Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with President Xi of China [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with President Xi of China [September 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 8 September 2026.

    The Prime Minister spoke to President Xi Jinping of China this morning. 

    The Prime Minister expressed his sincere condolences for the lives lost in recent floods on the Nepal-China border and his appreciation for the rescue efforts and support for British Nationals affected.

    Both leaders affirmed their commitment to a long-term and consistent comprehensive strategic partnership between the UK and China. As Permanent Members of the Security Council and major economies, they discussed the importance of pragmatic cooperation in advancing UK and Chinese interests and addressing shared global challenges.

    They discussed the opportunities in the UK-China relationship including on economic growth and improving living standards for people in both their countries.

    The Prime Minister said that he would engage frankly and constructively on issues that matter for both countries, and raised domestic security, Russia’s war in Ukraine, Hong Kong, human rights and consular cases of particular importance.

    The leaders agreed to stay in touch, and that dialogue between their governments on a range of mutual priorities would continue.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Two-State Solution [September 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 September 2026.

    Statement of the Foreign Ministers of Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK on the Two-State Solution.

    1. The Government of Israel’s actions in the West Bank are undermining the possibility of a two-State solution. The situation is rapidly deteriorating amid unprecedented levels of settler violence and settlement expansion, including the unacceptable decision to publish tenders for the E1 settlement project. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, the President of France Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney have agreed on the need to take action to prevent further damage.
    2. Today, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK confirm their intention to introduce national and/or support European restrictions on trade in goods with settlements which are illegal under international law, or that they are actively considering these and other measures, in accordance with their national procedures. In this regard, the UK, France and Canada welcome the important action already taken by Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway and Belgium and will bring forward national measures to ban trade in settlement goods.
    3. Together, we are resolute: the two-state solution must be protected, and we will take action in pursuit of a just and lasting peace, based on the principles enshrined in the New York Declaration adopted one year ago. We firmly oppose actions tantamount to the annexation of Palestinian land and forcible displacement of the Palestinian population.
    4. The Government of Israel must immediately halt the expansion of settlements and civilian administrative powers, ensure accountability for settler violence, and investigate allegations against Israeli forces.
    5. We recognize Israel’s legitimate security interests and reiterate our condemnation of the Hamas 7 October terrorist attack, the worst antisemitic massacre since the Holocaust. We are clear in our determination to tackle antisemitism wherever it occurs. We are unequivocally committed to the two-state solution, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, that enables Israel and a sovereign, democratic and viable Palestinian state to live side by side in peace, security and mutual recognition within secure and internationally recognised borders.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Retailers target 100,000 jobs for young people as sector joins forces with government in major work experience drive [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Retailers target 100,000 jobs for young people as sector joins forces with government in major work experience drive [September 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 8 September 2026.

    Young people will be given vital work experience opportunities thanks to a major initiative between government and Britain’s leading retailers – with the ambition to create up to 100,000 jobs by the end of the Parliament.

    • New scheme to offer 18-24-year-olds work experience being developed with Britain’s biggest retailers including John Lewis, Currys and Costa Coffee.
    • It forms part of a wider retail sector target to deliver 100,000 jobs for young people by the end of this Parliament to tackle the number of young people not in employment, education or training.
    • Former Marks and Spencer Chief Executive Marc Bolland – appointed by Government to drive forward youth employment reforms – played central role in creating new partnership with the British Retail Consortium.

    Young people will be given vital work experience opportunities thanks to a major initiative between government and Britain’s leading retailers – with the ambition to create up to 100,000 jobs by the end of the Parliament. 

    Alongside the sector’s ambitions of creating 100,000 jobs, BRC and DWP are launching a new work experience programme, Opening Shift, which will see 18-24-year-olds looking for work offered two to four weeks of hands-on experience as part of more than 11,000 placements with Britain’s biggest retailers, including Tesco, John Lewis, Waitrose, Curry’s and Costa Coffee, complete with dedicated workplace support and interview experience. 

    The DWP will manage the pipeline of eligible young Universal Credit customers who will be referred to the voluntary programme through Jobcentres, and the retailers will provide the placements and wider support, with 16 to 35 hours of work experience provided each week for two to four weeks. 

    They could be offered a permanent role if one is available, be put on the retailer’s talent bank, or directed towards apprenticeship and other opportunities. 

    The retail sector has used the launch of the programme to set a target of delivering 100,000 jobs for young people not in employment, education or training (NEET) by the end of this Parliament.  

    Retail has long been a key gateway into work for young people, and this new offer from the sector comes after Alan Milburn spoke of the vital importance of work experience for young people, while warning that for many the first rung on the career ladder has thinned.  

    Earlier this year the government appointed former Marks & Spencer Chief Executive and founder of the charity Movement to Work Marc Bolland to convene businesses and create more opportunities for young people, and he has played a central role in creating this new partnership.  

    To mark the launch Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden met young people during a visit to John Lewis Oxford Street on Monday. The John Lewis Partnership has also committed to the Jobs Guarantee with 30 new Waitrose roles and a target to recruit 1,000 care-experienced young people by 2030. 

    Work and Pensions Secretary, Pat McFadden said:

    This partnership will help young people to get the experience employers are looking for.

    Work experience can be life-changing, giving young people the skills, confidence and connections they need to take their first step into work.

    By creating thousands of opportunities in the retail sector, we’re delivering on our commitment to help more young people build brighter futures, backed by our £2.5 billion investment to support the next generation into employment.

    Marc Bolland said:

    My work as Founder and Chairman of Movement to Work showed me first-hand what’s possible when business and government work together to open doors for young people.  

    Today’s announcement takes that further, creating thousands more opportunities for young people to build a future in one of Britain’s biggest industries and I’d encourage every retailer to look at what more they can offer.

    Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive at the British Retail Consortium, said:

    Retail is coming to the rescue for tens of thousands of young people struggling to take their first steps on the career ladder. Too many are trapped in a no experience, no job doom loop. High-quality work experience is essential to fix this problem and Opening Shift is a major contribution to delivering it.

