Category: Press Releases

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.
July 17, 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.

July 17, 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.

July 17, 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.

July 16, 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.

July 16, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Insolvency Service launches ambitious strategy to tackle economic crime and improve corporate standards [July 2025]
The press release issued by the Insolvency Service on 16 July 2025.

New five-year strategy commits agency to prominent role in fight against economic crime.
- The Insolvency Service’s new investigation and enforcement strategy will see the agency play a leading role in tackling economic crime and improving corporate standards
- Over the next five years, the agency will prosecute a wider range of offences, increase enforcement against companies acting against the public interest, and recover proceeds of crime
- The Insolvency Service will play a leading role helping the UK remain a safe and fair place to do business for all
The Insolvency Service has announced ambitious and transformational plans to play a more prominent role in the fight against economic crime and be recognised as the UK’s leading authority in enforcing corporate and insolvency standards.

Published today (Wednesday 16 July), the strategy commits the agency to broadening its remit, taking robust action against criminals who defraud businesses and taxpayers, and using artificial intelligence and advanced analytics to combat sophisticated financial wrongdoing.

The agency will also step up efforts to tackle money laundering through hiring experts in cryptoassets seizing more criminal proceeds of crime, and continuing to expand its intelligence functions. These teams were crucial in recent progress tackling networks of overseas criminals using shell companies registered in the UK.

Specialist investigators will continue to investigate COVID-19 Bounce Back Loan abuse, with the government announcing earlier this year that viable existing casework would be transferred to the Insolvency Service from the National Investigation Service (NATIS).

In 2024-25, the Insolvency Service secured 77 criminal convictions, over 1,000 director disqualifications, and more than £4 million in compensation. Forty-one companies were also wound-up in the public interest following investigations by the agency.

The economic benefits of the agency’s work in disqualifying company directors and shutting down rogue companies was calculated at in excess £50 million for this period.

Matt Ray, Director of Economic Crime Implementation at the Insolvency Service, said:

Fraud is now the most common crime affecting businesses and individuals across the UK. Meanwhile criminal and corrupt actors continue to use UK corporate structures at huge scale to obscure their activities and launder the proceeds.

Alongside our ongoing role upholding the UK’s insolvency framework we will adopt a much more central role in the fight against economic crime and work with Companies House and other partners to tackle the mass misuse of our corporate framework – helping us deliver economic confidence.

Over the course of the strategy, our investigators will protect more consumers than ever before from rogue companies, target directors who fail to meet the high standards of behaviour we expect from them and lead the fight against fraudsters who have exploited government schemes designed to help small businesses.

By acting against those who are unfit to run companies, we are reducing the harm caused to legitimate businesses and creditors and creating a prosperous environment that supports economic growth.

Martin Swain, Director of Intelligence and Law Enforcement Engagement at Companies House, said:

Collaboration with key partners such as the Insolvency Service, in helping us improve compliance and prevent misuse of the Companies House register, is central to our enforcement approach.

We already work closely with these partners in tackling misuse and – as we are now demonstrating – delivering real-world impacts in the fight against economic crime.

I’m delighted that moving forward these links will be strengthened further.

Further information

The enforcement strategy has three core objectives:
- Enforcement of the UK’s insolvency framework
- Enforcement of the Companies Act 1985 and associated legislation
- Tackling economic crime facilitated through companies
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 and its subsequent regulations created more than 100 new offences under the Companies Act and has provided funding for the Insolvency Service to play a more prominent role in corporate enforcement.

This will be supported by proactive intelligence gathering to keep pace with those who abuse the insolvency framework, manipulate victims, and take advantage of the corporate landscape.

The strategy will also see the Insolvency Service deepen its partnership with other agencies including the National Crime Agency and HMRC as well as working even more closely with Companies House to enforce corporate standards.

The Insolvency Service’s core role in protecting the insolvency framework and investigating national interest cases remains undiminished.
July 16, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Aurora Antrim and Jane Hurst have been reappointed to The Royal Parks and Bronwyn Hill’s second term extended [July 2025]

The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 16 July 2025.

The Secretary of State has reappointed Aurora Antrim and Jane Hurst as Trustees of The Royal Parks and has extended Bronwyn Hill’s second term as Trustee.

Aurora Antrim

Reappointed for a 4 year term commencing 14 August 2025 to 13 August 2029.

Aurora Antrim is an award-winning arts documentary filmmaker who, as Aurora Gunn, spent many years working on The South Bank Show for ITV and Sky making films on subjects ranging from Shakespeare to Tracey Emin to Herbie Hancock.

Aurora has over 20 years’ experience managing an historic landscape, with a focus on income diversification and sustainability, while overseeing the running of the Glenarm Castle estate in Northern Ireland. Her horticultural experience includes the complete restoration and replanting of an historic walled garden which won, by public vote, the Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award in 2023.

This is Aurora’s second term on the Board of The Royal Parks where she serves on the HR Committee. She also sits on The Regent’s Park Store Yard Programme Board, responsible for the creation of a brand new garden in The Regent’s Park due to open in 2026.

