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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Great British Energy to cut energy bills for community facilities [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Great British Energy to cut energy bills for community facilities [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 17 July 2025.

    Great British Energy to cut energy bills for local community libraries, fire stations, care homes and community centres.

    • Libraries, fire stations and care homes in local communities will benefit from cheaper energy bills through Great British Energy community funding as part of Plan for Change
    • Mayoral authorities to receive a share of £10 million for publicly-owned clean energy projects
    • Complements Great British Energy’s drive to cut bills for around 200 schools and 200 hospitals, which is already seeing savings

    Libraries, fire stations and care homes in local communities will benefit from cheaper energy bills as Great British Energy delivers on the government’s clean energy superpower mission to make working people and their communities better off.

    Great British Energy, the government’s publicly-owned clean energy company, has awarded mayoral authorities a share of £10 million in grant funding to roll out clean energy projects at the centre of communities – including rooftop solar on Merseyside care homes and on leisure centres and libraries in Yorkshire.

    These grants will mean that the community services and institutions that working people use will be able to save on their electricity bills and spend more money on the frontline services that strengthen local communities and boost local economic growth.

    It is estimated that these schemes could produce a total of around £35 million of lifetime savings on energy bills, while improving energy security and creating good jobs.

    As well as solar panels on public buildings, the grants will pay to install batteries for community buildings in areas including Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, so they can store renewable energy and use it later. The grants will also fund EV chargers in Greater Manchester, to make it easier for drivers to benefit from cheaper to power electric vehicles.

    Great British Energy is already cutting energy bills for public services, with solar panels already installed on 11 schools as part of plans to roll out the panels on around 200 schools and 200 hospitals in England.

    The government’s clean energy superpower mission will protect billpayers, create jobs and bring greater energy security through delivering clean power by 2030. Great British Energy will accelerate this by developing, investing and building clean energy projects across the UK.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

    Your local sports hall, library and community centre could have their energy bills cut by Great British Energy, the government’s publicly-owned clean energy company.

    Our plans will mean more money can be spent on the services that make working people better off and help strengthen the ties that bind us in our communities.

    This is what Great British Energy is all about – taking back control to deliver lower bills for good.

    Great British Energy CEO Dan McGrail said:

    Today’s support for new clean power projects in every region in England shows our mission in action – providing a lasting positive impact for the country by creating new jobs, lower bills, and a cleaner future.

    It’s important that communities feel the benefits of the energy transition and that we demonstrate the very real rewards it can bring.

    Earlier this year, all Mayoral Strategic Authorities were invited to submit expressions of interest for funding renewable energy projects that can be delivered in the 2025/2026 financial year.

    Liverpool City Region Combined Authority will use the money to support a rooftop solar project to support care homes and leisure centres, cutting  around £4.6 million on lifetime energy bills, while Greater Manchester will also roll out rooftop solar on libraries, fire stations, police stations and sports centres, leading to estimated savings of over £2.1million on lifetime bills. Projects in York and North Yorkshire are estimated to bring around £4 million in lifetime bill savings, they include solar panels to help power an Edwardian swimming pool in York and leisure centres in Whitby, Ripon and Thirsk.

    It follows the government’s announcement in March to award £180 million of funding for schools and hospitals to install rooftop solar, marking the first major project for Great British Energy – a company owned by the British people, for the British people. This could see millions invested back into frontline services, targeting deprived areas, with lifetime bill savings for schools and the NHS sites of up to £400 million over the next 30 years.

    Notes to editors

    Successful Mayoral schemes:

    The figures below were estimated by DESNZ in collaboration with MSAs, based on a combination of project-level data and DESNZ standard assumptions. It should be noted these are initial estimates that will be refined as projects become operational and actual data is collected.

    MSA Technology Project Type Grant Funding Requested (£) Total expected project cost (£) Estimated Net Yearly Average Energy Bill Savings  (£ undiscounted, 2025 prices) Estimated Net Lifetime Energy Bill Savings  (£ undiscounted, 2025 prices)
    Greater Lincolnshire Solar Leisure centres and fire stations £607,845 £627,845 TBC TBC
    South Yorkshire Solar Schools, outdoor covered market and library £572,025 £615,397 £51,938 £1,558,131
    Greater London Authority Solar Schools £607,838 £674,220 £30,376 £911,280
    Hull and East Yorkshire Solar Service buildings and car parks £700,000 £1,842,879 £89,822 £2,694,647
    Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Solar Police headquarters, car park and border canopies £700,000 £774,226 £51,630 £1,548,886
    Greater Manchester Solar, Battery and EV Libraries, fire stations, police stations and sports centres £695,900 £1,301,800 £71,846 £2,155,384
    North-East Solar Schools £700,000 £749,946 £46,060 £1,381,806
    York and North Yorkshire Solar Leisure centres, libraries, schools, transport sites £700,000 £1,219,948 £134,898 £4,046,936
    West Yorkshire Solar and Battery Police stations, Arrium plant nursery, primary school, sports centres and Lotherton Hall Estate £700,000 £1,154,838 £275,669 £8,270,082
    Tees Valley Combined Authority Solar Solar on roof of depot and public buildings £444,738 £444,738 £34,664 £1,039,911
    Liverpool City Region Solar Leisure centres and care homes £700,000 £760,319 £152,402 £4,572,054
    East Midlands Solar Former colliery £700,000 £1,900,000 £113,340 £3,400,200
    West Midlands Solar Schools £700,000 £820,000 £58,474 £1,754,207
    West of England Solar Schools £700,000 £1,657,522 £54,123 £1,623,697
    Total £9,228,346 £14,543,678
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK-Germany landmark agreement to help smash smuggling gangs and boost defence exports [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK-Germany landmark agreement to help smash smuggling gangs and boost defence exports [July 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 16 July 2025.