    Retail is uniquely placed to make a difference on the NEETs crisis, given the industry’s scale and reach touching every corner of the country. The challenges facing young people are significant. Work experience is a first step and with the right conditions for businesses to invest and create new entry level jobs, employers across the economy can help tackle the NEET crisis.

    As one of the UK’s largest employers, with businesses in communities across the country, the retail sector is uniquely placed to provide the work experience, skills and confidence that can help young people take their first step into employment.

    This comes as many retailers are already backing the government’s Youth Guarantee reforms to give every young person the chance to earn or learn. This includes McDonald’s which has launched the largest paid in-person work experience programme in the UK, as well as Sainsbury’s, who have also committed to create around 10,000 work experience and employability opportunities for young people from October. Together, they are creating more opportunities for young people who are NEET or at risk of becoming NEET.  

    This follows the Government’s recent education reforms to provide technical pathways for young people to close the gap between the classroom and the workplace. 

    The sector’s involvement builds on the Government’s youth employment support, including the Jobs Guarantee scheme, which has been backed by over 400 employers and offers a direct route into work for eligible young people. More than 90,000 young people will be supported into work by the scheme in the next three years, with the first cohort already starting positions with retailers including Lidl and Boots. 

    Additional Information

    • Opening Shift is a new DWP and retail industry work experience programme for 18 to 24-year-old NEETs, offering two to four-week placements (16 to 35 hours per week) with ongoing Universal Credit support, travel cost assistance where needed, workplace mentoring and interview experience. Its aim is to give young people the skills and experience they need to get their first job and contribute towards the BRC’s ambition of creating 100,000 jobs by the end of this Parliament.
    • The British Retail Consortium is the trade association for the UK retail industry, representing more than 200 members including major retailers and independent businesses, and has brought together retailers to develop this programme with the support of the DWP.
    • Marc Bolland is Lead Non-Executive Director at the Department for Work and Pensions and founder chairman of Movement to Work, a registered charity offering free support to businesses to create youth employability programmes. It has delivered more than 200,000 opportunities for 16 to 30-year-olds facing barriers to work. *The Government is investing an additional £2.5 billion by 2029 into the Youth Guarantee and the Growth and Skills Levy.
    • This investment will support almost one million young people and create up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn, including a £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant, a £2,000 apprenticeship hiring payment for employers, and a fully funded six-month job for long-term unemployed 18–24-year-olds through the Jobs Guarantee.
    • The Jobs Guarantee will support over 90,000 Universal Credit claimants aged 18 to 24 into work over the next three years, providing six months of fully funded paid employment matched to their skills after 18 months of claiming and searching for work. The first cohort of young people have already started roles at companies such as Boots and Lidl, with a national rollout later this year.
    • The John Lewis Partnership (JLP) is contributing to the Youth Guarantee through a range of employment and work experience opportunities. Through JLP’s Building Happier Futures programme, 1,000 roles will be ringfenced for care-experienced young people by 2030.
    • List of retailers involved in the development and roll out of Opening Shift to date: Aldi, All Saints, Amazon, Ann Summers, Asda, B&M, B&Q, Bensons, Booths, Boots, Currys, Dobbies, Dr Martens, Dunelm, Fishpools, Holland & Barrett, House of Bruar, Iceland, JD Sports, John Lewis Partnership, JoJo Maman Bebe, Lakeland, Liberty, Lidl, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Mountain Warehouse, New Look, Next, Our Coop, Pets at Home, Pret, Primark, Savers, Screwfix, Superdrug, Tesco, The Perfume Shop, The Works, Very Group, Wickes.

    Supportive quotes

    James Goodman, Asda Chief People Officer, said:

    Supporting young people into employment is vital to the future of our industry. Many of Asda’s senior leaders started their careers on the shop floor, and we’re proud to support initiatives that help young people develop skills, gain experience, and discover pathways into rewarding careers.

    Helen Webb, Chief People Officer at the John Lewis Partnership, said:  

    Retail gave many of us our first job, and it should still be doing that. Too many young people are being asked for experience they’ve had no chance to get, and Opening Shift is a practical way to change that. It’s also how our sector builds the talent it will need.

    Jon Sparkes, chief executive of learning disability charity Mencap, says:  

    This is a welcome opportunity for the many young people struggling to get a foot on the career ladder, and it’s great to see retailers stepping up. 

    Young people with a learning disability tell us time and time again that they want to work – what they’re denied is the support and opportunity. Work experience can be the difference between a young person with a learning disability having the chance to prove what they can do, rather than being judged on what it’s perceived they cannot. 

    We’ve supported many young people with a learning disability into retail roles, and the feedback from them and from their employers is consistently hugely positive. We hope many more will get the chance, and we’d urge every retailer signing up to make sure their placements are genuinely supportive of and accessible to people with a learning disability.

    Rosie Ferguson OBE, Chief Executive of UK Youth, said: 

    Young people deserve the opportunities to find their way in the world. Government, employers, schools and youth workers all have a role to play in creating the opportunities, support and pathways they need to succeed. 

    Today’s announcement is a significant commitment to expanding meaningful work experience, and it is encouraging to see employers stepping up. Partnerships with businesses can help young people take those first steps into work, build confidence and develop skills that open doors in the future. 

    For young people furthest from the labour market, access to these opportunities must come with the right support. Youth workers play an essential role in building trusted relationships, helping young people navigate transitions into work and training, and connecting them with employers and wider support. 

    When employers and youth workers work together, we can do more than help young people get their first job. We can help them discover their strengths, build on their potential and take the next steps towards a fulfilling working life.” 

    Tesco CEO Ken Murphy said: 

    Tesco has a long history of creating opportunities for young people, helping them take their first steps into work regardless of their background, qualifications or previous experience. 

    Through programmes like our Stronger Starts apprenticeships and the 5,000 new Opening Shift placements we’re creating this year in partnership with Movement to Work, we want to help more young people not in employment, education or training to build their confidence, develop valuable skills and take their first steps towards a rewarding career at Tesco. 

