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PRESS RELEASE : Kier Pritchard announced as Ministry of Defence Police Chief Constable [January 2026]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 26 January 2026.

Lucy Bogue, Director SJC GUARDIAN, has announced the appointment of Kier Pritchard as Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) Chief Constable following an open selection process.

Kier joined the MDP in September 2023 as Deputy Chief Constable, following an exemplary career with Wiltshire Police, and in September 2025 he stepped into the role of Interim Chief Constable. He has already made a significant impact, emphasising the critical importance of the MDP amid an increasingly unpredictable global landscape and is committed to ensuring the force is recognised as the vital national asset it truly is.

With the force continuing its programme of modernisation and improvement, it is vital to maintain continuity of force command and leadership and therefore several temporary promotions have been granted, until substantive selection processes are finalised: Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dobinson has stepped up to Interim Deputy Chief Constable, and Chief Superintendent Sarah Johnson has stepped up to Interim Assistant Chief Constable. They will continue to support CC Pritchard and the MDP in the collective mission to protect the nation’s defences and national infrastructure.

Commenting on the appointments, Lucy Bogue, Director SJC GUARDIAN, said:

I am delighted that Kier has been appointed to the position of Chief Constable. Kier is well placed to lead the Force, who provide unique specialist policing, and support Defence to mitigate the complex and evolving threats that we, and the UK face. I look forward to working with him as Chief Constable.

Kier Pritchard said:

I am incredibly honoured to step into the role of Chief Constable. We are operating at a time of heightened global tension, from hostile acts and insider threats to protestor incursions and community unrest. The spotlight is on us. I have every confidence that MDP will continue to rise to these challenges with professionalism, courage, and unity. I look forward to working with, and leading, our dedicated officers and civilian colleagues through this vital next chapter, where together we will further modernise our force to protect Defence.

January 27, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Baroness Barbara Young of Old Scone appointed as Forestry Commission Chair [January 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 26 January 2026.

The new Chair will continue to drive the Forestry Commission’s efforts to protect and expand England’s trees, woodlands and forests for future generations.

By Royal Warrant, His Majesty King Charles III has today (Monday 26 January) appointed Baroness Barbara Young of Old Scone as the new Chair of the Forestry Commission.

The announcement comes as Sir William Worsley’s tenure as Chair ends after six years in post. Baroness Young has been appointed for a four-year term, commencing on 10 February 2026.

The new Chair will bring extensive leadership experience across environmental protection, land management, regulation and public service to the role. Under her leadership, the Forestry Commission will continue its work to deliver a resilient and sustainable future for England’s trees, woodlands and forests.

Baroness Barbara Young of Old Scone said:

It will be a great privilege to join the Forestry Commission team at a time when the importance of trees, woods and forests for the economy, local communities, resilience and security, climate change, biodiversity, and human health and wellbeing is great and growing.

The Forestry Commission has a huge contribution to make and I look forward to helping take that forward.

Minister for Nature, Mary Creagh said:

Baroness Young brings a wealth of experience in environmental protection and land management to this vital role. She is therefore ideally placed to champion England’s trees, woodlands and forests, and I look forward to working with her to help restore our natural environment.

I’d also like to thank Sir William Worsley for his service and dedication throughout his tenure.

Richard Stanford, Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, said:

I’m pleased to welcome our new Chair, Baroness Barbara Young, who brings a wealth of experience from her distinguished background in the environmental sector. I’m excited to work with Barbara to deliver our strategy of helping to tackle some of society’s biggest challenges with thriving trees, woods and forests.

I would also like to acknowledge the fantastic contribution of our outgoing Chair, Sir William Worsley. William’s leadership has been instrumental in driving the growth of the Commission in recent years and building strong foundations for the future.

Sir William Worsley, outgoing Chair of the Forestry Commission, said:

It has been a great honour to serve as Chair of the Forestry Commission. Together with dedicated colleagues, we have strengthened the organisation and helped lay firm foundations for the future of our nation’s trees, woods and forests.