    Brits and Germans alike will benefit from a closer partnership on the issues that matter most to them, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to host Chancellor Friedrich Merz for a comprehensive visit to London.

    • Prime Minister Keir Starmer will welcome Chancellor Merz to London today for his first official visit to the UK as Chancellor
    • The leaders will sign a new Treaty to strengthen their partnership and deliver benefits for UK and German citizens
    • PM set to welcome German commitment to criminalise facilitating illegal migration to the UK this year, as leaders agree to boost joint defence exports

    Brits and Germans alike will benefit from a closer partnership on the issues that matter most to them, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to host Chancellor Friedrich Merz for a comprehensive visit to London today (Thursday 17 July) to revamp the UK-Germany friendship and sign a first of its kind Bilateral Friendship and Cooperation Treaty.

    Alongside the Treaty, Germany is expected to make a landmark commitment to make it illegal in Germany to facilitate illegal migration to the UK with the law change to be adopted by the end of the year.

    The change will give law enforcement the tools they need to investigate and take action against warehouses and storage facilities used by migrant smugglers to conceal dangerous small boats intended for illegal crossings to the UK. This will bolster efforts to prosecute those involved in smuggling and support the dismantling of the criminal networks driving unacceptable and unlawful journeys through Europe.

    This significant and long-awaited step is further evidence that the Prime Minister’s approach to working more closely with our European partners is bearing fruit, and demonstrates progress on delivering the Joint Action Plan on Irregular Migration agreed with Germany last year. Through increased cooperation between UK and German law enforcement bodies we are expanding efforts to tackle people smuggling and bring criminal networks to justice. In the last 18 months the NCA has worked with partners across Europe to seize more than 600 boats and engines, with this change expected to drive that number up further.

    It will also complement bolstered UK efforts to smash the criminal gangs responsible for dangerous, illegal journeys to the UK via small boats, through the game-changing pilot returns agreement reached with France last week, and the continued work upstream of the Border Security Command to disrupt and deter criminal smuggling networks.

    The new Treaty will detail closer collaboration on issues ranging from migration and security to business, commercial and infrastructure links. This joint commitment to pursue a range of ambitious projects demonstrates how closer partnerships with our trusted allies will help deliver the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    “The progress we are making today is further proof that by investing in our relationships with likeminded friends and partners, we can deliver real change for working people.

    “The Treaty we will sign today, the first of its kind, will bring the UK and Germany closer than ever. It not only marks the progress we have already made and the history we share. It is the foundation on which we go further to tackle shared problems and invest in shared strengths.

    “Chancellor Merz’s commitment to make necessary changes to German law to disrupt the supply lines of the dangerous vessels which carry illegal migrants across the Channel is hugely welcome. As the closest of allies, we will continue to work closely together to deliver on the priorities that Brits and Germans share.”

    Deepening our security and defence cooperation is also high on the agenda, with the leaders set to discuss their strong shared support for Ukraine.

    Building on the landmark Trinity House Agreement on Defence signed in October, the leaders will unveil a new agreement to boost world-class UK defence exports such as Boxer armoured vehicles and Typhoon jets, with the two countries set to pursue joint export campaigns for jointly produced equipment. The agreement is likely to lead to billions of pounds additional defence exports in the coming years – excellent news for the UK economy and thousands of highly skilled defence industrial workers.

    The leaders are also set to make a new commitment to deliver their new Deep Precision Strike capability in the next decade. The rapid development of this capability will safeguard the British public and reinforce NATO deterrence, while boosting the UK and European defence sectors through significant industrial investment. The new capability is set to have a range of over 2,000 km, and will be among the most advanced systems ever designed by the UK.

    The Treaty also includes the establishment of a new UK-Germany Business Forum in order to improve business and investment relationship between the UK and Germany, with trade between the two countries already accounting for 8.5% of all UK trade and supporting almost 500,000 jobs. This is further illustrated by a series of commercial investment announced today worth more than £200 million and creating more than 600 new jobs.

    One such example is German defence tech company, STARK, which has announced a landmark investment in the UK, marking its first production expansion outside of Germany. The move will create over 100 highly skilled jobs in the UK within the first year, including through STARK’s new 40,000 square feet facility in Swindon.

    Mike Armstrong, Managing Director of STARK UK, said:

    “The UK and Germany are world-leaders in new technology that will define the battlefields of the future. We need rapid and scalable production to protect our people, defend our sovereignty and deter aggression. That means resilient supply chains stretching across Europe.

    “That is why STARK has chosen the UK as our first production location outside of Germany – taking advantage of the vast technological, industrial and defence expertise that exists here to create AI-powered, unmanned systems to defend Europe and NATO.”

    Other announcements from German companies in the UK today include:

    • Conversational AI firm Cognigy plans to invest £50 million in the UK, expanding its team from 13 to 150.
    • AI ESG platform osapiens plans to invest £30 million in the UK, creating 150 high-skilled jobs.
    • Siemens Energy is creating 200 new jobs as well as 100 new apprentices and graduates starting this autumn.
    • Venture Capital fund, HV Capital, has the ambition to deploy around £150 million in the UK as part of their next fund generation.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Landmark package to pursue domestic abuse perpetrators [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Landmark package to pursue domestic abuse perpetrators [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 16 July 2025.

