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NEWS STORY : Three Labour MPs Suspended Amidst Disciplinary Clampdown

STORY

Three Labour Members of Parliament, Brian Leishman, Chris Hinchliff, and Neil Duncan-Jordan, have today been suspended from the party for what are understood to be “persistent breaches of party discipline.” The move, enacted by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, signifies a clear effort to reassert authority within the party following a series of backbench rebellions. The trio, all of whom were first elected in last year’s general election, reportedly lost the whip after voting against the Government’s planned welfare reforms earlier this month. This rebellion marked the largest backbench dissent Starmer has faced since becoming Prime Minister. The suspensions mean the MPs will now sit as independents in Parliament, no longer representing the Labour Party.

Brian Leishman, who represents Alloa and Grangemouth, confirmed his temporary suspension, stating he remains a “proud Labour member” and is “committed to the party.” He added that his votes against the Government were an effort to “effectively represent and be the voice for communities,” and that he firmly believes it is not his duty “to make people poorer, especially those that have suffered because of austerity and its dire consequences.”

The disciplinary action comes as MPs prepare for the summer recess next week and follows speculation that some Labour MPs might have been in discussions to join a new political party. While the exact number of MPs affected was initially unconfirmed, sources close to the party have indicated that these suspensions are a direct consequence of repeated deviations from the party line. This decisive action by Sir Keir Starmer underscores his determination to maintain party unity and control, particularly on key policy matters. The suspensions are expected to send a strong message to other Labour MPs regarding adherence to party discipline as the government navigates its legislative agenda.

July 16, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Discount of up to £3,750 on electric cars set to slash costs for thousands [July 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 15 July 2025.

Car manufacturers can apply for the Electric Car Grant from 16 July 2025.
- new £650 million grant will slash electric car prices, saving UK households up to £3,750 when they upgrade or switch to electric
- car manufacturers to apply through the Electric Car Grant – speeding up access and cutting costs for drivers and businesses
- comes as more than 380,000 zero emission cars were registered last year, delivering the government’s Plan for Change to kickstart economic growth and put more money in working people’s pockets
Drivers across the UK will soon enjoy discounts on dozens of new electric car models after the Transport Secretary today (15 July 2025) announced a £650 million grant scheme worth up to £3,750 per car, putting more money back in working people’s pockets as part of the Plan for Change and making owning an electric car a reality for thousands.

Supporting the manifesto commitment to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, the £650 million Electric Car Grant (ECG) will back UK and other manufacturers, with eligibility dependent on the highest manufacturing sustainability standards. Discounts up to £3,750 will be available at the point of sale for new eligible electric cars priced at or under £37,000.

Drivers will start to benefit from discounts as soon as manufacturers successfully apply for their zero emission cars to be part of the grant scheme from 16 July 2025, with funding available until the 2028 to 2029 financial year.

With drivers citing upfront costs as a key barrier to adoption, the grant will narrow the upfront cost between petrol and electric vehicles, giving thousands more drivers access to savings of up to £1,500 a year in fuel and running costs compared to a petrol car. The discount means that zero emission cars are now cheaper to buy and run than ever before and comes on top of preferential tax rates, delivering real savings for working families.

Owning and buying an electric vehicle (EV) is becoming cheaper, with 2 in 5 of used electric cars sold at under £20,000 and 33 brand new electric cars available from under £30,000.

Standing firmly on the side of British drivers, this latest investment is part of the government’s major plan to support motorists, including a record £1.6 billion invested to tackle potholes and freezing the fuel duty at 5 pence until spring 2026, saving the average motorist £50 to £60 over the year.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said:

This EV grant will not only allow people to keep more of their hard-earned money – it’ll help our automotive sector seize one of the biggest opportunities of the 21st century.

And with over 82,000 public chargepoints now available across the UK, we’ve built the infrastructure families need to make the switch with confidence.

This is our Plan for Change in action. We’re backing British drivers, British jobs and British growth.

This latest scheme builds on the government’s major £63 million package to support at home charging for households without driveways, transition NHS fleets to electric and create thousands of chargepoints at business depots across the country.

