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Sarah Champion – 2025 Speech on Gaza and Sudan

The speech made by Sarah Champion, the Chair of the International Development Committee, in the House of Commons on 18 November 2025.

This morning, Members received a private briefing on Sudan, at which one of the academics stated:

“El Fasher is a slaughter house. Our low estimate is 60,000 people have been killed there in the last three weeks.”

That would make it the biggest atrocity crime since the 1990s. These are civilians, not soldiers, and this is not about conflict; it is about genocide. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has been briefed on the likelihood of a mass-casualty event for years. In November 2021, the FCDO was publicly warned of a likely genocide. The recent Independent Commission for Aid Impact report concluded that last year, officials took “the least ambitious option” on civilian protection. I say to the Foreign Secretary that scrutiny and diplomatic surge can slow down this slaughter, so are we leading the 25 states who signed the joint statement on 11 November to work together to put pressure on the United Arab Emirates? Why has our atrocity prevention team not been surged? Tawila now needs to be our focus of our protection. What are the evacuation plans to protect up to 650,000 people from genocide? The Sudanese civilians need a champion. As UN penholder, will that be us?

Yvette Cooper

I thank my hon. Friend for her work and that of her Committee on this issue. She is right to point out the truly horrendous nature of what is happening in Sudan and the atrocities that we have heard about. People have been executed in the middle of a maternity hospital and lives are being lost at scale, and the fact that so few people are emerging from the area makes it deeply troubling to consider what more we may discover. Because I am so deeply concerned, I have raised the issue not just at the Manama dialogue, but at every international discussion that we have been having with foreign ministers, and directly with all members of the Quad, including the UAE and the US, as well as Saudi Arabia and Egypt, as we need urgent action. I agree with my hon. Friend that this is also about preventing further atrocities, which are at risk of happening at any moment if we do not have that urgent action.

November 26, 2025
Andrew Rosindell – 2025 Speech on Gaza and Sudan

The speech made by Andrew Rosindell, the Shadow Foreign Affairs spokesperson, in the House of Commons on 18 November 2025.

I thank the Foreign Secretary for advance sight of her statement. His Majesty’s Opposition welcome the passing of the US-drafted resolution at the United Nations Security Council yesterday. The US has shown consistent leadership on the middle east, and for that we are grateful. Hamas must now release the final three deceased hostages. We keep their loved ones, and the families of all the deceased hostages, in the forefront of our thoughts. We cannot even begin to imagine what trauma they have endured.

Key to yesterday’s resolution was a mandate for the International Stabilisation Force, but can the Foreign Secretary set out exactly what Britain’s contribution will be to that force? The Government speak about the need for the force to be deployed quickly, to avoid a potential power vacuum being filled by Hamas. What is Britain’s contribution? Are we looking at technical assistance, the sharing of expertise or intelligence, funding, action on the ground, or all of the above? It is important that the Foreign Secretary is clear and precise about those details. Will she also update the House on which countries are expected to participate, and say what their contributions will be?

Of course, the removal of Hamas from power and their full disarmament are vital if we are to turn this ceasefire into a sustainable end to the conflict and the cycles of violence. Following yesterday’s vote, what practical contribution will the UK make to those efforts? The Foreign Secretary will be aware that there are several points in the US President’s plan specifically on that, so where does the UK dock into those initiatives? Has she identified which areas the UK will focus on as a contribution to the broader transitional day-after plan? Can she at least confirm that a fundamental curriculum and education overhaul in Gaza, and indeed the west bank, will be a key focus? We have seen huge strides elsewhere in the middle east in that domain, and this must now be a moment of reckoning for the curricula in the Occupied Palestinian Territories—that is vital if we are to build a sustainable peace.

On the immediate humanitarian crisis in Gaza, what practical actions is the Foreign Secretary undertaking with the Government of Israel to achieve the surge in aid for innocent civilians that we all want to see? Specifically, which crossings does she believe will need attention? What is the quantum of designated British aid that is not getting over the border into Gaza? Have specific proposals and solutions been conveyed by the British side to Israeli Government counterparts on how to address the bottlenecks that we all want to see resolved?