    Victims of domestic abuse to be protected under a £53 million drive to target most dangerous offenders.

    Thousands more women and children will be better protected from domestic abuse through the direct targeting of perpetrators, the Home Secretary has announced today.

    Backed by a £53 million investment over the next 4 years, domestic abuse perpetrators who pose the highest risk will be forced to change their behaviour and stop their offending as more police and agencies roll out tactics shown to reduce abuse.

    It will form a central part of the government’s Plan for Change and pledge to tackle the epidemic of domestic abuse, which sees the police record a domestic abuse-related crime every 30 seconds.

    The Drive Project has been piloted since 2016 to address the root causes of abuse through intensive one-to-one case management for up to 12 months. This includes using protection orders to keep offenders away from victims, alongside work to address drug misuse and alcohol dependency. A dedicated independent domestic violence advisor (IDVA) supports the victim in parallel, ensuring their safety and needs are prioritised at every stage.

    The results have seen percentages of perpetrators using physical abuse cut by 82%, sexual abuse by 88%, stalking behaviours by 75% and jealous and controlling behaviours by 73%.

    The multi-million pound investment will see up to 15 new areas going live by March 2026, with full roll-out across England and Wales to follow.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    The roll out of these new programmes means the relentless pursuit of perpetrators who pose a risk to women and girls whether they operate at home or on the streets – and intervening early to prevent further harm.

    Through our mission to make our streets safer, we will take every opportunity to challenge and change dangerous behaviours, intensively monitor and manage perpetrators who pose a risk, and give victims the support they need to take back their lives.

    The Drive Partnership, a consortium of 3 organisations – Respect, SafeLives, and Social Finance – is working to end domestic abuse and protect victim-survivors. The Drive Project is their flagship intervention working with those causing harm in their relationships to prevent abusive behaviour.

    Rolling out The Drive Project demonstrates that the government is committed to doing things differently, working closely with civil society and bringing experts into policy development to improve the lives of working people. Today’s announcement comes ahead of the Civil Society Summit being held on Thursday 17 July, where the Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips will join a violence against women and girls panel with Beyond Equality, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner and Minister Davies-Jones.

    Alongside tackling domestic abuse, the government is also funding 3 police forces to step up efforts to prevent predatory behaviour in public spaces and night time economy venues through Project Vigilant.

    Currently being trialled by Thames Valley Police, alongside several other forces across the country, specially trained plain-clothed officers are patrolling nightlife hotspots to hunt down predatory behaviour, with uniformed officers then stepping in to keep the public safe.

    A further £230,000 will enable specialist deployments in 3 police forces, support the trial of new tools – including sniffer dogs trained to detect drugs commonly used in spiking – and help to gather evidence on how the approach works in different settings.

    Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Jess Phillips said:

    Through bold initiatives like the Drive Project and Project Vigilant, we’re going after perpetrators wherever they pose a threat. We are shifting the focus onto those who cause harm, challenging dangerous behaviours and making it clear that the responsibility for ending abuse lies with perpetrators, not those who suffer from it.

    Through our mission to make our streets safer, every penny we invest in holding perpetrators to account is a step towards a better and safer future for every victim.

    The Drive Project will be delivered in partnership with police and crime commissioners, police forces, domestic abuse services and the Drive Partnership, and supported by national training and resources.

    Case managers work closely with high-risk perpetrators for up to 12 months, building their capacity to manage emotions and relationships differently, removing opportunities for abuse through close monitoring and disruption tactics and ensuring dedicated support for victims.

    Interventions are tailored to each perpetrator’s risk level and pattern of abuse and can include:

    • disruption tactics such as police intervention and the use of protection orders
    • engagement with social services to safeguard families and children
    • alternative accommodation to prevent perpetrators from returning to victims’ homes
    • addressing drug and alcohol dependencies that can fuel abusive behaviour
    • behaviour change to address patterns of control and violence
    • monitoring and accountability to prevent reoffending
    • dedicated support for victims to help them rebuild their lives and move on

    Kyla Kirkpatrick, Director, The Drive Partnership, said

    We welcome this investment from the Home Office into the expansion of the Drive Project across England and Wales because victim-survivors tell us that as well as more support for themselves, they want and need better responses to the people causing harm in their lives. They need them to be seen, held to account and stopped. The Drive Project does that and with 10 years of delivery, development and evaluation behind us know that it works.

    This work can only happen if the focus is absolutely on the safety and wellbeing of the victim-survivors. This investment will see the vast majority of funding flow directly to local domestic abuse perpetrator services and victim-survivor support services, and we will be working in partnership with local services to ensure that the Drive Project is tailored to meet the needs of local communities. We look forward to the forthcoming VAWG strategy to support victim-survivor services with much-needed investment and cross-departmental commitment.

    Detective Superintendent Jon Capps, Head of Rape and Sexual Offences and Project Vigilant at Thames Valley Police, said:

    We welcome funding which supports vital proactive initiatives to disrupt those who behave in a predatory manner and offend against women and girls.

    Our Project Vigilant officers are specially trained to spot predatory behaviour, intervening and preventing it escalating into an offence.

    This year we have conducted 50 Vigilant deployments across the Thames Valley, all of which highlight our commitment to keep people safe, specifically in the night time economy and increasingly with large public events.

    Our aim is to take a suspect-focused approach, creating safer public spaces and building trust and confidence in our policing response.

    Michael Kill, CEO, Night Time Industries Association:

    We welcome today’s announcement and fully support the government’s £53 million package to target the most dangerous domestic abuse perpetrators. A perpetrator-focused approach is essential – accountability must lie with those who commit these crimes, not the women who endure them.