Jane Hurst

Reappointed for a 4 year term commencing 14 August 2025 to 13 August 2029.

Jane is a Chartered Accountant and currently CFO of a health tech business. Prior to this she was a partner in KPMG UK with 20 years’ experience of complex restructuring, performance improvement and turnaround. She has worked in a wide range of businesses- from the very large and global to the very small. She has also supported multiple public sector entities undergoing change.

Jane has been a trustee at the Royal Parks for four years, she chairs the Audit and Risk Committee and is a member of the Investment Committee.

Bronwyn Hill CBE

Second term extended for 9 months from 15 June 2025 to 14 March 2026.

As Permanent Secretary at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs from 2011 to 2015, Bronwyn led a complex organisation through transformational change and a series of crises, including the 2012-13 flooding. A CBE for transport services was in recognition of her contribution to national transport strategy, major projects and transport in London.

Her interest in the environment and the importance of green spaces for people led to her joining The Royal Parks Board. Bronwyn contributed to its transformation into a successful charity, and on projects like Greenwich Park Revealed which has restored the historic landscape, created a new education space and welcomes more people to events and activities in the park.

Remuneration and Governance Code

Trustees of The Royal Parks are not remunerated. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments.

The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Aurora Antrim, Bronwyn Hill and Jane Hurst have not declared any significant political activity.

July 16, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK reaffirms unwavering support for Ukraine and welcomes vital US contribution – UK Statement to the OSCE [July 2025]

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

UK Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer, says the UK, alongside the US and international partners, remains committed to providing the economic, diplomatic, and military tools Ukraine needs to defend itself.

Madame Chair, the United Kingdom reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine as it continues to defend its people and sovereignty against the Russian government’s escalating campaign of aggression. We remain resolute in our commitment to ensuring Ukraine has the tools and support it needs to prevail – diplomatically, economically, and militarily.

The urgency of this support was underscored by the most recent Russian attacks. On the night of 11-12 July, Russia launched 597 drones and 26 cruise missiles across Ukraine in a 10-hour assault. The attacks killed at least two civilians and injured over 20 others, with damage reported from Kharkiv to Lviv. Just days earlier, Kyiv endured a combined drone, ballistic, and cruise missile strike that damaged six districts and left multiple civilians injured.

These attacks mark a grim trend. Eight of the largest attacks of the war have been launched by Russia in the last two months. Russia launched ten times more missile and drone strikes in June 2025 than in June 2024. The impact on civilians has been appalling. According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), June 2025 saw the highest civilian toll since the war began, with 232 killed and 1,343 injured, driven by a surge in long-range missile and drone strikes reaching far beyond the front lines. From December to May, the UN estimates that civilian casualties increased by 37% from the same period the previous year. Even more horrific is the alleged use of drones armed with enhanced warheads containing up to 90kg of metal shrapnel, designed to maximise civilian casualties. As President Zelenskiiy’s aide Andrii Yermak warned, the alleged use of these shrapnel-packed warheads marks an appalling new chapter in the war.

The growing frequency and intensity of these attacks underscore the urgent need for enhanced air defence support for Ukraine. We welcome President Trump’s decision to enable NATO Allies to purchase US military equipment vital for Ukraine to defend itself and protect civilians, including Patriot systems. The UK is pleased to be co-chairing, with Germany, a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting next week, to ensure that Ukraine gets the military support it needs to defend itself against Russia’s brutal attacks.

Finally, on 10 July, the United Kingdom was proud to co-chair the fourth meeting of the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ alongside President Macron, bringing together representatives from 38 countries, including over 30 heads of state and government. This gathering was a powerful demonstration of unity and a clear signal to Moscow that our support for Ukraine is enduring, coordinated, and intensifying. We welcome the presence of a US delegation at the meeting for the first time, and President Trump’s announcement that the US will impose sanctions if a peace deal is not reached in 50 days. We call upon the Russian Federation to abandon their maximalist objectives in Ukraine, agree to a full and unconditional ceasefire as Ukraine did five months ago, and engage in meaningful peace talks. Together with our partners we will continue to ratchet up the pressure on Russia until a just and lasting peace is reached.

The UK will continue to stand firm with our Allies and Partners, to ensure Ukraine’s defence, uphold international law and secure a future of peace and stability in Europe – principles enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act, including the inviolability of frontiers, territorial integrity of states, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Thank you, Madame Chair.

July 16, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Communities across the country to benefit from ‘innovation squads’ to re-build public services [July 2025]
The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 16 July 2025.

Working people across England are set to benefit from better public services, with ‘innovation squads’ sent in to back community ideas and work with the frontline as part of a £100 million ‘Test, Learn and Grow’ reform programme.
- 10 communities across England will get ‘innovation squads’ as part of £100 million government reform programme to deliver the Plan for Change.
- Flagship reform will end ‘Whitehall knows best’ and focus on testing solutions directly in local areas with frontline workers and communities who know best.
- Policy officials, tech specialists and other experts will be deployed to directly test new ways of fixing some of the biggest local problems.
Working people across England are set to benefit from better public services, with ‘innovation squads’ sent in to back community ideas and work with the frontline as part of a £100 million ‘Test, Learn and Grow’ reform programme to deliver the Plan for Change.