Turning to the situation in Sudan, in El Fasher and elsewhere we continue to witness atrocities, suffering and human misery beyond words, all in plain sight of a watching world. Accountability must be administered. In the immediate term, the UK should be trying to spearhead a step change in the level of pressure on the warring parties to agree a comprehensive ceasefire. As my right hon. Friend the shadow Foreign Secretary has argued, we need heavy new sanctions on key operators, and action to deter entities, individuals and businesses whose support continues to sustain the conflict. Will that be forthcoming, and what discussions is the Foreign Secretary having on that with counterparts in the US, the EU, the Sudan quad and others? Will she also update the House on the Government’s response to US efforts to bring about a humanitarian ceasefire, and say what role Britain is playing in that?

On the dire humanitarian conditions, it was confirmed at the Dispatch Box earlier this month that the shifting of frontiers in the conflict is affecting aid delivery. How has the situation evolved in the past two weeks, and what levers can be pulled to try and smash through obstacles to aid delivery? Finally, on day-after planning, will the Foreign Secretary update the House on efforts to build up the capacity and capabilities of organic civilian political groups, to give Sudan the best chance of moving to stable civilian government after a ceasefire? We have seen what the US has achieved through the UN Security Council on Gaza this week, and I hope that similar initiatives will be possible with regards to Sudan. As penholder, the UK Government have a special responsibility, so will the Foreign Secretary confirm her next steps on the UNSC? As the conflict moves from bad to worse, we must shift gear.

Yvette Cooper

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his response to the issues relating to Gaza and Sudan, and I will take his points in turn. We do not expect the UK to contribute troops to the international stabilisation force, but we are already providing military and civilian deployment into the civil-military co-ordination committee that is led by the US. It is drawing up practical arrangements for implementing the 20-point plan. On the nature of the role that we expect to continue to play, we already provide training for Palestinian police, for example, and I have met US military forces who are involved in that training. I met them in Jordan, and other countries are also offering to provide such training for Palestinian police, which will be critical to maintaining security and safety. We have also offered expertise on decommissioning. That is an area where, through the Northern Ireland experience, we have experience and expertise, mostly immediately around de-mining capabilities in terms of both funding and expertise.

The hon. Gentleman raised the issue of curriculum reform, which I agree needs to take place. That is a crucial part of the Palestinian Authority reforms, and I have discussed that directly with President Abbas. The importance of maintaining the commitments that the Palestinian Authority has made to curriculum reform must be central in both the west bank and in Gaza. On practical issues about the opening of crossings, we want to see all the crossings opened and restrictions lifted. The co-ordination committee, which has a UK presence, is working directly with the Israeli Government to seek to improve access and monitoring, and to improve arrangements to get more aid through. I continue to urge swifter action to get that desperately needed aid in place.

On Sudan, I welcome the hon. Gentleman’s support for sanctions. I have had personal direct discussions with all members of the quad, including most recently the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio last week, and I know how strongly he feels about the terrible, horrendous atrocities that are taking place in Sudan. We will continue to offer our support to that process.

On aid delivery, based on what the UN and Tom Fletcher have been saying, it looks as though some of the routes into the region are currently completely inadequate, so security and infrastructure need to be provided to get the desperately needed scale of aid into the area. We will need to look at air routes as well as truck routes. He is right to point to the need for the organic support for Sudanese civilian organisations. It is crucial that ultimately we have a transition to a civilian Administration in Sudan and an end to the horrendous fighting, abuse and sexual violence that we have seen, with reports on all sides of those sorts of atrocities taking place.

Finally, US leadership has been incredibly important in achieving the ceasefire agreement and the peace process so far in Gaza, but it has also depended on the international community coming in alongside the US and working together to deliver the progress so far. We need that same international commitment for Sudan and we need the whole international community to pull together to deliver progress in the same way.

November 26, 2025
Yvette Cooper – 2025 Statement on Gaza and Sudan

The statement made by Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, in the House of Commons on 18 November 2025.

I want to update the House on two of the world’s gravest conflicts—in Gaza and in Sudan—following recent resolutions in the UN and discussions at the G7, and on the action that the UK Government are taking to pursue peace.

First, I turn to Gaza. After two years of the most horrendous suffering, the ceasefire agreement led by President Trump with the support of Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye has been in place for six weeks. Twenty hostages are now home with their loved ones, and the remains of 25 more have been returned so their families can grieve. More aid trucks are entering Gaza. But the ceasefire is highly fragile, and there is still a long journey ahead to implement the commitments made at Sharm el-Sheikh and to get to a lasting peace.