    We understand that predatory behaviour is a pervasive issue within society and must be addressed wherever it occurs – across communities, public spaces, and institutions. Over recent years, the industry has worked hard to drive awareness and put robust mitigations in place – through staff training, use of CCTV, awareness campaigns and strengthened partnerships with key stakeholders and policing.

    Today’s announcement – particularly the expansion of the Drive Project and Project Vigilant, as well as the introduction of specially-trained officers to address predatory behaviour – is a vital step toward tackling the root causes of abuse. It will provide greater protection for women and support operators in disrupting harmful behaviours early.

    The NTIA is committed to supporting the government’s Plan for Change and its goal to halve violence against women within a decade. We will continue working closely with government, policing, and local authorities to embed a perpetrator-focused culture of safety and accountability throughout the night time economy.

    This investment comes after the government announced a boost of nearly £20 million in support for victims of abuse, including £6 million for helplines which can offer life-saving support.

    A relentless pursuit of perpetrators will form a central part of the government’s upcoming strategy on violence against women and girls, shifting the burden of safety away from victims and onto the perpetrators responsible for these devastating crimes. The strategy will also set out action to transform the system’s response to VAWG, including on prevention, early intervention, enforcement and victim support.

  • PRESS RELEASE : PM set to reshape how Government works with communities to tackle Britain’s biggest challenges [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : PM set to reshape how Government works with communities to tackle Britain’s biggest challenges [July 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 16 July 2025.

    The Prime Minister will launch the Civil Society Covenant – a new way of working that puts people at the heart of government.

    • Charities, faith groups, social enterprises and impact investors recognised as essential partners in tackling the country’s biggest challenges and deliver on the Plan for Change
    • Ministers and community leaders gather at a national summit to show how collaboration is already delivering – and will go further.

    The Prime Minister will join community leaders, campaigners, and charities from across the UK to launch the Civil Society Covenant – a new approach that listens, learns and delivers alongside those on the frontline.

    In his keynote speech, the Prime Minister will reflect on a promise made 18 months ago in opposition: to work in genuine partnership with civil society in the national interest. Since taking office, that promise has become reality – resetting the relationship between government and the people working every day to make their communities stronger.

    At its core, the Covenant is about delivering real change for working people – strengthening public services, creating safe communities, and providing new opportunities for communities to thrive. It gives civil society a home at the heart of government and recognises that national renewal can’t be delivered from Westminster alone.

    The summit brings together leaders from charities, faith organisations, philanthropists, social investors and grassroots groups to focus on the UK’s most urgent issues – from healthcare access to tackling violence against women and girls. These are challenges that disproportionately affect working families, and the Covenant ensures their voices are heard and their needs are met.

    It will show how civil society leadership, backed by government support, is already delivering results. As seen by:

    • Tackling domestic abuse: The Drive Project, a third-sector initiative, has seen percentages of perpetrators using physical abuse cut by 82%. The government is investing £53 million to expand the programme across England and Wales, working to tackle the behaviour of perpetrators and protect victims.
    • Supporting vulnerable children and families: Newly launched £500 million Better Futures Fund will support up to 200,000 children and families through early intervention. This is being matched by local and philanthropic investment.
    • Transparent immigration: Over 10 million people have transitioned to a digital immigration status, supported by 72 local organisations helping vulnerable communities. This system strengthens border security, reduces fraud, and ensures only those with the right to be here can access services.
    • Building the workforce we need: A new Labour Market Evidence Group is helping reduce reliance on overseas recruitment by boosting domestic skills and training.

    This is about rebalancing power and responsibility,” the Prime Minister will say.

    Not the top-down approach of the state working alone. Not the transactional approach of markets left to their own devices. But a new way forward – where government and civil society work side by side to deliver real change.

    The Civil Society Covenant has been shaped by over 1,200 organisations since it was first announced in October 2024. From national charities, trade unions and local campaigners, it sets out how government and communities will work together to deliver lasting change.

    Ahead of speaking at the Summit later today, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

    The Civil Society Covenant is about delivering real results for working people. It marks a shift from a government that kept civil society at arm’s length to one that actively partners with it, on equal footing.

    Our charities, volunteers, and social enterprises are embedded in the communities they serve and trusted by the people they support. That makes them the perfect partners for shaping the change we need.

    By working together, we’ll improve public services, make them more responsive and rooted in local needs, and ensure that every community benefits as part of our Plan for Change.

    The summit will spotlight how this partnership works in practice. Following the Prime Minister’s keynote, mission-led sessions will include:

    • Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding, and Alex Davies-Jones, Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, chairing a Safer Streets panel with campaigners.
    • Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary, outlining how civil society will support the Opportunity Mission.
    • Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, talking about how a mission-driven government can work in partnership with impact investors and philanthropists
    • They will be joined by civil society leaders delivering change across the country, in areas such as early years support, health and violence against women and girls.

    The Covenant will play a key role in delivering the government’s Plan for Change—supporting the opportunity mission by breaking down barriers for young people, helping to build an NHS fit for the future, and ensuring that no community is left behind.

    As part of the Summit, the government will also announce:

    • A new Joint Civil Society Covenant Council to drive delivery. The Joint Council will set direction and provide strategic oversight for implementation of the Covenant. It will have cross-sector membership comprising senior leaders from civil society and senior representatives from government departments to provide a key forum for driving progress in the reset of the relationship between government and civil society.
    • A Local Covenant Partnerships programme to support collaboration between civil society, councils and public services in communities that need it most.