As I step down, I am delighted to welcome Baroness Young as the new Chair. Her deep experience and commitment to the environment will serve the Commission exceptionally well.

As Chair of the Woodland Trust from 2016 to 2024, Baroness Young led the organisation through a period of significant growth and impact, expanding woodland creation and the protection and restoration of ancient woodland across the UK.

This appointment has been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process, nor is a bar to appointment. Baroness Young has been a Labour Life Peer in the House of Lords since 1997 and has canvassed locally for the Labour Party.

Biography
- Barbara Young, Baroness Young of Old Scone, is one of the UK’s most experienced public service leaders, with a distinguished career as both chief executive and chair of large, complex public and not-for-profit organisations, many operating in regulated, competitive and commercial environments.
- She is currently Chair of the Labour Climate and Environment Forum, an independent organisation working with senior leaders across the Parliamentary Labour Party to strengthen climate and environmental ambition and coherence across the Labour movement. She has particular interests in agriculture, land use, trees, forestry, climate change and regulation.
- She has held numerous senior leadership roles, including Chair of English Nature (1998-2000), Vice Chair of the BBC (1998-2000), Chief Executive of the Environment Agency (2000-2008), Chair of the Care Quality Commission (2008-2009) and Chair of the Royal Veterinary College (2019-2025), She has also served as Chief Executive of Diabetes UK and as Chancellor of Cranfield University.
- She holds an MA (Honours) in Classics from the University of Edinburgh, is a Chartered Environmentalist, and has received numerous honorary degrees and fellowships in recognition of her contribution to public life, environmental protection and education.
- Headshot attached.
The Forestry Commission
- The Forestry Commission is the non-ministerial government department responsible for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woodlands.
- Established a century ago, the Forestry Commission works with two agencies: Forestry England, which manages the Public Forest Estate, and Forest Research, the principal organisation for forestry and tree-related research.
January 27, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : UK and Europe sign historic pact to drive clean energy future [January 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 26 January 2026.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband signs a historic clean energy security pact.
- Energy Secretary signs historic clean energy security pact – the Hamburg Declaration – with European leaders at the North Sea Summit in Hamburg to deliver major offshore wind projects in shared waters
- In an increasingly unstable world, UK and EU allies double down on clean power as route to energy sovereignty and abundance, protecting the British people and strengthening national security
- New partnership signed to secure 100 GW of joint offshore wind projects – powering homes and businesses across the continent – built jointly between UK and EU companies
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has today (Monday 26 January) signed a historic clean energy security pact – the Hamburg Declaration – with European allies to bolster energy security for families and businesses across the UK and Europe, in an era of global instability.

The deal will drive forward an unprecedented fleet of joint offshore wind projects between European countries, including Germany, Norway, France and Denmark, taking advantage of Europe’s shared abundant energy in the North Sea.

The UK and Europe stand together amid global headwinds, to reaffirm their commitment to clean, secure energy as the only route to escape the fossil fuel rollercoaster. The summit comes after the UK delivered a record-breaking offshore wind auction, unlocking 7,000 jobs and driving £22 billion of private sector investment into the UK’s factories and ports.

Three years ago, North Sea countries pledged to build 300 GW of offshore wind in the North Sea by 2050, in response to Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and weaponisation of Europe’s energy supplies.

The deal agreed today means, for the first time, North Sea countries have agreed to deliver 100 GW of this offshore wind power through joint clean‑energy projects. These will include new ‘offshore wind hybrid assets’ — wind farms at sea that are directly connected to more than one country through interconnectors. This joint commitment is set out in the ‘Hamburg Declaration’, agreed today at the Future of the North Seas Summit.

The Energy Secretary met European leaders to push forward plans to transform the North Sea into the world’s largest ‘clean energy reservoir’. The major summit brings together European leaders in Germany, France, Belgium, Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark and Norway.

Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, said:

We are standing up for our national interest by driving for clean energy, which can get the UK off the fossil fuel rollercoaster and give us energy sovereignty and abundance.

After our record renewables auction, we today went further by signing a clean energy security pact with European allies to ensure we maximise the clean energy potential for the North Sea.