Last night, the UN Security Council passed resolution 2803. The UK voted for this important resolution, which authorises the establishment of an international stabilisation force for Gaza, and transitional arrangements including the board of peace and a Palestinian committee. It underscores the essential need for humanitarian aid and reconstruction, and points the way to a path to Palestinian self-determination and statehood. Crucially, it is supported by the Palestinian Authority, and Arab and Muslim partners in the region and beyond. The resolution is a critical staging post that sustains the unity around President Trump’s 20-point plan.

Momentum must now be maintained. It is essential that an international stabilisation force and trained Palestinian police can be deployed quickly to support the ceasefire and to avoid a vacuum being left that Hamas can exploit. We will also need the urgent formation of a Palestinian committee alongside the board of peace. As we made clear at the UN last night, these transitional arrangements must be implemented in accordance with international law, and respecting Palestinian sovereignty and self- determination. They should strengthen the unity of Gaza and the west bank, and empower Palestinian institutions to enable a reformed Palestinian Authority to resume governance in Gaza, because Palestine must be run by Palestinians.

The work to implement the first phase of the ceasefire agreement must continue. That means work so that Hamas releases the bodies of the remaining three hostages taken in the terrorist attack on 7 October, so that their families can properly grieve. We urgently need a major increase in humanitarian aid, because aid into Gaza is still a trickle rather than a flood. Two weeks ago, I visited warehouses in Jordan holding UK aid for Gaza, including one run by the World Food Programme with enough wheat to feed 700,000 people for a month; yet it still sits there because the Jordanian route into Gaza is still closed. People there told me that there were 30 more warehouses nearby, with food, shelter kits, tents and medical supplies—less than 100 miles from Gaza but still not getting in.

I welcome the very recent improvements in aid flows, and that one more border crossing, Zikim, is now partially open. But it is not nearly enough. We need all land crossings open—including the Rafah border with Egypt— with longer and consistent hours, and urgent work is needed immediately in all parts of Gaza to rebuild basic public services and to provide shelter as winter draws in. Medical staff must be allowed to enter and leave Gaza freely, and international non-governmental organisations need certainty that they can continue to operate. I spoke to the King of Jordan and to doctors in Amman about a maternity and neonatal field hospital unit that stands ready to be moved into Gaza—but, again, they cannot yet get it in. The Israeli Government can and must remove the restrictions and uncertainty now.

As well as working with the US and others, we are drawing on distinct UK strengths to support a lasting peace. We are providing expertise on weapons decommissioning and ceasefire monitoring, based on the Northern Ireland experience. We are supporting on demining and unexploded ordnance, including with £4 million of new UK funding for the United Nations Mine Action Service, and we are funding to surge in experts, including from British organisations such as the HALO Trust and Mines Advisory Group, whose impressive work I recently saw at first hand. On civil-military co-ordination, we have UK deployments into a dedicated US-led hub for Gaza stabilisation efforts.

Beyond Gaza, stability in the west bank is essential to any sustainable peace, and I am concerned that the PA faces an economic crisis induced by Israeli restrictions that are strangling the Palestinian economy. The Netanyahu Government should be extending, not threatening to end, the arrangements between Israeli and Palestinian banks—arrangements that are crucial to the everyday economy for Palestinians. This is crucial for stability, which is in Israel’s interests too.

The pace of illegal settlement building continues. We have seen further appalling incidents of settler violence during the olive harvest. While I welcome Israeli President Herzog’s expression of concern, the response of the Israeli authorities is still completely insufficient—practically and legally. Tackling settlement expansion and settler violence is vital to protecting a two-state solution, in line with the UK’s historic decision to recognise the state of Palestine.

Let me turn now to Sudan, where the worst humanitarian crisis in the 21st century is still unfolding, right now. The UN humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, who has just visited the area, has described it as:

“the epicentre of suffering in the world”

and he is right. Over 30 million people need lifesaving aid. Twelve million have been forced from their homes. Famine is spreading. Cholera and preventable disease are rampant. In El Fasher, following advances by the Rapid Support Forces, there are horrifying scenes of atrocities, with mass executions, starvation, and the systematic use of rape as a weapon of war—horrors so appalling they can be seen from space.

As the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs has put it, El Fasher is a crime scene. Satellite pictures show discolouration of sand consistent with pools of blood, multiple clusters of objects consistent with piles of human bodies, and the apparent burning of bodies and operations to dispose of bodies in mass graves. Further horrors will yet unfold unless greater action is taken.