    ENDS

    Additional quotes:

    Sarah Elliott & Jane Ide, CEO’s of National Council for Voluntary Organisations & Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations on behalf of the Civil Society Advisory Group said:

    The challenges our country face can only be tackled by working together. The launch of the Civil Society Covenant is a key step forward in building a more collaborative and sustainable relationship between civil society and the UK government, while recognising our sector’s independence. Real and lasting change requires a partnership that is equal, honest and fair, with an intention to put lived experience at the heart of policy decision making.

    The Civil Society Covenant sets out solid principles for how we work together. Now the test is putting them into practice, both nationally and locally. As organisations rooted in communities across the UK, we’ll hold ourselves and the government accountable, speaking up on behalf of the people and communities we represent and working together to ensure meaningful and lasting impact.

    Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations Chief Executive Anna Fowlie, said:

    SCVO welcomes the publication of the UK Government’s Civil Society Covenant, which recognises the independence of, and the vital role played by, voluntary organisations in our communities, society, and democracy.

    Today is a starting point. The words on the page must now be made real—and that requires sustained effort, open dialogue, and, crucially, a genuine commitment to a partnership of equals.

    We welcome the Covenant’s recognition of the different contexts in which the voluntary sector operates across the UK—and, importantly, its commitment to respect and complement these.

    Wales Council for Voluntary Action, Chief Executive Lindsay Cordery-Bruce said:

    We welcome the Civil Society Covenant as a first step towards building a stronger, more respectful relationship between civil society and UK Government.

    We’re pleased to have been part of shaping this new approach, and welcome its alignment with the strong partnership structures we already have in place in Wales. The real test will now be in its implementation.

    We look forward to working together to ensure the Covenant is embedded in day-to-day practice and delivers meaningful improvements in how government and the sector work in partnership across the UK.

    Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action, Celine McStravick said:

    We warmly welcome the launch of the Civil Society Covenant as an important step in recognising the vital role civil society plays across the UK. In a devolved context like Northern Ireland, where community voices are central to local progress and peacebuilding, this commitment to partnership is especially significant.

    We look forward to ensuring the Covenant is embedded alongside our own partnership structures in Northern Ireland, and supports communities here to thrive.

    Notes to editors:

    • More information will be available at the Civil Society Covenant Hub on GOV.UK.
    • The summit is supported by Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales and Pro Bono Economics. More information will be available at the Civil Society Covenant Hub on GOV.UK.
    • The Covenant is intended to complement and respect existing governance and partnership arrangements in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, working alongside the distinct frameworks in each nation. The UK government will continue to work in partnership with civil society organisations in all four parts of the UK.
  • PRESS RELEASE : With each day that passes, the suffering increases. We urge the parties to secure an immediate ceasefire – UK statement at the UN Security Council [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : With each day that passes, the suffering increases. We urge the parties to secure an immediate ceasefire – UK statement at the UN Security Council [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 July 2025.

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.

    The United Kingdom, together with Denmark, France, Greece and Slovenia, called for this meeting out of deep concern for the Israeli government’s inhumane approach to the crisis in Gaza.

    This week marks 650 days since the horrific Hamas attacks of October 7th.

    With each day that passes, the hostages suffer yet more agony, in appalling conditions and deprived from contact with their loved ones.

    And with each day that passes, the people of Gaza suffer death, desperation and displacement.

    This conflict has gone on for far too long.

    There is a deal to be done.

    We urge the parties to engage in the spirit of compromise to secure an immediate ceasefire, the release of the hostages and a pathway towards lasting peace.

    I will make three points.

    First, it is imperative that Israel lift its restrictions on aid entering Gaza.

    Without fuel, water systems and hospitals in Gaza are on the verge of collapse.

    Without medical supplies, treatable illnesses are costing lives.

    And without food, Palestinians are dying from malnutrition or forced desperately to scramble for supplies.

    The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has acknowledged that the UN has the unique capacity to meet the immense humanitarian need.

    So we call on Israel to allow the UN to save lives immediately and without obstruction.

    The United Kingdom welcomes the agreement between the EU and Israel, but we need to see words turned into action.

    Second, we strongly oppose the expansion of Israel’s military operations.

    We urge Israel immediately to implement and enforce robust measures to protect civilians.

    In the past four months, more than 1,000 children have been killed.

    Palestinians have also been fired upon by the IDF while desperately seeking food, with 800 people killed at aid sites.

    This is abhorrent.

    Third, the United Kingdom is appalled by the Israeli Defence Minister’s comments on forced displacement of Palestinians to Rafah.

    This would contravene the fundamental principles upon which the UN was founded.

    Palestinian territory must not be reduced, and civilians must be able to return home.

    President, the path forward lies in diplomacy and compromise to deliver lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

    We commend the leadership of France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in co-chairing the upcoming conference on a Two-State Solution, which offers us a crucial opportunity to advance this goal.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Environment Agency grants incinerator permit [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Environment Agency grants incinerator permit [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 16 July 2025.

    The Environment Agency has granted an environmental permit for Viridor Tees Valley Ltd to operate an energy from waste facility in Teesside.

    This follows a public consultation on the Agency’s ‘minded to’ decision, which took place during May.

    The decision is based on Viridor demonstrating that it has met and will continue to meet expected mandatory conditions as outlined in the permit.

    The operator wants to run the proposed Tees Valley Energy Recovery Facility (TVERF) at Grangetown, Redcar.

    The Environment Agency only issues permits if it’s satisfied the operator can comply with the permit conditions and has appropriate systems in place to operate the incinerator without causing harm to the environment, human health or wildlife.

