by a total investment of £88m, including £25m to expand existing foster carers’ homes so they can foster more children, including sibling groups. 

    This is on top of £2.4 billion of investment in the Families First Partnership Programme to help keep families together through early intervention, a pilot for financial support for kinship carers, and reforms to support for adoptive families.

    Cathy Ashley, Chief Executive of Family Rights Group, said:

    Growing up alongside brothers or sisters is a fundamental part of childhood that so many of us take for granted. Yet, for too long, our care system has overseen a quiet injustice that the wider public rarely sees: breaking the links between siblings, often when they need one another the most. 

    By tabling this amendment, the Government is finally righting this historic wrong. When we provide young people with the right scaffolding, we set them up for a lifetime of success, and sibling bonds are the very foundation of that support. This is a victory for care-experienced young people to ensure our system actively protects the relationships that matter most.

    Anela Anwar, Chief Executive of Become, said:

    We’re delighted the government has agreed to change the law to better protect relationships between children in care and their siblings.

    Too often, children are separated from their brothers and sisters, with little done to maintain those relationships. This change will strengthen duties on local authorities to keep siblings connected and better protect these vital bonds.

    The amendment is part of the government’s landmark Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill which is the most transformative piece of child protection legislation in a generation and will put children at the centre of education and social care.

    The government will continue working with the sector to support implementation, share best practice, and ensure children across the country benefit from stronger, more stable care arrangements.