The press release issued by OFCOM on 5 January 2026.
We are aware of serious concerns raised about a feature on Grok on X that produces undressed images of people and sexualised images of children.
We have made urgent contact with X and xAI to understand what steps they have taken to comply with their legal duties to protect users in the UK. Based on their response we will undertake a swift assessment to determine whether there are potential compliance issues that warrant investigation.
The comments made by Kemi Badenoch, the Leader of the Opposition, on 5 January 2026.
Labour should scrap the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.
Our veterans are being treated “worse than terrorists”. That damning indictment is not from me as Leader of the Opposition, but from Labour’s own Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner.
The statement made by Eluned Morgan, the Welsh First Minister, on 3 January 2026.
The ongoing situation in Venezuela is deeply concerning. Like many around the world, people in Wales are following events closely and our thoughts are with those affected.
As the Prime Minister has made clear, the UK was not involved in the US military action. The priority now must be de escalation, the protection of civilian life and renewed efforts through diplomacy and international institutions, in line with international law.
There is widespread hope for a path to dialogue, democracy and peace. The Venezuelan people deserve a future built on their own democratic choices.
The statement made by John Swinney, the Scottish First Minister, on 3 January 2026.
I am deeply concerned at the events we have witnessed unfold in Venezuela over the course of today. The Maduro regime is without doubt illegitimate and authoritarian but it is absolutely essential that all nations act within the international rules based system.
The international community must now ensure that de-escalation, diplomacy and democracy are the foundations of what follows the events of the last few hours.
The statement made by Ed Davey, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, on 3 January 2026.
Keir Starmer should condemn Trump’s illegal action in Venezuela.
Maduro is a brutal and illegitimate dictator, but unlawful attacks like this make us all less safe.
Trump is giving a green light to the likes of Putin and Xi to attack other countries with impunity.
The statement made by Kemi Badenoch, the Leader of the Opposition, on 2 January 2026.
The brave Iranians on the streets protesting against their despotic and oppressive government are a beacon of hope for us all.
The Iranian regime denies its own people basic liberties while exporting terrorism and instability beyond its borders, threatening the UK and our allies.
We stand with those risking everything for freedom.
The statement made by Priti Patel, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, on 3 January 2026.
We have always strongly condemned Maduro’s brutal and repressive regime and the Conservative Government did not consider Maduro’s administration as legitimate. Nobody will shed tears over him no longer being in power.
We await the full facts about the US operation which has removed Maduro and we want to see the Venezuelan people enjoy democratic norms and freedoms.
This is clearly a very serious geopolitical moment.
The statement made by Kemi Badenoch, the Leader of the Opposition, on 3 January 2026.
There’s a lot of noise from people who couldn’t find Venezuela on a map yesterday.
This is clearly a fast-moving and extremely serious situation. I am not going to rush to judgement or speculate on incomplete reports.
I’m more interested in what Venezuelans risking their lives for democracy have to say.
The UK’s responsibility is to understand the facts, assess where our national interest lies and consider the consequences for Venezuela’s people and for regional and global stability.
It is not for us to second guess from afar the motives and evidence behind these events. Let’s hear what President Trump has to say shortly. I will also be watching closely what is said by Venezuela’s democratic opposition.
The speech made by Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, on 19 December 2025.
Good evening.
We all share one clear goal.
A just and lasting peace for Ukraine.
So we gathered with a clear objective:
To address Ukraine’s pressing financing needs for the next two years.
And I am very pleased to say: we made it.
We have secured an agreement to deliver on the financing needs for Ukraine for the next two years.
As you know the Commission had proposed two solutions.
Both legally sound.
Both technically feasible.
On the one hand, we proposed EU borrowing on the market.
And on the other hand, we have developed the Reparations Loan.
Last week already, we sent a clear and strong political message by immobilising Russian assets in the EU over the long term.
And building on that, we agreed to find a solution for the financing of Ukraine for the next two years.
Member States have agreed to finance Ukraine through EU borrowing on the capital markets.
For an amount of EUR 90 billion for the next two years.
We will do this by way of enhanced cooperation that is backed by the EU budget headroom.
And based on a unanimous agreement to amend the MFF.
Similarly to the Reparations Loan, very important, Ukraine would only need to pay back the loan once it receives reparations.
Until then, the assets will remain immobilised.
And the Union reserves its right to make use of the cash balances to finance the loan.
This is the solution we found together.
And as discussed in the last weeks, financing Ukraine beyond 2027 will be part of the next MFF discussion.
The EU’s next budget was also on the agenda.
The Danish Presidency has done a remarkable work.
Today, it was mostly about architecture and calendar.