A year ago, Britain tabled a resolution at the UN Security Council demanding humanitarian access and civilian protection, but it was shamefully vetoed by Russia. Six months ago, at our London-Sudan conference, the UK brought together international partners and secured £800 million in funding, but the situation continues to deteriorate, including with North Kordofan now under threat and fighting moving to El Obeid.

We need a complete step change in efforts to alleviate the suffering and bring about peace. That means more aid to those in need. The UK has committed over £125 million this year alone, delivering lifesaving support to over 650,000 people—treating children with severe malnutrition, providing water and medicine, and supporting survivors of rape—but the challenge is still access.

The RSF still refuses safe passage to aid organisations around El Fasher. The Sudanese armed forces are bringing in new restrictions that stand to hinder aid. Both sides must allow unhindered passage for humanitarian workers, supplies and trapped civilians. We are urgently pressing for a three-month humanitarian truce to open routes for lifesaving supplies, but aid will not resolve a conflict wilfully driven by the warring parties, so we desperately need a lasting ceasefire underpinned by a serious political process.

At the Manama dialogue conference in Bahrain two weeks ago, I called for the same intense international efforts to address the crisis in Sudan as we have seen around Gaza. At Niagara last week, I joined our G7 partners in calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, for the unimpeded access of humanitarian aid, and for external actors to contribute to the restoration of peace and security. We are engaging intensively with the Quad countries—the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United States—which have now together called for an immediate humanitarian truce, and an end to external support and arms that are fuelling conflict. I strongly support Secretary Rubio’s latest comments regarding the need to end the weapons and support that the RSF is getting from outside Sudan.

Last Friday, the UK called a special session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, in which a UK-drafted resolution was passed, securing international consensus for an urgent UN inquiry into alleged crimes in El Fasher, because impunity cannot be the outcome of these horrifying events. We need to ensure that teams can get in to investigate those atrocities and hold the perpetrators to account, and I have instructed my officials to bring forward potential sanctions relating to human rights violations and abuses in Sudan.

The UK will play its full part to ensure that it is the Sudanese people, not any warring party, that determines Sudan’s future. Wars that rage unresolved do not just cause untold harm to civilians; they radiate instability, undermine the security of neighbouring states, and lead migrants to embark on dangerous journeys. We are striving to meet those urgent humanitarian needs, and striving to secure not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of lasting peace. From Gaza to Sudan that can only be done through international co-operation, and through countries coming together for peace. I commend this statement to the House.

November 26, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK Government gives voice to nature at COP30 climate conference [November 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 24 November 2025.

UK accelerates global leadership on nature at COP30.
- First company – a British startup – contributes to the Cali Fund paving the way for others to do the same and mobilise private sector finance for nature at scale
- Minister for Nature works with global partners to mobilise finance for nature, promote sustainable farming for food security and takes action to protect our oceans.
The UK Government has taken bold and ambitious action to protect and restore nature at the COP30 climate meeting.

UK representatives have championed the protection and restoration of critical ecosystems around the world, and the essential work we’re doing back home to restore our forests, landscapes and seas for the British people as part of the Plan for Change.

During COP30, the first payment to the Cali Fund – by a British business – was announced. This marks a major milestone since its launch earlier this year. The Fund enables companies – such as pharmaceutical and biotech companies – to share profits with Indigenous Peoples and local communities who protect the nature that provides genetic resources for their products.

The UK is working closely with the private sector and other governments to support effective implementation of the Fund, including through the Friends of the Cali Fund, and this first contribution is a real milestone in these efforts.

UK-based startup Tierra Viva AI proudly kickstarts contributions to the Cali Fund, paving the way for others to follow and contribute to the Fund at scale.

Nature Minister Mary Creagh said:

British families are already feeling the impact of climate change – from flooding that destroys homes to heatwaves that put vulnerable people at risk.

We cannot tackle nature loss and climate change in isolation; in Brazil we have built the global coalition for ambitious action on nature which is the only way to protect our home for future generations

Ruth Davis, Special Representative for Nature said:

The UK has demonstrated technical expertise and worked alongside our global partners to put nature on the agenda, but there is more to do, and we must now amplify the momentum for action at scale on climate and nature.

This isn’t just about doing the right thing for the planet. Building a stronger and fairer global economy will unlock enormous economic opportunities – we know that investing in nature creates jobs and accelerates growth with new opportunities attracting millions in investment.