In total, the government is investing £4.5 billion to turbocharge the switch to EVs, securing Britain’s position as a world-leader in electric vehicle adoption while helping put more money in people’s pockets. Today, the UK is already a global leader in the transition to zero emissions driving, with the largest EV market in Europe in 2024 and sales up a fifth on the previous year.

The latest update also comes as the UK hits over 82,000 public chargepoints nationwide – with one added every 30 minutes – giving peace of mind to drivers that they will be able to charge conveniently at home, work or on longer journeys.

This latest move comes alongside the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, which requires manufacturers to sell increasing percentages of zero emission vehicles each year. Recent changes to the mandate give industry the certainty, stability and support they’ve been asking for, alongside crucial trade deals with the US, India and the European Union following the recent global economic headwinds.

Simon Williams, RAC head of policy, said:

Within weeks, discounted cars should start appearing at dealerships across the country. And, as the biggest savings will be given to cars with the strongest ‘green’ manufacturing credentials, drivers will be picking models that are not only better for their wallets, but better for the planet too.

This is further welcome news following last week’s announcement about more funding for pavement gully charging solutions that will enable those without driveways to charge an EV at home. Together, these initiatives should mean more drivers than ever start benefitting from the lower costs of running an electric car.

Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK, said:

This announcement is brilliant news – for drivers and for the UK’s transition to electric vehicles.

With a commitment to invest £6 billion through to 2030, the UK’s charging industry has rolled out infrastructure ahead of demand to ensure that when drivers switch, the network is there to make charging as convenient as possible. There are now 82,000 public charge points and a new one goes in the ground every 29 minutes on average.

Hot on the heels of the weekend’s announcement on measures to support charging, including meeting ChargeUK’s calls for improvements to signage on main roads, today’s package is another vital boost to the charging industry, helping it invest with confidence.

Dan Caesar, CEO, Electric Vehicles UK, said:

A targeted incentive program is a significant step forward in encouraging consumers to buy battery electric vehicles and to make them more accessible. While battery-only EVs are much cheaper to buy and run than most realise, surveys show that cost misperceptions are the primary reason for hesitance.

A generous grant of this nature gives a new group of interested buyers, who might have thought that going electric was beyond them, a gentle nudge into what is great tech. More than 9 out of 10 battery EV drivers will never revert, and there’s a reason for that.

John Lewis, CEO, char.gy, said:

It’s encouraging to see the government stepping up to support consumers in making the switch to electric vehicles. This move brings us closer to a future where driving electric is accessible to everyone – not just the privileged few.

Combined with the introduction of the price cap and the additional funding for on-street charge points, we can get more affordable cars on the road and more people enjoying the benefits of EVs. The outcome will be cleaner air for all and more cash in the consumer’s wallet as they enjoy the long-term savings of driving electric.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said:

Today’s announcement of the return of government support for the purchase of electric vehicles is a clear signal to consumers that now is the time to switch.

Rapid deployment and availability of this grant over the next few years will help provide the momentum that is essential to take the EV market from just 1 in 4 today, to 4 in 5 by the end of the decade.

This announcement is a welcome response to consistent calls from the industry for more support, which will be in addition to the substantive subsidies already provided by manufacturers. Taken with recent announcements regarding infrastructure investments and the Industrial Strategy, the UK has the opportunity to maintain its position as a leader in both the manufacture and sale of zero emission vehicles.
July 16, 2025
Steve Reed – 2025 Speech at the Water UK Skills Summit

The speech made by Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London on 15 July 2025.

This is a moment for Government and industry to join together to unlock the potential of our water sector and grow our economy in every region of this country.

We need water for economic growth.

Communities can’t function without it. Water is essential for every household and business across the country. We need it to grow the food that feeds our families. To build 1.5 million new homes, hospitals, schools and roads. To cool power stations that supply our electricity and the data centres to run our IT systems.

Water flows through our breathtaking countryside, boosting our tourism and leisure industries.

The public were not aware at the time of the last general election, this country was facing water rationing within ten years. There was not enough water to meet the growing demands of our population. As David just said, no new reservoirs had been built in 30 years.