    The retail industry has always been at the heart of local communities, providing jobs that are flexible, secure and accessible. The scale of the response from our sector shows retailers recognise the challenge facing the next generation and are determined to be part of the solution.

    Chief Executive, Mental Health UK, Brian Dow said: 

    The first step on the career ladder ought to feel like the easiest one to make, yet for so many young people it has felt dauntingly out of reach.  The announcement of Opening Shift with the emphasis it includes in supporting young people arrive in the workplace with confidence brings the prospect of a firm beginning and hopeful future one step closer.” 

    John Boumphrey, Amazon UK country manager, said:  

    Visiting our sites across the country, I regularly meet people whose lives were changed because someone gave them a chance. Work experience builds confidence, opens doors, and, for many young people, it’s the first time they’ve been told ‘you can do this’.  

    We’re proud to support Opening Shift, building on the work experience, apprenticeship and supported employment programmes we already run, including for those with additional needs. We’ll keep investing in giving young people across the UK the opportunities they deserve.

    Sophie Morrell, Director of Corporate Partnerships, at The King’s Trust said: 

    Retail gives thousands of young people their first step into work every year. From learning how to communicate with customers, to working as part of a team and taking responsibility in the workplace, the skills gained can last a lifetime.” 

    Retail employers have long been among The King’s Trust’s most committed partners, consistently stepping up to help young people build the confidence, skills and experience they need to enter the world of work. It’s encouraging to see the sector unite behind this initiative and create even more opportunities for the next generation to thrive.

    Nick Orrin, UK & Ireland Managing Director, Costa Coffee, said: 

    Retail and hospitality are often seen as a first step into work, but they can also be the start of a long and rewarding career. Across our business, many colleagues have progressed from frontline roles into leadership positions. 

    We welcome efforts to give more young people the skills, confidence and experience they need not only to get into work, but to progress once they are there. By working together, employers, government and education providers can open up more opportunities for young people to build rewarding careers.

    Sarah Yong, Deputy CEO at Youth Futures Foundation, said:  

    Giving young people the opportunity to gain experience of the workplace and connect with employers can play an important role in helping them take their first steps into employment. For young people who have had limited opportunities to engage with employers, meaningful work experience can help build confidence, develop skills and give them a better understanding of what the world of work looks like. 

    It is great to see the retail sector coming together to create more opportunities for young people to gain this experience and make valuable connections with employers. Exposure to the workplace, alongside the right employment support, can help young people move closer to and into good work. 

    Hamish Shah, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Business Disability Forum, said:  

    Work experience can be a vital first step into employment, helping young people build confidence, develop skills and understand what they have to offer an employer. We welcome this commitment from government and the retail sector to create more opportunities for young people to get that first foothold in the workplace. It is important, however, that these opportunities are genuinely accessible and inclusive. Disabled young people can face additional barriers when trying to enter the world of work, and employers have a crucial role to play in removing those barriers and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. By combining high-quality work experience with the right support and adjustments, this initiative can help open doors for a much wider range of young people and create a more inclusive workforce for the future.” 

    Ellie Harris, Principal Research Fellow and Head of Children and Young People, IPPR, said:

    Young people are full of ambition, but too many don’t have the support or opportunities they need to realise their aspirations.

    This is a welcome first step towards giving young people a tangible route out of the cycle of missed opportunities that can leave them stuck and falling further behind.

    Where you grow up still shapes the chances you get. Young people in some of the country’s most deprived towns have the most to gain from access to the experiences, networks and opportunities that others too often take for granted.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s actions do not change Ukraine’s sovereignty, nor rewrite her borders – UK statement at the UN General Assembly [September 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s actions do not change Ukraine’s sovereignty, nor rewrite her borders – UK statement at the UN General Assembly [September 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 September 2026.

    Statement by Ambassador Sarah MacIntosh, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN General Assembly meeting on Ukraine.

    It is 1,651 days since Russia began her illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 

    And twelve years since her illegal annexation of Crimea. 

    Russia’s attacks are escalating, launching at least 429 missiles into Ukraine, into July alone, more than double the month before. 

    And Ukrainian civilians are paying the price.

     Almost 17,000 Ukrainian civilians, including 820 children, have been killed in Ukraine since February 2022.  

    And over 51,000 civilians, including 3,000 children, have been injured.   

    Before Russia’s 2022 invasion, Ukraine accounted for 12% of global corn exports; 10% of wheat; 50% of sunflower oil.  

    But Russian strikes on Ukraine’s ports and civilian shipping have also escalated.  

    Blocking vital food supplies, contributing to driving up food prices worldwide, and killing seafarers from UN Member States from Africa to Asia. 

    Mr President, Russia’s war in Ukraine is a clear violation of our UN Charter and of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.  

    These are key principles; principles that bind every United Nations Member State.  

    Russia has invaded Crimea, and areas in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts. 

    And uses violence to consolidate its control within them:  

    Families are separated; children forcibly deported and indoctrinated, and their names changed; Ukrainians forced to take Russian passports; Ukrainian civic leaders arbitrarily detained and disappeared; torture; ill treatment; communities left for days without water; without access to humanitarian aid; and Ukraine’s cultural heritage erased, and her language suppressed. 

    Russia’s occupation and attempted illegal annexations are inflicting a terrible toll on the Ukrainians living in these territories. 

    But these actions do not change Ukraine’s sovereignty; nor do they rewrite her borders.   

    And so today, we call on all States to uphold the UN Charter; to reject Russia’s illegal claims; to press Russia to allow humanitarian access; and to support accountability; to help get Ukraine’s children back home, and her civilians released. 

    The United Kingdom will stand with Ukraine as she exercises her lawful right to self-defence, in accordance with Article 51 of our United Nations Charter. 

    Today, and for as long as it takes.

    We support Ukraine’s call for a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire, and a just and lasting peace.  

    And we urge Russia to commit to the same.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Five Eyes back UK-led action to disrupt global fraud networks [August 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Five Eyes back UK-led action to disrupt global fraud networks [August 2026]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 27 August 2026.