At COP30, the UK government has made further commitments to halt and reverse nature loss This includes:
- Launching the UK-Brazil Fertilisers Declaration – a global push to cut emissions from fertiliser production and use. It’s about improving food security and protecting jobs and growth by supporting farmers’ resilience and boosting agricultural productivity.
- Joining the Saltmarsh Breakthrough – protecting these vital coastal ecosystems which anchor key marine food chains, shield communities from floods and lock away more carbon than most forests.
- Becoming a Food Waste Breakthrough Country Champion – driving the global goal to halve food waste by 2030 and cutting methane emissions by keeping food waste out of landfills.  
- Nature actions – COP30 showcased the UK’s role in advancing the global ‘nature actions agenda’. The summit saw the Independent Advisory Panel on Biodiversity Credits launch its Nature Markets Policy Forum with the UK, France and Indonesia joining as founding members, helping to unlock innovation and investment in high integrity nature credit markets.
- Congo call to action – The UK also furthered its long-standing partnership with the Congo Basin region, joining a Call to Action, to ensure the world recognises the importance of Congo’s forests and funds solutions developed by Congolese institutions and communities.
The UK’s leadership at COP30 echoes our commitments to support the environment at home.

We announced that the second National Forest will be in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor, where millions of trees will be planted as part of a wider commitment to allocate over £1 billion this parliament to tree planting. This will support nature recovery, green jobs, and net zero goals.

Further detail on this government’s plan to restore the environment will be set out in the upcoming Environmental Improvement Plan, which will outline the next phase of the UK’s nature recovery ambitions.
November 26, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Trustee appointed to The National Lottery Heritage Fund Board [November 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 24 November 2025.

The Prime Minister has appointed Dr Heather Reid as the Trustee and Chair of the Scotland Committee to The National Lottery Heritage Fund board.

Dr Heather Reid

Heather Reid has a background in meteorology, climate, natural heritage and science engagement. Her early career was spent as a weather forecaster with the UK Met Office and BBC Scotland. During this time she became Chair of the Institute of Physics in Scotland, a Trustee at Glasgow Science Centre and a leading contributor within Scotland’s education sector on the science and the impacts of climate change.

More recently her career has focused on Non-Executive roles within the Environment sector. She is currently Chair of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority and a Board member at NatureScot – Scotland’s nature agency. She has also been appointed to the Board of the Water Industry Commission for Scotland. Her passion for science engagement is maintained as Deputy Chair of Dynamic Earth science centre and she continues to be involved in science education advisory roles.

Heather received an OBE for services to physics in 2006 and has been awarded honorary degrees from Paisley University, The University of Glasgow and The Open University. She relaxes by mountain biking and hillwalking and ranks hiking the iconic West Highland Way with her daughter as one of life’s best experiences.

Heather Reid has been appointed for a term of three years on The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Heritage Memorial Fund Board, commencing on 24 November 2025.

Remuneration and Governance Code

The Scottish Trustees of The National Lottery Heritage Fund Board and National Heritage Memorial Fund are remunerated £20,749 per annum. These appointments have 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.

Heather Reid has declared no such political activity.

Notes to Editors

DCMS has around 400 regulated Public Appointment roles across 42 Public Bodies including Arts Council England, Theatres Trust, the National Gallery, UK Sport and the Gambling Commission. We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom. To find out more about Public Appointments or to apply visit the HM Government Public Appointments Website.

November 26, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor appoints infrastructure and planning adviser to clear path for new investments [November 2025]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 24 November 2025.

Leading lawyer, Catherine Howard, appointed to advise Chancellor on the next phase of planning and infrastructure reforms as she vows to ‘do what it takes to get Britain building’.
- Extra expertise at the Treasury to help government kickstart economic growth to deliver an economy that works for working people – and rewards working people.
- Comes as part of government commitment to create conditions to attract long-term private sector investment into UK infrastructure, including landmark planning reforms and backing of a third runway at Heathrow
Leading planning lawyer Catherine Howard has been appointed to advise Chancellor Rachel Reeves to help drive through the next phase of the government’s planning reforms with new Housing Secretary, Steve Reed, to ‘get Britain building.’

The Chancellor has vowed that the Autumn Budget will focus on building an economy that works for working people by taking action to reduce inflation, keep a grip on the public finances and kickstart economic growth.

With the Planning and Infrastructure Bill going through Parliament and barriers to private investment being torn down, the Chancellor is pushing ahead to create the conditions to secure vital long-term investments in UK infrastructure and support Britain’s economic renewal.