    The proposed site also has planning permission.

    Permit will ensure ‘environmental protections are met’

    Ian Preston, Installations Team Leader at the Environment Agency, said:

    I want to reassure people that the permit will ensure that robust levels of environmental protection are met.

    Environmental law sets out these conditions, and as a regulator we are obliged to issue the permit if we can find no reason that the operator would not be able to comply.

    There is a decision document which explains in more detail how the Environment Agency reached this decision.

    It also outlines the concerns raised during the consultation and how the Environment Agency has addressed these.

    View the decision document and permit.

    For more information on the facility visit Tees Valley Energy Recovery Facility.

    Background:

    Environmental Permits

    • Environmental permits set out strict legal conditions by which an operator must comply in order to protect people and the environment. Should an environmental permit be issued, the Environment Agency has responsibility for enforcing its conditions.
    • Our powers include enforcement notices, suspension and revocation of permits, fines and ultimately criminal sanctions, including prosecution.
    • We may only refuse a permit if it does not meet one or more of the legal requirements under environmental legislation, including if it will have a significant impact on the environment or harm human health. If all the requirements are met, we are legally required to issue a permit.

    Tees Valley Energy Recovery Facility (TVERF)

    • Viridor must comply with the environmental permit if it begins operating and Environment Agency staff will regulate the site to ensure it does.
    • The site also has planning permission.
    • The project partners for the proposed site have been engaged in a tender process to find an experienced operator to design, build, finance and operate the Tees Valley Energy Recovery Facility (TVERF).
    • The outcome of this procurement process is due to conclude this year.
    • This will be followed by construction, testing and commissioning, which is anticipated to take approximately four years. The facility is therefore expected to commence commercial operations in late 2029.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Patient safety boost as PA review recommendations accepted [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Patient safety boost as PA review recommendations accepted [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 16 July 2025.

    The review looked into the safety of the roles of physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs) and how they support wider health teams.

    Patient safety will be strengthened across the country, as the government accepts all the recommendations of an independent review into physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs).

    The review chaired by Professor Gillian Leng CBE – an experienced leader in the UK healthcare system – has made 18 recommendations aimed at providing clarity to patients and improving patient safety.

    Launched in November 2024, it looked into the safety of the roles of PAs and AAs and how they support wider health teams.

    Professor Leng sought evidence from a range of voices including patients, staff groups, employers within the NHS, professional bodies and academics. The review’s recommendations cover recruitment and training, supervision and professional regulation.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    Patients should always know who they are being treated by and should always receive appropriate care.

    Legitimate concerns about patient safety have been ignored for too long – that’s why I sought out the very best clinical advice to review physician associates and anaesthesia associates’ roles in the NHS.

    I want to thank Gillian Leng, one of the UK’s most experienced healthcare leaders, for her comprehensive, thorough report.

    We’re accepting all of the recommendations of the Leng review, which will provide clarity for the public and make sure we’ve got the right staff, in the right place, doing the right thing. Patients can be confident that those who treat them are qualified to do so.

    Physician assistants, as they will now be known, will continue to play an important role in the NHS. They should assist doctors, but they should never be used to replace doctors.

    Our Plan for Change will build on its findings and we will work to implement these findings in the interests of staff and patients alike.

    Dr Claire Fuller, Co-National Medical Director (Primary Care) at NHS England, said:

    We welcome the publication of this review and the clarity it provides on how these vital and valued roles can best support high-quality care for patients as part of multidisciplinary teams.

    Following legitimate concerns raised, it is right this review has gathered expert insight and evidence from across the health service and internationally and we will now work with the service and government to fully consider and implement its recommendations.

    Professor Gillian Leng said:

    I’m pleased the government is implementing the recommendations in full.

    My review provides the opportunity of a reset, but this must be the start of the conversation, not the end.

    Now it’s time to focus on delivery: bringing clarity for patients, complementarity between doctors and assistant roles, collaboration across teams, focused on ensuring safe and effective high-quality care.

    The Health and Social Care Secretary today confirmed he would accept all the recommendations and begin work to bring them in as quickly as possible, directing NHS England to write to systems leaders setting out the immediate actions for them to take.

    Resident doctors have raised concerns about the safety and lack of clarity for PA and AA roles – and the government is listening to them.

    Implementing the review’s recommendations will provide clarity for the public and – crucially – improve patient safety and quality of care. PAs and AAs still have a vital role to play in wider teams and caring for patients, with many hard-working PAs and AAs making a vital contribution across the healthcare system. These recommendations will provide certainty and options for their career development.

    At the same time, clear guidance will be offered to other healthcare professionals and patients about the contributions and limits of these roles.

    PAs will in future be identified as physician assistants and AAs will be renamed as physician assistants in anaesthesia, reflecting their role as supportive members of medical teams. They will also not be able to treat undiagnosed patients, except within clearly defined cases.

    Permanent faculties will be established to provide professional leadership and set standards for physician assistants and physician assistants in anaesthesia. They will also form part of a clear team structure – led by a senior clinician – where everyone is aware of their roles, responsibilities and accountability.

    Doctors will receive training in line management and leadership, ensuring they can properly fulfil their supervisory roles.

    Collaboration will be vital in the face of increasing NHS demand and the recommendations should serve as a reset – encouraging greater teamwork across healthcare teams. These reforms all form part of the Plan for Change’s mission to build an NHS fit for the future, and one which works for patients and staff.

    Lessons learned from the review will feed into the government’s upcoming workforce plan, ensuring the NHS has the right staff in the right place at the right time.