    US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand back a package of UK-led measures to strengthen international action against fraud and online scams.

    The UK is joining forces with the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to crack down on global fraud networks and protect the public from scammers.

    At the Five Country Ministerial in Sydney, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and her Five Eyes counterparts backed a package of UK-led measures to strengthen the international response to fraud and online scams, bringing together governments, law enforcement and industry to tackle one of the world’s fastest-growing crimes.

    The need for a more co-ordinated international response has grown as organised crime groups become increasingly sophisticated, exploiting global communications networks, digital platforms and financial systems to target victims across borders.

    New measures will strengthen partners’ ability to detect and disrupt fraud before more people become victims. This includes faster intelligence-sharing to identify fraud operations spanning multiple countries, including scam centres, and coordinated action between governments, law enforcement and industry to shut down the accounts, services and communications channels criminals use to target victims and move their profits.

    As part of this work, recommendations to strengthen industry action against online scams and financial crime will be developed in partnership with telecommunications providers, technology companies and financial institutions.

    The focus will be on tackling vulnerabilities in systems and services that criminals exploit to target victims and move illicit funds. By improving collaboration between the public and private sectors, partners will be better able to identify new threats, respond more quickly and make it harder for criminals to profit from fraud.

    Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said:

    Fraud is a scourge on our society, ruining lives and costing victims billions of pounds every year.

    Criminal gangs don’t respect borders, so our response can’t be restricted by them. By deepening international co-operation and working more closely with industry, we can track down fraudsters, disrupt their operations, and better protect the public.

    Together, we must make it harder for criminals to profit from fraud and easier to bring them to justice.

    Five Eyes partners also backed enhanced international support for the UK-backed INTERPOL Global Fraud Taskforce. Bringing together law enforcement, governments and industry, the taskforce will help map organised fraud networks, generate intelligence, identify links between criminal groups operating in different countries and support international operations to disrupt their activities and bring perpetrators to justice.

    As a global leader in the fight against fraud, the UK is driving the international response to a crime which increasingly crosses national borders.

    Earlier this year, the government committed £250 million through its new Fraud Strategy to strengthen law enforcement capabilities, tackle scams at their source and improve support for victims.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Minister acts to help save Rembrandt masterpiece from leaving the UK [August 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Minister acts to help save Rembrandt masterpiece from leaving the UK [August 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on 27 August 2026.

    The government has temporarily banned a Rembrandt painting worth £71 million from being taken out of the UK permanently.

    • A UK gallery or institution has been granted the opportunity to save this masterpiece for the nation 

    The UK government has blocked a painting by Rembrandt, one of the most famous artists of all time, from being taken out of the country permanently in the hope that a UK gallery or institution can save it for the nation.  

    Rembrandt’s Portrait of Catrina Hooghsaet, painted in 1657, is one of the artist’s most exceptional later works, and has been displayed in the UK since the mid eighteenth century. It is valued at £71 million, the most expensive object ever to be given national treasure status.  

    The decision to place a temporary export ban on the portrait gives museums and galleries time to raise the funds needed to acquire it, with the aim of keeping an important work in the UK and on public display.  

    The portrait is of exceptional importance to our shared history and national life; it adds value to our understanding of Rembrandt and his works, social relations, gender, religion and identity in the Dutch Republic, Rembrandt’s place in British collections, and the wider history of the art of portrait painting. 

    The portrait depicts Catrina Hooghsaet, an affluent member of Amsterdam’s Mennonite community whose unconventional domestic life saw her live separately from her husband. Rembrandt’s thoughtful depiction captures both her character and individuality, demonstrating his celebrated ability to convey the inner life of his sitters. 

    Arts Minister, Ruth Mackenzie said: 

    The Portrait of Catrina Hooghsaet has been part of the UK’s cultural life for centuries. The scale, beauty and history of this masterpiece make it a priority for cultural partners, funders, philanthropists, and lovers of Rembrandt to help this masterpiece keep its historical place in the UK.

    Andrew Hochhauser KC, Committee Chairman said:  

    Painted in the final phase of his career, Rembrandt’s portrait of Catrina Hooghsaet ranks amongst his finest achievements. It belongs to a rare group of large-scale three-quarter-length portraits and stands out for its delicacy, refinement, and exceptional finish. 

    Rembrandt transforms her relatively ordinary features into a striking image of beauty through his sensitivity, honesty and profound psychological insight. 

    Catrina Hooghsaet’s unusually well-documented life allows the portrait to be studied alongside rich historical evidence, providing rare insights into social relations, gender, religion, and identity in the Dutch Republic.  

    This is a painting of outstanding aesthetic importance, of outstanding significance to our cultural history. It is also of outstanding significance to the study of the history of portraiture, the oeuvre of Rembrandt and the history of collecting his work in Britain. This enormously important painting should be saved for the nation and kept on public display in this country.

    The Committee recommended that the painting should be subject to an export bar because it met all three Waverley criteria. These criteria are used to assess whether an object is of national importance and its departure from the UK would be a misfortune. In this case, the painting was recognised for its strong connection with our history and national life, its exceptional aesthetic quality, and its importance to the study of Rembrandt and his work.  

    The decision on the export licence application for the painting will be deferred for an initial period ending on 26 December 2026 inclusive in which we welcome expressions of interest from an appropriate purchaser to try and acquire the object. At the end of the first deferral period owners will have a consideration period of 15 Business Days to consider any offer(s) to purchase the painting at the recommended price of £71,696,324.90 (plus VAT of £754,698.15). The second deferral period will commence following the signing of an Option Agreement and will last for nine months.  

    When someone applies to permanently export a important cultural object from the UK, the Government can pause the export if the object is considered a national treasure. This gives a UK museum or appropriate purchaser time to raise the money to keep it in the country.   

    Notes to editors 

    Organisations or individuals interested in purchasing the painting should contact the RCEWA on 02072680534 or rcewa@artscouncil.org.uk. 