Specialising in major infrastructure projects, Catherine is currently a Partner at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, with expertise in Development Consent Orders which provide planning permission for nationally significant infrastructure projects, environmental regulation, and Judicial Reviews.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

I am determined we do what it takes to get Britain building, unlock private investment and deliver an economy that works for working people – and rewards working people.

I look forward to working with Catherine to deliver this.

Catherine Howard said:

It is a privilege to take on this position as the Chancellor’s Infrastructure and Planning Adviser, helping the government to achieve a step-change in how we deliver major infrastructure and housing.

With the right framework in place, good decision-making can enable swift progress – improving our natural environment and supporting the government’s Growth Mission. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill makes major strides towards this goal. I look forward to working with stakeholders to consider how we build on this important agenda.

Catherine was initially appointed to work up to four days a week on an unpaid basis until the Autumn Budget. Catherine’s term has been extended until the 1 January 2026 to continue to support the governments planning agenda. Her terms of appointment remain unchanged.

Established processes for the declaration and management of interests have been followed in respect of this appointment. Catherine has confirmed she has not taken part in any political activity in the last five years.
November 26, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : ‘We see you’: Armed forces on patrol around the UK in response to Russian activity [November 2025]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 24 November 2025.

Royal Navy intercepts Russian warship and tanker in the Dover Strait and English Channel whilst RAF P-8 maritime surveillance aircraft deployed to Iceland to patrol North Atlantic.

The UK Armed Forces are on patrol from the English Channel to the High North amid increased Russian activity threatening UK waters.

In the past fortnight, Royal Navy patrol ship HMS Severn intercepted Russian corvette RFN Stoikiy and tanker Yelnya off the UK coast, in a round-the-clock shadowing operation as the Russian vessels sailed through the Dover Strait and westward through the English Channel.

HMS Severn later handed over monitoring duties to a NATO ally off the coast of Brittany, but continued to observe from a distance and remained ready to respond to any unexpected activity.

Commander Grant Dalgleish, HMS Severn’s Commanding Officer, said:

This tasking shows the value of our patrol ships and reinforces the Royal Navy’s close liaison with our NATO allies in safeguarding the British people and protecting the internationally recognised waterways.

I’m immensely proud of the way the ship’s company reacted to this activation, especially coming so quickly after a demanding period of regeneration and operational training.

This comes as the UK has seen a 30% increase in Russian vessels threatening UK waters in the past two years.

On Wednesday, the Defence Secretary confirmed that Russian spy ship Yantar – used for gathering intelligence and mapping undersea cables – was operating on the edge of UK waters north of Scotland. In a clear message to Putin, the Defence Secretary said: “We see you. We know what you are doing. And we are ready.”

As Yantar lingered in UK’s wider waters, its crew directed lasers at the RAF P-8 pilots tracking it in a reckless and dangerous act. While tracking Yantar, Royal Navy frigate HMS Somerset and other civilian ships in the area experienced GPS jamming in a further demonstration of unprofessional behaviour, intended to be disruptive and a nuisance. HMS Somerset’s combat capabilities were not affected.

The UK has a wide range of military options at its disposal to keep UK waters safe. Three RAF P-8 Poseidon aircraft have deployed to Keflavik Air Base in Iceland in the largest overseas deployment of the RAF P-8 fleet so far.

The P-8s from 120 Squadron are conducting surveillance operations as part of NATO’s collective defence, patrolling for Russian ships and submarines in the North Atlantic and Arctic.

While in Iceland, RAF crews are working closely with NATO allies including the US and Canada, reinforcing the UK’s NATO-first approach and commitment to Euro-Atlantic security in this new era of threat.

These operations reaffirm the UK’s unwavering commitment to national security and protecting critical undersea infrastructure, underpinning this Government’s Plan for Change.

Wing Commander Higgins, Officer Commanding 120 Squadron, said:

This deployment to Iceland highlights the enduring importance of the North Atlantic and Arctic to the security of the Alliance.

Operating the P-8A Poseidon, we continue that legacy by contributing to NATO’s collective defence and ensuring the security of this strategically critical region.

The UK is stepping up on defence and security, backed by the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War, including £4 billion on boosting our drone capabilities and over £1 billion on strengthening air and missile defence to protect the UK homeland.