    The 10 Year Health Plan will also ensure that new and expanded roles are rolled out in a way which ensures that public, patient and professional confidence is maintained.

  • PRESS RELEASE : United Kingdom reaffirms commitment to protect Guatemalan forests [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : United Kingdom reaffirms commitment to protect Guatemalan forests [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 July 2025.

    The British Ambassador, Juliana Correa, met with the Manager of the National Forest Institute (INAB), Bruno Enrique Arias Rivas, to strengthen bilateral collaboration in the protection of biodiversity and sustainable forest management.

    The meeting allowed for the exchange of priorities and exploration of new opportunities for technical and institutional cooperation, including within the framework of the UK’s environmental flagship project in Guatemala, the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund (BLF).

    Among the topics discussed were INAB’s support for the BLF and other UK-funded projects, such as the Darwin projects, as well as the Aim4Forests programme, which seeks to strengthen forest monitoring through innovative technologies and sustainable solutions.

    Progress was discussed in key areas such as Paso Caballos, in Laguna del Tigre National Park, and the Trifinio region, where forests conservation and ecosystem restoration are promoted.

    The meeting reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to protecting biodiversity in Guatemala and promoting joint solutions to climate change, deforestation, and forest degradation.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government tackles postcode lottery of school technology [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government tackles postcode lottery of school technology [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 16 July 2025.

    Every school to have reliable, safe tech in classrooms as government rolls out plans for the future of digital standards to ensure no child is left behind.

    Pupils and staff across the country will have access to reliable, safe technology in their classroom as the government announces plans to help narrow the digital divide in schools – making outdated systems and patchy connectivity a thing of the past.

    Across the country there are stark inequalities where some pupils suffer from basic digital access whilst others benefit from cutting-edge technology, including AI – creating unfair barriers to learning and future opportunities.

    Following consultation with schools, the government is today (16 July) setting out expectations for schools and colleges to meet six digital standards by 2030, helping to end the postcode lottery in access to tech that has left too many pupils behind, by preventing teachers from delivering modern lessons and stopping pupils developing digital skills essential for modern careers.

    The six standards cover broadband internet, wireless networks, network switches, digital leadership, plus two safety requirements: cyber security and filtering and monitoring to keep pupils safe online.

    Online safety is at the heart of the government’s plans, with the cyber security and filtering and monitoring standards designed so that as digital access improves, school IT systems are protected from cyber security threats and the risk of online threats – ensuring technology enhances children’s education.

    To support schools, the government will expand its Plan technology for your school service to give every school tailored support and guidance on how and where to make lasting, cost effective improvements to their technology.

    This comes alongside a £45 million investment from government this year to boost school infrastructure, including upgrades to fibre and wireless networks – helping get classrooms online and boosting standards where it is most needed.

    Minister for Early Education, Stephen Morgan, said:

    Every child deserves access to the digital tools that will prepare them for the modern world, regardless of which school they attend. For too long, we’ve seen a postcode lottery where some pupils thrive with cutting-edge technology whilst others are held back by outdated equipment.

    Meeting our six digital standards will ensure that by 2030, all schools have the digital provision they need. We’re investing in our children’s futures, supporting pupils to get the digital access they need to succeed whilst keeping them safe online.

    This is a key part of our Plan for Change – ensuring every child has the chance to reach their full potential and no pupil is left behind in the digital age.

    The Plan technology for your school service helps schools understand their bespoke technology needs, create digital strategies fit for the future and save money with guidance to enable them to strike the best deal possible with suppliers.

    Jisc will also continue to support colleges with expert advice on the use of technology and access to Janet, the UK’s National Research and Education Network.

    Evidence is clear that access to technology can boost a student’s attainment and meeting the standards will ensure every school has the digital infrastructure to deliver the technological support for staff and pupils for years to come.

    The work forms part of the Government’s wider plan to break down barriers to opportunity, as too many pupils currently miss out on digital skills that are essential for modern careers, creating lasting disadvantage and impacting their future. The Connect the Classroom programme has so far improved connectivity for more than 1.3 million pupils in 3,700 schools.

    By ensuring schools have reliable, safe technology, the Government is giving pupils – regardless of their school’s location or resources – the digital foundation they need to succeed in education and beyond.

    Schools will work towards meeting the standards by 2030, with government support to ensure no pupil is left behind in the digital age.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Scottish defence dividend £250m investment launched [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Scottish defence dividend £250m investment launched [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 16 July 2025.

    Scottish Secretary and Minister for Defence Procurement & Industry visit HMNB Clyde to launch the multi-decade, multi-billion pound Clyde 2070 programme.

    The UK’s security and economic growth in Scotland are top of the agenda as the Scotland Office and Ministry of Defence meet today with naval base chiefs and local authority leaders to discuss maximising the benefits from future-proofing HMNB Clyde.

    Home to the Royal Navy Submarine Service and the UK’s nuclear deterrent, the base is Scotland’s largest military establishment and second biggest employment site with over 6,500 military and civilian personnel.

    The Ministers will meet navy chiefs and tour key facilities and receive briefing on how the £250 million will support upgrades to infrastructure and the working environment, ensuring the site is ready to accommodate next-generation nuclear submarines including the Dreadnought-class (which will carry the nuclear deterrent) and SSN-AUKUS (the Royal Navy’s future attack class that will replace the Astute-class fleet).

    The Ministers, navy chiefs and base staff will then meet with council leaders and local MPs from areas surrounding the Clyde to discuss how Clyde 2070’s defence dividend can be maximised by local communities for years to come. They will explore opportunities for effective coordination between government, local authorities and the defence sector, focusing on infrastructure development, skills training, regional economic opportunities and local job creation.