Industry are expected to respond to the pledge by unveiling ambitious plans for new projects. Interconnectors are crucial to Europe’s energy security, enabling countries in the North Sea to send clean power to where it’s needed most and end Europe’s reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets controlled by petrostates and dictators.

The UK is leading the way on the pledge, earlier this month the delivery of its record-breaking auction secured 8.4 GW of offshore wind – the biggest ever auction in European history. This includes projects in the North Sea, setting a powerful example to European partners.

Further key outcomes expected from the summit include:
- Interconnected offshore grid – the Energy Secretary signing a statement of intent with Germany, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands to unlock cross-border offshore electricity projects, focusing on joint planning, cost-sharing and market arrangements to speed up delivery
- Offshore Hybrid Assets – The UK agreeing a framework to deepen German and UK collaboration on offshore hybrid assets. These are advanced subsea energy infrastructure that combine offshore wind farm connections with electricity interconnectors. This would put UK firms at forefront of grid technology, unlocking export opportunities and boosting growth
Ben Wilson, President of National Grid Ventures, said:

Today is a step towards a more integrated energy system in the North Seas. LionLink and projects like those being announced today are important for maximising the efficient use of resources, reducing costs, and minimising the impact on coastal communities. Collaboration on projects like these are key to delivering on more secure, affordable energy for British and European consumers.

Dhara Vyas, Chief Executive of Energy UK, said:

The UK’s energy sector is fully behind the landmark efforts to be announced at the Hamburg North Sea Summit to transform the North Sea into a truly regional clean power hub. Delivering the goal of 100 GW of offshore cooperation projects by 2050 will require a relentless focus on maintaining the momentum of UK-EU alignment on electricity market coupling and ETS linkage.

This deeper cooperation on supply chains, standardisation, and shared infrastructure is not just a strategic necessity, it is the most effective way to bring down energy costs for households and businesses while fuelling sustainable economic growth and high-value jobs for years to come.

Jane Cooper, Deputy Chief Executive of RenewableUK, said:

This ambitious announcement to build a vast number of new offshore wind farms jointly with our European partners will increase the energy security of the UK and the whole of the North Sea region significantly. This historic declaration puts offshore wind right at the heart of Europe’s power system, with the UK leading the way.

We are strengthening our security collaboration to ensure the North Sea’s critical energy infrastructure is protected from harm, so that we can continue to generate the huge quantities of clean power needed by the UK and our neighbours reliably at all times.

William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 

It is essential for the UK’s energy security and economic growth that we co-operate more closely with our European allies to realise the full potential of the North Sea. 

The commitments set out in the Hamburg Declaration will deliver on that, allowing our businesses to work on joint projects on renewables, interconnectors and other vital energy infrastructure. The momentum from today’s Summit and Business Conference needs to be kept up.

Enrique Cornejo, Energy Policy Director, Offshore Energies UK, said:

In an increasingly volatile world, this deal sets ambitious targets for UK and European offshore wind collaboration. 100 GW from such joint projects would become a major part of our shared North Sea energy mix, which will include oil, gas and also hydrogen for decades to come. Affordable and secure energy is key to the UK’s future and to those of our European partners. The future of the North Sea is in our hands.

Gus Jaspert, Managing Director, Marine at The Crown Estate, said:

The UK’s offshore wind sector is a national success story and an engine of economic growth. It attracts billions in investment, supports tens of thousands of jobs across the country and each new turbine built boosts our energy security.

As such we welcome opportunities for the UK to utilise its world-leading experience in offshore wind and work closely with international partners in the North Sea to collectively drive clean energy generation and enable greater energy security at a time of geopolitical uncertainty.
January 27, 2026
António Costa – 2026 Statement on the EU/India Trade Deal
The statement made by António Costa, the President of the European Council, on 27 January 2026.

Thank you dear Prime Minister Modi, for welcoming us on this special occasion. We were privileged yesterday to be your Chief Guests for the Republic Day celebrations, such an impressive display of India’s capabilities and diversity.