These latest operations come less than a month after HMS Duncan tracked the movements of Russian destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov, and frigate HMS Iron Duke was dispatched to monitor Russian Kilo-class submarine Novorossiysk.

Last month, two advanced RAF surveillance aircraft conducted a 12-hour mission along Russia’s border to monitor NATO’s eastern and northern flanks. A Rivet Joint electronic intelligence aircraft and a P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, supported by a US Stratotanker, collectively flew 10,000 miles from the High North, past Belarus and Ukraine, and into the Black Sea.

Both aircraft use advanced sensors to detect Russian activity and deliver critical intelligence for analysis.

This increase in UK Armed Forces activity comes alongside new sanctions. Last week, the Foreign Secretary announced that the UK, US, and Australia are sanctioning Media Land – a Russian cyber crime group responsible for facilitating cyber-attacks on UK-based companies.

November 26, 2025
NEWS STORY : European Powers Present New Peace Proposal for Ukraine Conflict

STORY

A new European-led peace plan aimed at ending the war in Ukraine has been unveiled, offering an alternative to the recent framework put forward by the United States which was felt to be a capitulation by President Trump. The proposal, drafted jointly by Britain, France, Germany and other EU countries retains Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as central principles while adjusting or removing elements of the earlier U.S. plan that proved contentious in Kyiv and other European capitals. The document calls for a ceasefire along existing front lines, long-term security guarantees and substantial reconstruction support once fighting ends.

UK officials involved in shaping the plan have stressed that any settlement must be acceptable to Ukraine and durable enough to ensure stability across Europe. While the proposal does not rule out future NATO membership for Ukraine or restrict its military capabilities, it seeks to establish a framework that would halt hostilities and open the door to broader political negotiations. Whether Russia will engage with the European version remains uncertain, with analysts noting that Moscow has shown little willingness to compromise in recent months.

November 26, 2025
NEWS STORY : UK Budget Due Today as Ministers Prepare to Outline Fiscal Priorities [November 2025]

STORY

The Government will announce its Budget later today, setting out tax plans and public spending decisions for the year ahead at a time of continued pressure on household finances and public services. Ministers have signalled that the statement will focus on economic stability and long-term growth, though the final balance between tax changes and spending commitments remains unclear. Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, is expected to emphasise measures intended to support investment while keeping borrowing within existing fiscal rules.

Opposition parties have called for targeted support for lower-income households and essential services, arguing that previous decisions have left public sector budgets stretched. They are also urging the government to provide clarity on funding for local authorities and the NHS after warnings from several organisations that current levels are insufficient to meet rising demand. The Treasury maintains that the Budget will be responsible and sustainable, stressing the importance of keeping inflation under control.

The Budget is being seen as a key test for the Government amidst poor polling for the Prime Minister. There remain concerns that much of the Budget has already appeared in the media, a situation which Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, has already warned Parliament about.

November 26, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : No permission, no travel – UK set to enforce ETA scheme [November 2025]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 24 November 2025.

From February 2026, visitors will not be able to travel to the UK without advance permission.

Visitors from 85 nationalities, including the United States, Canada, and France, who do not need a visa will not be able to legally travel to the UK without an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from 25 February 2026.

This is a significant step towards digitising the immigration system and paves the way for a contactless UK border in the future.

Enforcing will mean that everyone who wants to come to the UK must have digital permission through either an ETA or an eVisa. Carriers will be checking people before they travel.

Since the launch of ETA in October 2023, more than 13.3 million visitors have successfully applied and benefited from faster, smoother travel. ETA is now a fundamental part of travel, including for visitors who take connecting flights and go through UK passport control.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp, said:

ETAs give us greater power to stop those who pose a threat from setting foot in the country and gives us a fuller picture of immigration.

ETAs are also better for travellers. Digitising the immigration system ensures the millions of people we welcome to the UK every year enjoy a more seamless travel experience.

While ETA was being rolled out, it was not strictly enforced, to give visitors ample time to adjust to the new requirement. This is the same approach other countries such as the United States and Canada took for their travel schemes.

Applying for an ETA is quick and simple through the official UK ETA app, and the cost is competitive at £16. While most people currently get a decision automatically in minutes, it is recommended to allow 3 working days to account for the small number of cases that require additional review.

British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, are exempt from needing an ETA. The UK government strongly advises dual British citizens to make sure they have a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement, to avoid problems like being denied boarding when travelling to the UK from 25 February 2026.

November 26, 2025