    Approximately 26,100 skilled jobs – including shipbuilding – across Scotland are already supported by the Ministry of Defence’s annual multi-billion pound spend and the UK Government’s Brand Scotland campaign is working to build on that success and help the sector export its world-class technology internationally.

    Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said:

    This defence dividend for Scotland will help ensure Britain’s security, deter our adversaries and drive economic growth in the area for years to come as part of our Plan for Change.

    With Faslane home to the nation’s first and final line of defence – the UK’s nuclear deterrent, it’s only right that Clyde 2070 represents one of the most significant UK Government investments over the coming decades. It will ensure the Royal Navy can deliver the Continuous At Sea Deterrent from a modern, efficient base which will result in a better environment for our hero submariners to live, work and train in.

    Crucially it will also create skilled jobs – including for small and medium size firms – boost the economy and help tackle the critical skills gaps facing the country in sectors such as nuclear, construction, maritime and project management, by bringing together government, Scottish communities, industry, supply chains and academia to address the challenges. The Defence Nuclear Enterprise already supports a supply chain of over 3,000 businesses across the UK, benefiting regions like the West of Scotland, and I urge the Scottish Government to work with us on maximising these clear benefits.

    Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) is a partnership of organisations that operate, maintain, renew and sustain the UK’s nuclear deterrent as part of a national endeavour which supports more than 48,000 jobs across the country – set to rise to 65,000 in the next decade.

    Minister for Defence Procurement & Industry Maria Eagle said:

    Our nuclear deterrent is the bedrock of the UK’s defence and the cornerstone of our commitment to NATO and global security and Scotland plays a crucial role in that. We are today re-affirming that unshakeable commitment by launching this multi-billion-pound investment to His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde, which is vital to our deterrence capability.

    The initial £250 million of funding over 3 years will support jobs, skills and growth across the West of Scotland. This Government will keep the UK safe for generations to come while delivering on the Plan for Change and making defence an engine for growth.

    Leader of Argyll and Bute Council Jim Lynch said:

    Close coordination with local councils and particularly Argyll and Bute is vital to maximise the potential economic benefits and to manage local infrastructure and skills issues as HMNB Clyde develops. I welcome the opportunity to discuss these issues with the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister for Defence Procurement & Industry.

    The vital role of HMNB Clyde in the UK’s national security strategy was underscored in the recent Strategic Defence Review – launched by the Prime Minister at BAE Systems Govan shipyard in Scotland – with a commitment to construct up to 12 new nuclear-powered attack subs, building on the £15 billion investment set out for the UK’s sovereign nuclear warhead programme.

    It follows the UK Government’s historic uplift in defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027, and the ambition to hit 3% in the next parliament, when economic and fiscal conditions allow. The Chancellor’s Spring Statement pledged a new era of security and national renewal, including a £2.2 billion increase in the UK-wide defence budget for 2025-26, on top of £2.9 billion announced at Autumn Budget.

    This investment reflects the government’s commitment to national defence while bringing economic, skills, and employment benefits to Scotland.

    For over 50 years the site has operated and maintained the deterrent fleet – first with the Resolution Class of submarines and then the current Vanguard Class boats. During that time there has always been at least one nuclear-armed deterrent submarine on patrol at sea, providing the ultimate guarantee of our safety and security and of our NATO Allies.

    As a multi-generational effort, the renewal of the nuclear deterrent requires long-term direction so that the MoD and industry can manage risk and improve performance and value for money over time and £250m has been allocated immediately for the next three years. This investment will be focussed on three main areas:

    · Early site enabling activity and master planning.

    · Development and approval for the first major programmes.

    · Working with industry to design an organisation and structure capable of delivering transformation at scale and pace for decades to come.

    The programme includes the need to meet defence net-zero targets and long-term climate change mitigation.

    Last week recommendations were unveiled by the Defence and Economic Growth Taskforce to build upon the 272,000 UK industry jobs (11,800 in Scotland) directly and indirectly supported by government investment in the defence sector. When combining jobs supported in industry with MoD civilians and UK Regular Armed Forces personnel based in the UK, the figure is 463,000 (26,100 in Scotland).

    The UK Government has already begun work on three of the report’s recommendations:

    ·  Establishing a defence SME Hub to provide support to new market entrants.

    ·  Commencing work on a Defence Exports Office in the MoD, as announced in the Strategic Defence Review.

    ·  Committing to developing Defence Growth Deals across the UK at the Spending Review.

    Further information

    The Ministers will meet Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell, Second Sea Lord and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Major General Mark Totten, Royal Marines, Director Naval Staff and Commander Jenna Kelway, Royal Navy, Military Assistant to Second Sea Lord, Commodore Sharon Malkin, ADC Royal Navy, Naval Base Commander Clyde, Brigadier Andy Muddiman, Royal Marines, Naval Regional Commander Scotland and Northern Ireland and Andy Tims, Senior Responsible Officer, Clyde Capital Programme, Lynton Simmonds, Site Managing Director (Clyde) Babcock, Hamish Tetlow, Naval Base Commander, Chief of Staff.

    They will also meet Argyll and Bute Council leader Jim Lynch and executive director Douglas Hendry,  Inverclyde Council leader Stephen McCabe and chief executive Stuart Jamieson, West Dunbartonshire council leader Martin Rooney and chief executive Peter Hessett. Local MPs Martin McCluskey, MP for Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West, and Alison Taylor, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, will also attend the discussion.