    Details of the item are as follows: Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn (1606–1669); Portrait of Catrina Hooghsaet (1607–1685); Oil on canvas, 126 x 98.5 cm; Inscribed and signed on the shield upper left: ‘CATRINA HOOGH / SÆT. / OVT. 50. / Jaer’ and ‘Rembrandt. f. / 1657.’ 

    Provenance:  

    • Catrina Hooghsaet (1607–1685), Amsterdam 
    • Her third husband, Jan Schildt (died 1686), Amsterdam 
    • Probably John Fane, Lord Le Despencer, 7th Earl of Westmorland (1685–1762), Mereworth House, Kent, by 1752 
    • Sir Francis Dashwood, 2nd Bt, Lord Le Despencer (1708–1781), of West Wycombe, and Mereworth House, Kent, by 1780 
    • By descent to his sister, Rachel Dashwood (c.1706–1788), wife of Sir Robert Austen, 4th Bt 
    • By descent to her cousin, Sir Thomas Stapleton, 6th Bt, Lord Le Despencer (1766–1831), of Rotherfield Greys, and Mereworth Castle, Kent 
    • His posthumous sale, 1831 
    • Bought after this sale by Peacock [probably the London dealer Michael Peacock (c.1785–1843)], for £178 10s.  *Collection Edmund Higginson (né Barneby) (1802–1871), Saltmarshe Castle, Herefordshire, by 1836 
    • His sale, London (Christie’s), 4–6 June 1846, lot 221 (£798, bought in) 
    • His sale, London (Christie’s), 4–6 June 1860, lot 43 (740 gns., to Farrer [the London 
    • dealer Henry Farrer, 1798–1866]) 
    • Collection Colonel the Hon. Edward Douglas-Pennant, 1st Baron Penrhyn of Llandegai (1800–1886), and by descent 
    • Private sale, 2015, when acquired by a private collector, 
    • Private sale, (Christie’s) 2025, when acquired. 

    The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest is an independent body, serviced by Arts Council England (ACE), which advises the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on whether a cultural object, intended for export, is of national importance under specified criteria.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Households can save as plug-in solar panels come to market [August 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Households can save as plug-in solar panels come to market [August 2026]

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

    Households can save hundreds on bills as plug-in solar panels become legal to use and buy across the country.

    • Plug-in solar panels now legal to buy and use across the country 
    • Households could save up to £110 a year, with panels providing up to 20% of average home electricity use 
    • Savings follow government cuts to VAT on energy bills to offer breathing space this winter 

    More families are set to save money on bills as plug-in solar panels become legal across Great Britain.  

    From today (27 August), the easy-to-install panels can be plugged into homes across the country, saving households up to £110 a year on their bills through clean, homegrown power. 

    Each plug-in solar kit produces up to 800W of power, enough to provide up to 20% of an average home’s electricity use. This can run a typical fridge, television, Wi-Fi router, laptop, phone charger and an Xbox S operating at once when the sun is shining.  

    This all comes with no installation cost and without taking any electricity from the grid. 

    The legal changes follow rigorous, independent safety testing, covering all key electrical elements, which shows that compliant panels are safe and compatible with UK wiring.  

    The UK safety specification is more stringent than that of Germany, where the technology is already widely used and around half a million new devices were plugged in last year. 

    Homegrown power is the only way to deliver energy security for the country and financial security for families and businesses.  

    Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said: 

    Plug-in solar is a simple, affordable way for households to take control of their energy bills and start saving straight away.  

    From this summer, we’re giving more families the ability power their homes with clean homegrown energy.

    Major retailers, such as Currys, B&Q, Screwfix and Amazon have worked with government on the rollout of plug-in solar and will soon have them available to purchase in stores and online.   

    The low-cost panels can be put in any outdoor space or on some balconies. Before purchasing or installing plug-in solar devices, people should check whether any permissions are required for the property. This may include permission from a landlord and/or building owner or freeholder permission, planning permission or listed building consent. 

    Decisions on whether to approve requests are a matter for landlords, freeholders or councils, but we encourage them to consider each case on its individual merits. 

    Enabling these easy-to-install panels is just one of the ways the government is giving people breathing space to help tackle bills.  

    In July, the Prime Minister announced plans to cut VAT on energy bills to give families breathing space this winter. This builds on the £150 of costs taken off energy bills in the Budget last year and the expansion of the £150 Warm Home Discount to around six million households.  

    Retailers including Amazon, Argos, Curry’s and Wickes have all committed to stocking plug-in solar panels. 

    John Boumphrey, UK & Ireland Country Manager, Amazon said: 

    Amazon is the largest corporate buyer of carbon-free energy in the UK, and we’ve invested in 50 solar and wind projects to date.  

    The government’s announcement on plug-in solar panels is a practical step that gives households a simple way to generate their own power, reduce bills, and contribute to the UK’s net zero goals. We’re looking forward to helping customers benefit from this technology. 

    Graham Biggart, Managing Director for Argos, said:  

    We’re really pleased to now offer plug-in solar panels for Argos customers. By making this technology more accessible, we’re putting more power in the hands of our customers and helping them explore practical ways to manage energy use at home. 

    As a brand trusted by millions of customers across the UK, we’re proud to bring innovative products like this to more homes and give customers greater confidence and choice when it comes to emerging home technologies.

    Michelle Gorringe-Smith, Director of New Categories at Currys, said:  

    The safe roll-out of plug-in solar products represents an important step in supporting consumers with ways to save money on their energy bills. 

    We’ll continue to work closely with DESNZ and our suppliers to make these products available to UK households as soon as possible, including through both our website and larger stores.

    David Wood, CEO, Wickes:  

    By giving people a simpler and more affordable way to generate clean energy at home, this technology has the potential to put solar within reach of many more households.  

    With the UK having some of the oldest and least energy efficient housing stock in Europe, making energy-saving technologies easier to access will be an important part of helping people reduce their energy bills and supporting the transition to a lower-carbon future.  

    We look forward to making these products available online to our customers in the coming weeks.

    Joanna O’Loan, Knowledge Manager at Energy Saving Trust, said:  

    The arrival of plug-in solar panels represents a significant milestone in expanding access to clean energy for households across Great Britain. 