The teams, deployed to the places from central government will work alongside local government and service users to tackle the biggest challenges directly affecting local communities and people.

Challenges the teams will look at will include increasing the uptake of Best Start Family Hubs to support parents and young children, establishing neighbourhood health services, better supporting children with special needs, getting more people into work, rolling out breakfast clubs, and tackling violence against women and girls.

The squads, working with tech specialists and other experts will have an explicit mandate to try new things and be creative, collaborating directly with frontline workers and people using services.

Cabinet Office Minister, Georgia Gould said:

For too long residents and frontline workers have had to navigate fragmented and underfunded public services, people feeling like they have to arm up to battle to get the support they need.

We are going to end this. The test, learn and grow programme will bring the centre of government out of Whitehall and into communities, working with those who deliver and use public services to solve problems together, as part of our Plan for Change. We will reform public services from the ground up so people always come first.

The programme is a flagship part of the government’s reform programme. Instead of trying to devise perfect solutions from Whitehall, the teams will work directly with affected communities to test out what works.

The ‘test and learn’ approach – outlined by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in December – will help tackle our biggest national challenges and make better policy across the board.

The approach has already been trialled successfully in four areas across England. Earlier this year, ‘innovation squads’ tested new ways to get more families through the door of local family hubs in Sheffield, resulting in many more local families using the hubs. In Liverpool they worked with the council to build an innovative data-led platform to manage temporary accommodation.

The news comes following the launch of a new partnership for the programme, working with external experts, academics and local authority networks to further enhance and spread learnings from the programme across the country.
July 16, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Air Marshal Harv Smyth appointed new Chief of the Air Staff [July 2025]

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

Air Marshal Harv Smyth will succeed Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton in August 2025.

The Defence Secretary John Healey has confirmed that His Majesty The King has approved the appointment of the new Chief of the Air Staff.

Air Marshal Harv Smyth will succeed Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton in August 2025. He joined the RAF in 1991 as a direct entrant and then spent 15 years as a frontline Harrier pilot and weapons instructor having flown hundreds of operational missions over Bosnia, Kosovo, Serbia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Since his promotion to Air Commodore in 2015, Air Marshal Smyth has held a range of command positions and is currently the Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff for Military Strategy and Operations.

The appointment comes at a transformative time for the RAF as it moves to warfighting readiness following the publication of the Strategic Defence Review, including the recent announcement that the UK will purchase 12 F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s nuclear mission as the government delivers greater security for working people through its Plan for Change.

The Chief of the Air Staff is responsible for the strategic planning and delivery of all Royal Air Force operations, people and capability. The position is accountable to the Secretary of State for Defence for the fighting effectiveness, efficiency and morale as well as the development and sustainment of the RAF.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP, said:

I warmly congratulate Air Marshal Harv Smyth on his appointment as Chief of the Air Staff. He has outstanding credentials to lead the RAF in a crucial period of transformation for the force.

Air Marshal Smyth has led a distinguished career to date. From spending 15 years as a frontline Harrier pilot and weapons instructor, to flying hundreds of operational missions from both land bases and aircraft carriers, to holding numerous vital command positions, he has served our nation loyally.

I would also like to recognise Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton’s superb leadership of the RAF over the last two years. I know he and Air Marshal Smyth will work together to deliver a landmark shift in our deterrence and defence.

The RAF is always globally deployed and ready to defend the nation. RAF pilots and aircrew are currently deployed on Operation SHADER to combat Daesh terrorists in Iraq and Syria, in Qatar as part of our joint Typhoon squadron, and in Eastern Europe as part of the NATO Enhanced Air Policing mission to deter Russia.

Incoming Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, said:

I am absolutely delighted that Air Marshal Harv Smyth has been selected as the next Chief of the Air Staff, and I have every confidence that he will lead the Royal Air Force brilliantly and make sure we are ready to fly and fight.

As I hand over to Air Marshal Smyth, I know that under his command the Royal Air Force will go from strength to strength to ensure that we are always ready to protect and promote our national interests on the world stage. I wish him every success and look forward to working with him in leadership of our Armed Forces.

This announcement comes following Sir Rich Knighton’s promotion to Chief of the Defence Staff, a role he will take up in September.

Air Marshal Harv Smyth, said:

I am deeply honoured to have been selected as the next Chief of the Air Staff at such an important time for the Royal Air Force. The Strategic Defence Review makes clear the need for us to rapidly evolve and modernise to meet current and future threats and I am enormously proud to lead the Service at such a crucial point in our history.

I take over from Sir Rich Knighton, who has achieved so much over the past two years, preparing the Royal Air Force for the challenges that we currently face and developing the operational mindset that we need, should we transition to conflict. I share in his unwavering support for our people and am delighted to have this opportunity to lead our Whole Force as we deliver outstanding Air and Space Power for the UK and NATO.

July 16, 2025