Water infrastructure was outdated and crumbling. Leaking pipes wasted valuable water supplies. Record levels of sewage polluted our waterways.

In just one year, we’ve introduced tough new measures to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas. Including ringfencing customers’ money so it can only be spent on what it was intended for: upgrading and improving water infrastructure.

Our Water Special Measures Bill became law in February, giving the regulators new powers to hold water companies to account.

And Sir Jon Cunliffe, the former Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, will soon complete the biggest review of the water sector in a generation to ensure we have a robust regulatory framework to clean up our waterways, build the infrastructure we need for a reliable water supply, and restore public confidence in this vital economic sector.

He will publish his full findings next week, and the Government response will follow quickly afterwards.

This strong action has laid the groundwork for the sector to move forward.

Today is the start of a new partnership between the water sector and government.

Turning the page on the past to begin a new chapter of growth and opportunity.

The water sector is a priority for economic growth.

We’ve worked together and secured £104 billion pounds of private sector investment in the water sector over the next five years.

That’s the biggest private sector investment into our water sector in its entire history, and the second biggest investment in any part of the economy over the lifetime of this parliament – and getting this investment right matters.

It will build and upgrade infrastructure in every region of the country – cutting sewage in half by 2030 and cleaning up our rivers, lakes and seas.

So, parents don’t have to worry about letting their children splash about in the water. So, we can experience the majesty of national treasures like Lake Windermere. Or enjoy a moment of calm by going for a swim in nature.

It will fund nine new reservoirs and nine large-scale water transfer schemes, and reduce leaks from water pipes.

So families – like those in Guildford – don’t have to rely on bottled water when their water supply is disrupted. So businesses don’t lose profits when they’re forced to shut because the taps have run dry. So farmers can keep growing food in the face of increasingly unstable and unpredictable weather patterns.

This vast investment will fuel economic growth.

Over the next 5 years, it will create 30 thousand good, well-paid jobs in every corner of the country.

Jobs that are rooted in the communities they serve.

Money to upgrade roads, schools and hospitals. Encouraging businesses to invest in the area. Attracting more visitors to support rural tourism.

This investment will make sure we can build 1.5 million homes this Parliament, construct major infrastructure projects to support the green energy transition, and power new industries such as data centres that can unlock the UK’s AI potential.

This is what we mean when we talk about the Government’s Plan for Change.

We must work together to make sure that £104 billion is spent in the best way to secure the improvements we want to see, and in the timescales we want to see them.

Earlier this year, my colleague the Water Minister Emma Hardy and I toured the country to see how this investment will be spent.

Around Cambridge, one of the UK’s fastest growing economies, investment in water infrastructure will support 4500 new homes, community facilities such as schools and leisure centres, and office and laboratory space in the city centre.

On the River Avon, Wessex Water are investing £35 million pounds to expand the Saltford Water Recycling Plant, increasing their wastewater treatment capacity by 40% to meet rising demand, and creating local jobs near Bath.

And in Hampshire, work’s begun on the Havant Thicket Reservoir, the first reservoir to be built in the South East since the 1970s and when it’s full, this will supply water to around 160,000 people and, during construction, it will generate more than £10 million a year to the South East economy, with construction jobs and apprenticeships.

We need to get spades in the ground in every region.

I’ve set up a Water Delivery Taskforce to bring together Government, regulators, and water industry representatives, to ensure water companies complete their planned investments on time and on budget – providing value for money for customers.

The Taskforce will make sure we have the water, wastewater and drainage needed for the new developments and infrastructure that will drive long-term economic growth.

Energy and Utility Skills estimate 43,000 people will be needed to take up jobs in the water industry over the next five years.

That’s good, skilled, well paid jobs such as bioresources technicians, hydraulics specialists, engineers, construction workers, and surveyors.

It’s imperative we have the skilled workforce in place.

Because without it, all this investment will not be possible.

That’s why we’re here today. To work together to ensure the industry and supply chain have the capacity to meet our shared ambitions for a successful, growing water sector underpinning a successful, growing economy.

