The comments made by Kemi Badenoch, the Leader of the Opposition, on 16 June 2026.
This is total madness from another unaccountable quango. The government must overrule Natural England and stop it immediately.
Keir Starmer is on his way to making his last acts in office the shameful underfunding of our military and the mass slaughter of Dartmoor ponies.
The comments made by Kemi Badenoch, the Leader of the Opposition, on 15 June 2026.
Keir Starmer and I disagree on many things, but good people across the political spectrum will welcome today’s verdicts, condemn these appalling attacks which seem to have been sponsored by Russia, and wish the PM and his family well.
Whatever our political differences, no one should face intimidation, threats or attacks because they hold public office.
Democracy is settled at the ballot box, not through fear or violence and definitely not through foreign interference from hostile countries.
The comments made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 16 June 2026.
Today I’ve agreed with the European Council President that we will hold the second UK-EU summit on 22 July. My Labour Government is delivering on our promise to reset our relationship and put Britain at the heart of Europe. Together we will tackle the cost of living, boost jobs and create opportunities for young people.
The comments made by Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, on 16 June 2026.
Today marks 10 years since the murder of Jo Cox. My thoughts today are with her beautiful family and her many friends.
I remember Jo as a fearless campaigner, and a passionate voice for the people of Batley and Spen.
In her maiden speech, she gave us those famous words that we will never forget: “we have far more in common than that which divides us”.
Her words are more important now than they were even then.
Political violence, and any attempt to harm those in public life, can never be tolerated.
We owe it to Jo’s memory to ensure that anyone, from any background, can step forward to serve without fear.
The comments made by Bridget Phillipson, the Secretary of State for Education, on 16 June 2026.
The Gestapo marched hundreds of thousands of innocent people to their deaths.
I’ve ended private schools’ tax breaks to invest in state schools.
No responsible leader makes vile comparisons like this. Kemi Badenoch is not fit to be Prime Minister.
The comments made by Zarah Sultana on 16 June 2026.
What’s wrong with the local comprehensive?
If state schools are good enough for everyone else, why not the future king?
Meanwhile, we’re expected to keep footing the bill.
One rule for them. Another for us.
Abolish the monarchy.
The comments made by Hamish Falconer, the Minister for the Middle East, on 16 June 2026.
The news of a US-Iran deal is a hugely significant moment and I am pleased to convey my personal thanks, and that of the UK, to Pakistan during my visit here in Islamabad. Pakistan has played a critical role in brokering this opportunity for regional stability and we stand ready to work together to support a path to lasting peace.
The UK-Pakistan partnership is critical for safeguarding global, regional and UK national security – working closely together to tackle terrorist threats, visa fraud and serious organised crime.
We are taking this partnership and our co-operation to a new level, with additional funding to deter illegal migration and target drivers from the source.
We remain grateful for the role Pakistan has played in facilitating negotiations. The UK and our partners will continue to work together to see the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
![PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Switzerland – Olivia Ricketts [June 2026]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/newfco-150x150.png)
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 June 2026.
Ms Olivia Ricketts has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Swiss Confederation and His Majesty’s non-resident Ambassador to the Principality of Liechtenstein in succession to Mr James Squire. Ms Ricketts will take up her appointment during January 2027.
Full name: Olivia Hope Ricketts
| Year | Role |
|---|---|
| 2026 | FCDO, Full time language training (German) |
| 2025 | DSIT, Director, International and Economic Security |
| 2023 to 2025 | FCDO, Deputy Director, Science & Technology |
| 2019 to 2023 | FCDO, Geneva, Political Counsellor to the UN and WTO |
| 2019 | FCO, Full time language training (French) |
| 2016 to 2019 | FCO, Head of Section, Middle East political |
| 2002 to 2016 | Mars, L’Oreal, Lego |
| 1999 to 2002 | University of Oxford, MA (Hons) Politics, Philosophy and Economics |
The comments made by Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, on 16 June 2026.
As the Kremlin resorts to ever more shady tactics to sustain its war, from its ageing shadow fleet to covert finance networks, the UK remains one step ahead in shutting them down.
These sanctions strike at the heart of these murky efforts, to starve Putin’s war machine and defend Britain’s security.
Shoulder to shoulder with our G7 partners, the UK will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.
The comments made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 16 June 2026.
These sanctions target the vessels, the money and the actors propping up Russia’s war economy, and in turn, threatening European security.
Working with our G7 allies, we will continue to increase the pressure in Putin and his circle of collaborators until Russia’s war machine is brought to a halt and peace returns to our continent.