    While the savings will vary from home to home, plug-in solar panels will give more people greater control over their energy use and costs. As these products become more widely available, access to clear and reliable information is essential to help people make informed choices that are right for their home and budget.

    Chris Hewitt, CEO Solar Energy UK, said: 

    This is a great example of Industry and government coming together and delivering quickly for Britain.  

    Solar and batteries are already the most effective way for homes and businesses to slash their energy bills by more than half, and making plug-in solar lawful will bring cheap, clean power to households that have not been able to access these benefits before.  

    Our industry continues to work closely with government to ensure that all customers can have confidence in the safety and reliability of these new technologies.

    Gary Booker, Managing Director of British Gas, said:   

    Until now, generating solar power has required the right roof, the right home and significant upfront investment. That’s why innovations like plug-in solar are so important. They open up the benefits of solar to more households, enabling more people to produce some of their own electricity. 

    At British Gas, we’re pleased to be bringing this technology to our customers, giving them more control over their energy use and helping them save money on their bills.

    Trevor Hutchings, CEO of the Renewable Energy Association said:

    From today, with little more than a trip to the shops, people in Britain will be able to harness the energy of the sun to power their households.

    The arrival of plug-in solar is a huge step forward in democratising renewable energy and giving everyone the access they deserve to clean, cheap, homegrown power. Plug-in solar saves money – up to £100 a year – and it’s only right that this benefit should be felt by renters and flat-owners as well.

    Our electricity prices are some of the highest because of our exposure to volatile international gas markets.  Innovations like plug-in solar and the wider renewables roll out will help us bring down bills and strengthen our energy sovereignty.

    David Boyer, Director of Electricity Systems, at Energy Networks Association, said:

    This is a major step forward for incorporating micro generation safely and efficiently onto the UK’s energy grid. Network operators will continue to work closely with government, Ofgem and manufactures to ensure the registration process for micro generation evolves to meet consumer demands.

    There is already record demand for solar power across the country. Figures released by MCS recently showed there were almost 150,000 solar panel certified installations in the first six months of 2026, up 17% on the previous highest start to a year in 2025. That is the equivalent to an installation every 74 seconds.  

    Battery installations have also risen significantly, with installations almost double the same period last year with 36,000 certified installations. 

    Legalising plug-in solar panels builds on savings homeowners can already make of up to £480 a year from rooftop solar, helping more people in a range of property types generate their own clean electricity and cut their energy bills.  

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government’s Jobs Guarantee turns promise into paycheques for young people [August 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government’s Jobs Guarantee turns promise into paycheques for young people [August 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 26 August 2026.

    The first young people supported by a new Government programme for the long-term unemployed have started their jobs.

    • First cohort of young people start work through the Government’s Jobs Guarantee, delivering on the Prime Minister’s priority to tackle youth unemployment
    • Scheme aims to create opportunity for those furthest from the jobs market and is backed by major businesses, including Boots and OCS
    • Over 90,000 fully funded jobs to be created by 2029 through the Jobs Guarantee, a key part of the Government’s £2.5 billion drive to tackle youth unemployment

    The Jobs Guarantee scheme offers a direct route into work for all 18–24-year-olds who have been claiming Universal Credit and looking for work for 18 months.

    Roles on offer are matched to the individual’s skillset, with the government fully funding up to 25 hours paid work for six months to get individuals into the labour market.

    More than 90,000 young people will be supported into work by the scheme in the next three years, with the first cohort of young people having already started positions at retail giant Boots.

    Recognising that the longer people are out of work the more difficult it is to start working again, young people on the scheme get bespoke support to tackle barriers – from confidence building to skills training on the job. This means young people arrive at their new employer work ready and then continue to thrive.

    The Jobs Guarantee is the latest intervention in the Government’s ongoing, extensive employment support for young people, backed by £2.5 billion investment. It marks a major step in the Prime Minister’s drive to get more young people into work and bring hope to more than one million young people who are not earning or learning – a rise of 248,000 between 2021-2024.

    Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden visited Boots to meet some of the first cohort of young people starting work through the Jobs Guarantee in administrative, retail and warehouse support roles.

    Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said:

    Young people want to get on in life but for too long too many have been denied that opportunity. The Jobs Guarantee helps change that.

    Seeing the first young people start their roles brings to life what this scheme is about: real jobs, proper wages, and a genuine route into a career.

    As we roll this out to tens of thousands more young people across the country, we’re backing the next generation to succeed and backing British businesses to grow with the talent they need.

    The Jobs Guarantee has been rolled out in areas with some of the highest levels of youth unemployment:

    • Birmingham and Solihull
    • The East Midlands
    • Greater Manchester
    • Hertfordshire and Essex
    • Central and East Scotland
    • South East and South West Wales

    Later this year the scheme will be expanded to all eligible 18-24 year olds who are on Universal Credit and have been looking for work for 18 months.

    Anthony Hemmerdinger, Managing Director of Boots UK and Ireland, said:

    We’re pleased to create opportunities for young people to secure work placements in our stores, offices and warehouses through the Jobs Guarantee.

    Boots has a strong track record in supporting young people through our graduate schemes, work experience programmes, apprenticeships and youth employability partnership with The King’s Trust. We firmly believe that retail can play an important role in supporting young people to develop the confidence, experience, and skills that can shape their working lives.

    Simon Smithson, Director of Youth Services, Ingeus

    We’re delighted to be delivering Jobs Guarantee in the East Midlands. This programme represents a significant opportunity to help more young people access employment, develop new skills and secure brighter futures.

    The commitment shown by employers such as Boots demonstrates the power of partnership. By bringing together employers, communities and support organisations, we can create high-quality opportunities that benefit individuals, businesses and the wider regional economy.

    Local delivery partners will work with employers to match young people into roles and provide ongoing support to help placements succeed.

    The Jobs Guarantee is part of the Government’s wider £2.5 billion youth employment investment which will support almost one million young people and open up 500,000 opportunities to earn or learn over three years – spreading opportunity to every postcode.