Today is a historic moment. We are opening a new chapter in our relations – on trade, on security, on people to people ties.

I am the President of the European Council but I am also an overseas Indian citizen. Then, as you can imagine, for me, it has a special meaning. I am very proud of my roots in Goa, where my father’s family came from. The connection between Europe and India is something personal to me. Also because we conclude today our trade negotiations we relaunched at the Leaders’ meeting that I had the pleasure to host, in May 2021, in my previous capacity.

Our summit sends a clear message to the world: at a time when the global order is being fundamentally reshaped, the European Union and India stand together as strategic and reliable partners.

Today, we are taking our partnership to the next level. As the two largest democracies in the world, we are working hand in hand:
- to deliver concrete benefits for our citizens; and
- to shape a resilient global order that underpins peace and stability, economic growth, and sustainable development.
I would like to share three messages.

First: the European Union and India must work together towards our shared prosperity and security. India is the world’s fastest-growing major economy.

Trade has flowed between our two continents for centuries. Trade is a crucial geopolitical stabiliser. And a fundamental source of economic growth. Trade agreements reinforce rules-based economic order and promote shared prosperity.

That’s why today’s Free Trade Agreement is of historic importance. One of the most ambitious agreements ever concluded. Creating a market of two billion people. In a multipolar world, the European Union and India are working together to grow spheres of shared prosperity.

But prosperity does not exist without security:
- strengthening our cooperation to better protect our citizens and our shared interests;
- working together to counter the full range of security threats we face, in the Indo-Pacific, in Europe and around the world;
- reaching a new level of strategic trust between us.
That is the significance of our agreement on a Security and Defence Partnership. The first such overarching defence and security framework between India and the European Union. And the first step towards even more ambitious cooperation in the future.

This brings me to my second message: as the world’s largest democracies and champions of multilateralism, the European Union and India share the responsibility of upholding international law, with the United Nations Charter at its core.

Earlier this morning, we had the opportunity to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. And I reflected upon his words which still hold true today: “Peace will not come out of a clash of arms but out of justice lived and done by unarmed nations in the face of odds.”

Our summit reaffirmed our commitment to supporting efforts towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. One that fully respects Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

This is a key moment. We are supporting all efforts to reach a just and sustainable peace. Ukraine has shown its readiness, including at the cost of difficult compromises. I know, dear Prime Minister, that we can count on you to help create the conditions for peace, through dialogue and diplomacy.

And this is my final message: together we must show leadership on global issues. Cooperation between the European Union and India will help shape a more balanced, resilient, and inclusive global order.

Just two examples: I am proud of the commitments we are making for greater cooperation on clean energy, green transition, and climate resilience. And our collaboration through the Global Gateway and on the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor is decisive for global connectivity.

By implementing the ambitious Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda towards 2030, we will align our priorities with concrete actions for the next five years: delivering real benefits to our citizens.

Today, we have tangible progress and set an example of cooperative leadership on global issues. With:
- our Free Trade Agreement;
- our Security and Defence Partnership; and
- our Joint Strategic Agenda for 2030.
These outcomes are a crucial milestone on a longer path. We look forward to continuing the journey. Together, as always.

Thank you very much.
January 27, 2026
NEWS STORY : EU and India Seal Historic Trade Deal

STORY

The European Union and India have concluded negotiations for a free trade agreement on 27 January 2026, ending an 18-year period of discussions that began in 2007. The agreement establishes a trade zone covering two billion people and representing approximately 25% of global GDP. It is expected to enter into force in early 2027 following legal review and parliamentary ratification. The pact aims to remove or reduce duties on over 90% of EU goods exported to India, with projected annual duty savings for EU exporters of up to €4 billion.

Under the terms of the deal, India will reduce import duties on European automobiles from 110% to 10% for an annual quota of 250,000 vehicles. Tariffs on European wines, currently at 150%, will drop to 75% upon implementation and eventually reach 20% for premium ranges. Other significant reductions include spirits (cut to 40%), beer (cut to 50%) and the elimination of duties on machinery, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. In exchange, the EU will provide zero-duty access for over 99% of Indian exports by value, benefiting sectors such as textiles, leather, gems and jewellery.