We need a budget that is faster, simpler and more flexible.
A budget that will ensure Europe’s capacity to meet the demands of a world of crises as demonstrated again today for the financing of Ukraine.
Finally, we agreed on the sense of urgency, and the intense work ahead with the Cypriot Presidency.
We then moved on to the discussion on geoeconomics, including on the Mercosur agreement.
This evening, we have achieved a breakthrough to pave the way for a successful completion of the agreement in January.
We need a few extra weeks to address some issues with Member States.
We have reached out to our Mercosur partners and agreed to postpone slightly the signature.
This deal is of crucial importance for Europe – economically, diplomatically and geopolitically.
It opens new trade and economic opportunities for all our Member States.
With additional checks and safeguards, we have built in all necessary protections for our farmers and our consumers.
In a year dominated by news of rising tariffs and new trade restrictions, the positive impact of this pact matters – not just for our two regions, but for the global economy.
Finally, Mette, I want to praise the Danish Presidency.
In just six months, you delivered impressive results.
41 files were concluded and negotiating mandates secured on 17 more.
You ensured the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine, with the adoption of the 18th and 19th sanctions packages.
As well as the swift agreement on the immobilisation of the Russian assets last week.
Together we made history with the agreement on REPowerEU – our roadmap to full energy independence from Russia. And with the 2040 Climate target.
Thanks to your work on migration, we were able to effectively kick-start the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum.
Notably with the progress on the Return and Safe countries of origin legislation – just agreed.
You also strengthened Europe’s defence by securing a much awaited agreement on the European Defence Industry Programme, EDIP, and the Defence Omnibus.
And you made significant progress on simplification, with agreement on several omnibuses, making life easier for companies across Europe.
Last but not least, you successfully steered the initial work on the next EU budget.
So you laid a very solid foundation for the presidencies to come.
These achievements speak volumes about your leadership and commitment to the European project.
Many thanks for that.
The statement made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 2 January 2026.
Dear Ukrainians!
Today, we have begun a substantial overhaul – internal changes to make Ukraine more resilient. Last year, there were good results from state institutions that need to be scaled up, as well as problems that should not carry over into the new year. Therefore, a wave of personnel changes is underway, and more decisions will follow regarding institutions.
First, Kyrylo Budanov has been appointed Head of the Office of the President. Kyrylo’s experience and strength are enough to steer the Office’s work toward security matters and the negotiation process exactly as needed.
Second, Oleh Ivashchenko will head the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine of the Ministry of Defense. He previously served in the Defense Intelligence and led Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service – a highly qualified professional. A decision regarding the Foreign Intelligence Service will follow soon.
Third, there will be a new Head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, and I am awaiting nominations from the Minister of Internal Affairs for appointment. We discussed changes with Serhii Deineko and with Ihor Klymenko – new approaches will be introduced in managing the Border Guard Service.
Fourth, I have instructed the preparation of a presidential draft law to update the State Bureau of Investigation. There are things that should be changed. I expect the draft law in January for submission to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Government officials and the Office must jointly prepare proposals regarding the State Bureau of Investigation.
Fifth, Deputy Head of the Office of the President Pavlo Palisa, who himself commanded combat units, will, in the coming days, communicate with our combat brigades to determine which decisions can strengthen Ukraine’s positions. There will also be changes in military training. Training must learn the lessons of this war directly from the front, and everyone who trains Ukrainian warriors must understand firsthand what war truly is.
I have also decided to change the working format of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. I have proposed to Mykhailo Fedorov that he become the new Minister of Defense of Ukraine. Mykhailo is deeply involved in the issues related to the Drone Line and works very effectively on digitalizing public services and processes. Together with all our military, the army command, national weapons producers, and Ukraine’s partners, we must implement defense-sector changes that will be of help. Everything rests on the resilience of Ukrainians. And our resilience must have the necessary weapons, the necessary energy, the necessary finances, the necessary politics, and the necessary support of institutions. Denys Shmyhal remains part of our team – Ukraine’s team – and I am grateful to him for his systematic work for our state. Last year, the Ministry of Defense delivered solid results; in particular, by December, the task on producing interceptor drones had been fulfilled, with production exceeding 1,000 units per day. We are working to increase the number of trained crews. There were plenty of other tasks like this as well. Mykhailo Fedorov will be able to implement all of this and add technological efficiency. I have proposed that Denys Shmyhal lead another direction in government work – equally important for our resilience.
Tomorrow, we will continue the changes. Further decisions will follow.
And tomorrow, there will also be a meeting at the level of National Security Advisors – Europe plus the United States. Thank you to everyone who is helping!
Glory to Ukraine!