    It comes alongside other incentives for business worth up to £8,000 for eligible young people and the biggest reforms in a generation to the apprenticeship system by putting more funding behind young people and tackling the 40% drop in apprenticeship starts over the past decade.

    Additional Information::

    • Eligible young people will earn at least the National Minimum Wage alongside minimum automatic enrolment contributions for the duration of their employment. Government will fund up to 25hrs/week at the NMW as well as pension contributions, for up to 6 months
    • Government funds support to Jobs Guarantee participants to support them to overcome their barriers to work and succeed in employment on the scheme

    Supportive quotes

    Louise Goodlad, Direct of Delivery (Scotland), King’s Trust said:

    The Jobs Guarantee reflects what The King’s Trust has long believed: that young people need both skills and opportunities to succeed, and that tackling youth unemployment requires government, employers and charities working together.

    The King’s Trust has begun delivering the first phase of the Jobs Guarantee programme in Central and East Scotland, and we are seeing first-hand the determination of young people who want to work as they seize the opportunity to gain experience and develop their skills.

    The Jobs Guarantee will create opportunities for young people at greatest risk of long-term unemployment while helping employers access the talent they need to grow.

    Laura-Jane Rawlings MBE, CEO of Youth Employment UK, said:

    We welcome seeing the Jobs Guarantee move from policy into real, paid opportunities for young people. For those who have been out of work for a long time, a good job can provide not only an income, but the experience, confidence and connections that help build a longer-term career.

    This year’s Youth Voice Census data, being released on 10 September, shows that 75% of young people think paid work experience would help them get a job – a powerful reminder of just how important opportunities like these can be.

    Sarah Williams, Chief People Officer, OCS said:

    Getting that first job is hard, and the Jobs Guarantee Pilot is about making it a bit easier. Young people joining us on our client sites get real experience, new skills and a proper look at the range of careers here at OCS; with clear routes into permanent roles and apprenticeships. The pilot delivery is working well and we are fully committed to rolling it out nationally.

    East Midlands Chamber, Chief Executive, Scott Knowles said:

    Getting more young people into work and equipped with the skills employers need is essential to driving growth and the Jobs Guarantee scheme is an initiative I welcome for addressing that. 

    With so many under 24’s not in Education, Employment or Training – NEET – supportive approaches like the Jobs Guarantee scheme that bridge the needs of employers with provision of opportunities for young people and a focus on upskilling during employment are a forward step. Tackling the skills gap, tackling youth unemployment and getting people into roles with the skills to thrive is what we want to see.

    Daniel Martin, Chief Executive Officer, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, said:

    “Hertfordshire being chosen as an initial rollout region for the Jobs Guarantee is a huge vote of confidence for our local economy. While major UK businesses are leading the first phase, the real transformational power of this programme lies within our vibrant SME sector.

    “Fully funding 25 hours a week significantly mitigates the financial risk for growing local businesses and gives young people a genuine pathway into work. The Chamber’s message to Hertfordshire employers is clear. Take advantage of this support, back local young talent and help build your future workforce.”

    Supportive quotes from SMEs delivering the Jobs Guarantee

    A spokesperson for Matlock Ghost Emporium, said:

    This initiative is a true win-win for independent businesses and young jobseekers alike. Bringing early-career talent into our studio gives our production capacity a real boost, allowing us to expand what we do while actively investing in the next generation of makers.

    Watching a young person build their practical skills and grow in workplace confidence over six months is immensely rewarding, and we’d strongly encourage other small businesses to consider hosting a placement.

    Antony Rhodes, Arc Communications, said:

    Taking part in the Jobs Guarantee has been a really positive experience for our business. We have welcomed four young people into our office through the scheme, and they have already made a noticeable contribution to the team.

    The scheme has given us the opportunity to bring in enthusiastic young people, provide them with valuable workplace experience and develop their skills, while also giving our existing team the opportunity to support and mentor the next generation.

    We have been particularly impressed by the attitude and willingness to learn that the young people have shown. They have quickly become part of the team and are already adding value to the business.

    We would definitely encourage other employers to consider getting involved. The Jobs Guarantee provides a fantastic opportunity to give young people a genuine start in the workplace while benefiting your own organisation.

    Adam Tulloch, Founder & CEO, Total Insight Theatre, said:

    At Total Insight Theatre, we’ve always believed in starting with what young people bring to the table – their ideas, perspectives, creativity and strengths – rather than focusing on how much experience they might have on paper. The Jobs Guarantee has enabled us to welcome six young people into meaningful roles across our organisation, and they’re very much part of the team.

    We’re already benefiting from the fresh thinking, energy and different perspectives they bring to our work, while they gain paid experience and develop their skills. As an organisation that works with young people every day, having young people woven into the fabric of our own team really matters to us. I’d encourage other employers to get involved – there’s such genuine value on both sides.

    Simone Connolly, CEO, FareShare Midlands said

    Our experience of the Youth Job Guarantee has been overwhelmingly positive. We currently have three young people on placements at our Nottingham site, giving them the opportunity to build confidence, develop practical workplace skills and gain valuable experience in a busy warehouse environment.

    The programme builds on the employability support we already provide through SkillsShare, helping young people who may face barriers to work take positive steps towards employment.

    We understand that FareShare Midlands was the amongst the first organisations in the country to offer these placements, which we are very proud of. Based on our experience so far, we will certainly take part again and hope to offer further placements across all three of our sites in Birmingham, Leicester, and Nottingham.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Both parties must fulfil their commitments under Resolution 2803 and refrain from actions that undermine peace – UK statement at the UN Security Council [August 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Both parties must fulfil their commitments under Resolution 2803 and refrain from actions that undermine peace – UK statement at the UN Security Council [August 2026]

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

    Statement by Ambassador Sarah MacIntosh, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

    Madame President, last November, this Council adopted Resolution 2803, sending a powerful message of international support for President Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza.

    As we have heard from High Representative Mladenov, important progress has been made, which we welcome. But success relies on the actions of the parties themselves.