The agreement includes provisions beyond trade in goods, such as a dedicated chapter for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and enhanced intellectual property protections. It also outlines €500 million in EU support over the next two years to assist India in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticised the timing of the deal, noting that the United States maintains 25% tariffs on India for its continued purchase of Russian oil. Despite these external tensions, the agreement is projected to double the value of EU-India trade by 2032.

January 27, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Costa of the European Council [January 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 January 2026.

The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the European Council António Costa this evening.

Discussing events of recent days, he reiterated his position that the future of Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark alone.

He reiterated that the UK is prepared to play its part to protect Arctic security, alongside NATO.

They agreed on the fundamental importance of continued defence and security co-operation in these volatile times.

January 26, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto [January 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 January 2026.

The Prime Minister hosted the President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto at Downing Street today.

The leaders welcomed the strong progress on the Strategic Partnership between the UK and Indonesia, which they had committed to pursuing in 2024 and formally agreed today.

It was a clear example of how the UK and Indonesia’s relationship continued to go from strength to strength, and deliver for people in both countries, the Prime Minister said.

The £4 billion Maritime Partnership Programme agreed between the UK and Indonesia in November underlined that, supporting thousands of jobs in Rosyth, Bristol and Devonport, and across Indonesia, while also boosting regional and food security, the leaders agreed.

Both leaders also welcomed the strong education links being formed between the two countries.

Turning to international affairs, the leaders discussed the situation in Gaza and their strong continued support for a two state solution.

They looked forward to speaking again soon.

January 26, 2026
Liz Lloyd – 2026 Speech on Software Security and Cyber Resilience

The speech made by Liz Lloyd, the Minister for the Digital Economy, in London on 15 January 2026.

On the 19  of September, a ransomware attack hit a major software supplier used by airports across Europe.

Overnight, checks and systems failed, flights were delayed, staff were forced back to pen and paper.

Thousands of people, families, workers and travellers were left stranded. It wasn’t an attack on any airport directly.

It was an attack on a software supplier, a single weak point rippled across a whole sector.

Incidents like this are becoming more common.

In the UK, 43% of businesses have experienced a cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. We estimate that cyber breaches cost the UK about £15 billion a year – around 0.5% of GDP.  

And while the digital economy, especially AI, offers huge opportunities for growth across many sectors in the economy, none of that potential can be realised without confidence.

People need to trust the systems they use right now, but they still hesitate.

They worry about how their data is handled and whether the technologies they rely on are secure.

So software security isn’t just technical. It’s a commercial imperative. And trust is what unlocks growth.

Government’s first duty is to keep citizens safe. By securing our technologies, we protect citizens, their businesses, the economy.

Strong cyber security and supply chain security underpin enterprise, prosperity, and jobs.

That’s why we must do everything we can to protect against these attacks, and support our brilliant tech companies, so they can get on with what they do best.  

We’re starting in a good place.   

The UK has some of the strongest cyber defences globally.    

 We have fast-growing clusters of expertise in Cheltenham and Manchester, as well as Belfast and Scotland’s cyber cluster that spreads across several Scottish cities.

 And our cyber sector is the third largest in the world – achieving double-digit growth, year on year.   

As a government, we also know we must do our part.    

Backed by over £210 million, the Government Cyber Action Plan published last week sets out how the government will rise to meet the growing range of online threats.

This will improve digital resilience across the public sector.

And as we strengthen government’s defences, we are also setting clear expectations for industry.

The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill will ensure that our critical national infrastructure is protected.

 In October, we wrote to FTSE 350 companies, urging them to strengthen their defences – adopting things like our ‘Cyber Essentials’ certification.  

This was followed by a similar letter to entrepreneurs and small businesses, in November, with bespoke advice for smaller teams.   

We know these things work: organisations that adopt ‘Cyber Essentials’ are 92% less likely to claim on cyber insurance than those who don’t.    