    First, all sides must fulfil the commitments they have made.

    The ceasefire must be respected.

    Israel must deliver her commitments made in the 20-point plan, including a phased withdrawal of the IDF from Gaza. 

    Hamas must deliver on its commitment to decommission its weapons and terror infrastructure.

    And there must be a credible Palestinian-led transition of governance and security, across the whole of the Gaza Strip.

    We encourage the Palestinian Authority to implement the reforms necessary to take on its responsibilities. 

    Plans to hold legislative elections in November and national elections next year in Palestine are an important step.

    They must be free, fair, and inclusive.

    Second, resolution 2803 requires the full resumption of aid into Gaza and the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure.

    Yet the humanitarian situation remains dire.

    Averting starvation cannot be the benchmark.

    59% of Gaza’s population still faces crisis levels of food insecurity or worse; 1.9 million Palestinians remain displaced; and fuel shortages are affecting hospitals, and water and sanitation infrastructure. 

    The Government of Israel must end excessive aid restrictions; ensure that all aid including fuel and engine oil can enter predictably, and at scale; open all crossings; and review the dual-use list to allow vital aid supplies in. 

    And Hamas must stop obstructing humanitarian operations, as they did in July at a UN warehouse and food distribution point. This disrupted the delivery of life-saving assistance, with two truck drivers reportedly assaulted.

    The increasingly dangerous pattern of intimidation, violence, and obstruction which puts humanitarian workers at risk needs to end.

    The inviolability of UN premises must be respected. 

    The forcible entry and reported seizure of UNRWA’s Kalandia Training Centre in Jerusalem yesterday is deeply concerning.

    The UN, including UNRWA, and NGOs should be able to operate safely and at scale, in line with international humanitarian law.

    Accountability is essential where these standards are not met.

    It is right that the Israeli military will launch a criminal investigation into the killing of 5-year-old Hind Rajab, six of her family members, and two paramedics in Gaza in 2024.

    But the decision to bring no criminal action over the fatal strikes on a World Central Kitchen convoy in April 2024, which killed seven staff members, including three British nationals, is unacceptable.

    Their families deserve justice, accountability, and answers from the Government of Israel.

    Third, on the West Bank.

    UNSC resolution 2334 is clear that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal.

    We call on the Government of Israel to retract immediately construction tenders for the E1 settlement project.

    These unilateral plans take us further from peace.

    They will drive a wedge through the West Bank and isolate East Jerusalem and exacerbate instability.

    As Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has said, “we will not stand back and accept the destruction of the Two-State Solution.”

    We have also witnessed the tragic consequences of unprecedented levels of violence.

    The UN reports that eighty Palestinians and three Israelis have been killed in the West Bank this year.

    We are appalled by recent settler attacks in Taybeh, the ongoing siege of homes in Qusra, and the killing of a 17-year-old in Sa’ir. 

    The Government of Israel has said that addressing extremist violence is a priority. As Qusra has shown, the current approach is not working. 

    More must be done to tackle settler violence, cease actions that enable it, and to ensure accountability.

    Restrictions on the Palestinian economy are also pushing it to a cliff edge, with over $6 billion in revenues withheld since May 2025, $5.8 billion trapped in banks, and correspondent banking services at risk.

    This threatens public services, the banking system, and the viability of the Palestinian Authority.

    Madame President, there is strong international support for full implementation of Security Council Resolution 2803.

    But the parties themselves must fulfil the commitments and refrain from actions that undermine peace.

    They must give Palestinians and Israelis the future they deserve, where a safe and secure Israel exists peacefully alongside a sovereign and viable Palestinian state comprising Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New counter-terror hub launched to protect British communities [August 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New counter-terror hub launched to protect British communities [August 2026]

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

    UK to lead new international Countering Violent Extremism Hub based in the UK.

    Action to protect the UK from terrorism is being stepped up with a new international counter-extremism hub to be established in the UK, which will strengthen efforts to stop violent extremism before it threatens British communities.

    At the Five Country Ministerial in Sydney, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood secured agreement from her Five Eyes counterparts to establish a permanent joint Countering Violent Extremism Hub in the UK capital.

    It follows a number of atrocities in recent years, including attacks linked to individuals radicalised online through exposure to harmful content, extremist propaganda and violent networks. Violent attacks and the radicalising effects of new technologies, including AI, are rapidly emerging as threats across the globe.

    The hub will bring together counter-terrorism and counter-extremism specialists from across the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, creating a dedicated centre for intelligence sharing, collaboration and early intervention.

    To tackle the increasing online radicalisation of young people, ministers have also agreed a new diversion programme so authorities can intervene faster when people show signs of radicalisation or develop a fixation with violence.

    This will complement the UK’s Prevent programme by helping professionals identify vulnerable people online, connect them with the support they need, and refer them to Prevent where necessary.

    As part of this work, Five Eyes partners will work closely with technology companies, industry partners and governments to act faster against harmful content and strengthen protections for users. Acting together means greater pressure to remove content that may not be illegal, but could breach terms of service.

    This will make it harder for extremists to exploit online platforms for recruitment, radicalisation and the spread of violent material.

    Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said:

    As we have seen with so many tragic incidents across the world, the threat posed by violent extremists is real and continues to evolve, often fuelled by new technologies.

    Bringing together intelligence and expertise from our closest international partners will strengthen our ability to disrupt dangerous networks and prevent violence before lives are put at risk.

    The radicalisation of children and young people online is a particular concern across the globe. Our new diversion programme will ensure we act faster to keep everyone safe.

    For years, the Five Eyes have worked together to make the citizens of each of our countries safer. This is the next step forward in that shared endeavour.

    The new Countering Violent Extremism Hub will identify emerging patterns of behaviour, share lessons from previous incidents and assess risks before they escalate into violence. It will support the development of threat assessments and prevention initiatives, helping intelligence or law enforcement agencies to intervene before harm occurs.

    By pooling expertise, intelligence and resources, the hub will reduce duplication, improve coordination and enable partners to learn from each other in real time.