We have also worked closely with industry to identify the minimum actions to secure the technology that our economy relies on.  

This includes working hand-in-glove with the NCSC [National Cyber Security Centre], UK companies, and international counterparts to develop policies that set a global standard for technology security.   

For example, the UK’s AI Cyber Security Code of Practice has been developed into a global standard through the European Telecommunication Standards Institute.   

This follows in the footsteps of the PSTI ACT: world leading legislation to ensure consumer devices secure by design that came into force in 2024.   

But we cannot rest where we are.

The threat landscape is evolving rapidly, and adversaries are becoming more sophisticated with attacks on software. 

Software now underpins almost every critical service in our economy, from healthcare, to transport, to national security. So it’s fundamental to our resilience and public trust.

To start to address this, the Department [for Science, Innovation and Technology] and the NCSC published the Software Security Code of Practice in May last year.

This Code outlines the minimum actions that software suppliers should take to ensure a baseline level of security across the software market.

But communicating those expectations is just the first step.

We now need to ensure that these actions are embedded in UK supply chains to provide businesses with confidence in the technologies they need to operate and to grow.

Currently, just 21% of organisations say they think about cyber security when buying software.  

So it’s time to address this.    

The question is how, exactly, we do this.   

On one side, there are those who push for new regulation, and stronger government oversight.   

On the other, there are those who say ‘do nothing’, businesses will get there themselves – just wait it out.    

But I believe we can be more ambitious than that.   

The UK is home to some of the best software firms anywhere in the world, and we’re lucky to have great examples here in this room today.  

As well as the brilliant international firms who invest here, set up offices here, and make the UK their home.   

I believe we need to learn from these companies – to find the ones who are leading the way and celebrate them, as role models.   

The firms whose software is developed with security, top of mind.  

Who appoint dedicated cyber experts.   

Who have brilliant communication between buyer and seller.  

Who offer best-in-class training to their workforce.   

 And whose leaders take safety seriously – with accountability at the very top.   

 That is what a true pioneer looks like.   

 And we see the same forward-thinking security posture throughout supply chains.   

The UK hosts a burgeoning ecosystem of supply chain security experts.

This includes buyers leading the way in how they manage risks in their supply chains, and cyber security experts offering their services and knowledge to disseminate crucial cyber security capabilities.   

Now we must learn from them and spread these habits to as many organisations as possible.   

So today I am very proud to announce the UK’s new Software Security Ambassador Scheme, a group of leaders – 13 companies, in total – who are making a public commitment to champion secure software and to be role models for the UK government’s Software Security Code of Practice. 

This Code has been written in partnership with industry and with cyber experts, at every step, including the National Cyber Security Centre.   

And our national ambassadors span the whole software field – from vendors…  

…Sage, Cisco, and Palo Alto Networks, Hexiosec, Zaizi and Nexor…  

…to buyers – like Lloyds, and Santander…    

…to expert advisors – Accenture, NCC Group, ISACA, ISC2, and Salus Cyber.   

Now, we hope you will use your position as industry leaders, and first adopters, to spark a change in the sector more widely.   

 We’ve seen how effective this model can be.   

 A voluntary code of practice is a tried-and-true way of setting a professional standard. 

Look at the World Health Organization’s code of practice for hand hygiene.  First introduced in 2009, the code has become a global benchmark despite not being enforced by law, and has helped to significantly reduce infection rates as hospitals can draw on a single, definitive source of best practice in one place.   

That’s exactly what we want the Software Security Code of Practice to become.

Every sector that depends on software, a single trusted reference point that lifts standards across the whole economy.

Our Software Security Code of Practice sets out 14 principles, and clear expectations for how software should be secured in our supply chains to build a common understanding between vendors and buyers of what level of security a software supplier should be responsible for.  

I’m delighted to say it’s already being used in the public sector, by the NHS.   

So our health service can help to lead by example too.   

If we get it right, this could be a real moment of achievement.   

Great UK industry, paving the way.   

Modelling safe, secure tech for the rest of the market.   

And perhaps the start of a new, international benchmark too.   

To protect our country from attacks.   

 Back British growth and prosperity.   

 And create a better future for all of us, starting here today.    

 Thank you all.

January 26, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : New Aviation Ambassadors announced to inspire future pilots, engineers and air traffic controllers [January 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 15 January 2026.

Our 10 new Aviation Ambassadors will help encourage more young people to see the UK aviation sector as a place where they can build rewarding, long-term futures.
- 10 industry professionals appointed to inspire young people into aviation careers in the industry, futureproofing the sector and upskilling young Brits
- next cohort of volunteers will start this month, including a former Red Arrows Chief Engineer and Operations Director of East Midlands Airport, to shine a light on the wide range of aviation jobs and to encourage recruits from diverse backgrounds
- supports government’s mission to deliver growth and opportunity, helping young people into skilled jobs and furthering the UK’s world-leading reputation in aviation
Thousands of young people across the UK will be inspired to pursue exciting and rewarding careers in aviation as the government confirms the next cohort of Aviation Ambassadors today (15 January 2026).

The ambassadors are successful aviation professionals who promote jobs, skills and training in the sector by going into schools, hosting workshops, and using social media to reach primary, secondary and college students across England.

From ground handling and airfield safety to commercial flying, customer service, and aviation law, the Aviation Ambassador programme raises awareness of the breadth of career paths available to suit every skill set and every passion. 

Aviation Minister, Keir Mather, said:

Aviation is full of exciting opportunities and fulfilling career paths and we’re determined to encourage more young people to see the sector as a place where they can thrive and build rewarding, long-term futures.

Our Aviation Ambassadors are key to making that happen – sharing their own journeys, helping to break down barriers and showing the sky really is the limit. By broadening horizons, we’re helping to secure the future of UK aviation while delivering regional growth, jobs and skills.

A key part of the ambassadors’ role will be inspiring young people from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not have previously considered the opportunities or career paths the industry offers.

Among the new ambassadors are:
- Former Red Arrows Chief Engineer, Ross Priday, from South Wales, who will inspire young people by sharing his wide range of experiences and bridging the gap between aviation and aerospace careers.
- Lauren Turner, airport Operations Director. Lauren has risen through the ranks at East Midlands Airport from Security Officer to overseeing the entire airport operation in 13 years, becoming a self-led aviation success story who will champion apprenticeships and support pathways into aviation.
- Miguel Cabrera Vivas, London-based aviation influencer and former Heathrow internal progression lead, also known as The Aviation Mentor. Miguel uses social media and in-person sessions to promote aviation as an accessible career choice.
Other new ambassadors include Marcus Sellars, who graduated from Newcastle University last year into a role delivering automation and digital transport integration across the airfield at Teesside International Airport, and David Gardner, a senior firefighter and medical lead for the airport’s first responder scheme at Luton Airport.

Ambassadors deliver a range of outreach activities, including giving talks in colleges, supporting industry events and promoting aviation careers through online platforms and traditional media. This engagement has reached thousands of people who may never have considered aviation as a career option, including those in underrepresented communities.

The initiative is part of the Generation Aviation programme, which sees government and industry working together to help build an aviation workforce fit for the future and to attract diverse, talented people.

The new ambassadors will start their roles on 28 January 2026.

Ross Priday, former Chief Engineer for the Red Arrows and new Aviation Ambassador, said:

Aviation gave me a career I could never have imagined, and I want others to see the incredible opportunities this industry offers. Whether someone is fascinated by engineering, drawn to the skies as a pilot, or interested in roles like air traffic control, ground operations or aviation law and insurance, there truly is something for everyone.

What’s exciting is that there are so many ways in. School leavers, apprentices, graduates, and those looking for a change from other industries can all find their path into aviation. Through my Aviation Ambassador role, I want to show people not just that these exciting careers exist, but exactly how to access them.

Lauren Turner, Operations Director at East Midlands Airport and new Aviation Ambassador, said:

I’m proud and excited to be an aviation ambassador and to share my journey at East Midlands Airport. Aviation is an innovative, fast-moving industry with opportunities for people from all walks of life, and I hope that by sharing my personal career story, I can encourage young people across the region to see it as a career where they can thrive and grow.

Alice Goodwin, former Aviation Ambassador, said:

Congratulations to the new cohort of Aviation Ambassadors!

This programme is a fantastic opportunity for industry professionals to inspire the next generation, showcase the diverse careers aviation offers, and champion the sector as role models.

By engaging with schools, speaking at events, and sharing their passion, these ambassadors will play a vital role in closing the aviation skills gap and shaping the future of this exciting industry.

Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, said:

Airports and aviation offer a wealth of excellent career opportunities, and it is great to see the next set of sector ambassadors have been appointed to help inspire the next generation.

Jobs in this sector will not only provide young people with fulfilling and highly skilled careers but will directly contribute to growing the UK economy and help keep our friends, families and businesses connected with the world.

We wish the new ambassadors the best of luck with their new responsibilities and look forward to exploring how we can work with them to increase awareness of the chances offered by aviation.

Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said:

Airlines UK welcomes the appointment of the new Aviation Ambassadors. Our world-class sector depends on a steady pipeline of skilled young people choosing careers in aviation, and this programme plays a practical role in highlighting the varied and exciting range of careers available. By connecting real aviation businesses with schools and colleges, the scheme supports growth, resilience, and the future competitiveness of our fantastic industry.

The new ambassadors are: 
- Emma Garnham – Training and Compliance Director for DHL, a ground handler, based in London
- Abdullah Bin Sajid Butt – Customer Operations Coordinator at Jet2.com, based in Bradford
- Ross Priday – CEO of a business delivering aviation safety risk advisory services to industry. Previously served as Chief Engineer for the Red Arrows, based in Wales
- Sigourney Ansah – an aspiring commercial pilot, who has previously worked for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic at their head offices, based in London
- Sam Higgins - student outreach manager for British Airways, based in London
- Ken Eckersall – director of KenEck, a company which delivers aviation outreach to schools and colleges through portable flight simulators, FlightDeck PC, based in Wigan
- David Gardner – aviation fire fighter and medical lead for Luton Airport’s first responder scheme, based in Luton
- Lauren Turner – Operations Director at East Midlands Airport, based in the Midlands.
- Miguel Cabrera Vivas – former Service Recovery Manager at Heathrow and founder of ‘The Aviation Mentor’ social media channels with 177,000 likes and 6,000 followers, based in London
- Marcus Sellars – Aviation Automation and Digital Transport Integration Lead at Tees Valley Combined Authority, based in the Darlington
January 16, 2026
Robert Jenrick – 2026 Extracts of Speech (Alleged)

The text of the comments that were allegedly part of the speech Robert Jenrick, the former Shadow Secretary of State for Justice, was to make defecting to Reform on 15 January 2026. This text was released by the Conservative Party.

The Tories and Labour have forfeited the right to govern the United Kingdom. And the mantle now passes to Reform.

Nigel has stood for the real change we need for over a decade. If one puts party allegiance – personal ambition – to one side, he is obviously the right person to lead the movement for it – and delivery of it. And I am convinced Nigel will deliver the real change needed.

Thanks to Zia & Richard, Reform’s policies already meet the moment more than any other party’s. But they and Nigel know the extraordinary challenges Britain faces requires [ sic ] a comprehensive plan to turn things around. Developing the best one possible will be a major priority this year. As will [ sic ], as Nigel has said many times, building and recruiting the team to execute it.

For all these reasons, today, I am proud to become Reform’s 281,000th member. To back Nigel. And join this movement. I know in my heart it’s what’s right by our country.

If like me, you’ve backed another party but know it’s lost its way, don’t stay. Don’t stay in a party that hasn’t been loyal to you. When your country needs you.

And, perhaps more importantly, if you’ve never been near politics before, but think you have the energy and ideas and experience to turn Britain around. Come join.

I agree Britain is broken. In major decline. On the brink. In need of real change. And know neither Conservatives nor Labour will deliver it. Come join Reform.

January 15, 2026