This demands a whole Government approach.

Torsten Bell, the Minister for Pensions, and Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills, will both be here today, will give more details on how we plan to do this via our employment and skills programmes.

And I’m delighted that later today I’ll sign our ‘Water Skills Pledge’ with Alison McGovern, the Minister for Employment – affirming our commitment to ensuring the water sector has the skills and workforce it needs to succeed.

We will work together to show people that a career in the water industry and its supply chain is something they can be proud of for a lifetime.

Something that gives you new skills, exciting challenges and can set you up for life – wherever in this country you live.

These are jobs that make a difference. Making sure people have a reliable, clean water supply, protecting our food security, cleaning up our waterways – and stimulating economic growth in every part of the country to raise living standards and wages and improve people’s lives.

This is a fresh start, a moment to build new partnerships and set the direction for the water sector of the future.

We are working together to bring about the change that people in this country voted for last year. It’s an exciting time for the water industry, and I’m proud to stand alongside you as we chart the journey forwards to success.

Thank you.

July 16, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : National two-minute silence to mark VJ Day 80 [July 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 14 July 2025.

National two-minute silence will be held at 12 noon on 15 August 2025 to honour the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.
- Event at National Memorial Arboretum to honour VJ veterans will be broadcast live
- Red Arrows will join historic Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft for flypast over national VJ Day 80 commemorations
Members of the public are encouraged to participate in a national two-minute silence on Friday 15 August to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

A Service of Remembrance will honour and remember those who fought and died during the Second World War in the Far East at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, which will be broadcast live on BBC1 from midday.

It will host a spectacular tribute to veterans involving 400 members of the Armed Forces, the Red Arrows and historic aircraft from The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

This follows four days of events in May to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, which marked the end of the Second World War in Europe.

However, at that time 80 years ago, thousands of British and Commonwealth military personnel continued to fight Japanese forces in Asia and the Pacific for a further three months when Victory over Japan (VJ Day) was declared on 15 August 1945, following Imperial Japan’s surrender to Allied Forces. Alongside British Armed Forces, hundreds of thousands of people served in the Far East from countries including pre-partition India, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Nepal and from African nations.

The Service of Remembrance will be run in partnership with the Royal British Legion and will be attended by Second World War veterans, VJ association members, senior politicians, and military personnel. It will pay tribute to the British, Commonwealth and Allied veterans who served in the Far East theatres of war, the Pacific and Indian Ocean territories.

The event will include a guard of honour of Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force and music provided by military bands. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will lead a breathtaking flypast featuring the historic Dakota, Hurricane and Spitfire aircrafts.

Veterans attending will include Burma Star recipients, British Indian Army veterans and those involved in the Battles of Kohima and Imphal, as well as Prisoners of War held across the region and veterans stationed in the UK or Commonwealth countries, who contributed to the war effort.

The service is a ticketed event, but members of the public visiting the Arboretum on the day are invited to observe the two-minute silence and watch the service on large screens at a nearby public viewing area.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

Those who continued to fight bravely in Asia and the Pacific in those last few months of the Second World War must never be forgotten.

It is so important for us as a nation to come together on this important anniversary to remember our VJ Day veterans and hear their stories first-hand so we can ensure that their legacy is passed on to future generations and their sacrifice is never forgotten.

Defence Secretary John Healey said:

VJ Day was the final victory in a war that changed the world, and we honour those who served in the Far East with enduring gratitude.

Just as we proudly marked VE Day, we reflect on the courage, sacrifice and resilience shown by so many to secure peace.

Their legacy must never be forgotten, and it’s our duty to pass their stories on to future generations.

Mark Atkinson, Director General of the Royal British Legion, said:

We encourage everyone across the country to take a moment to reflect during the two-minute silence on VJ Day, to watch the Service of Remembrance live on the BBC or at the Arboretum, and pay tribute to those from Britain and across the Commonwealth who fought in the Far East in the Second World War.

It was so moving to see the nation come together for VE80 and to be putting veterans at the heart of these commemorations – now we have one of our last chances to honour all those VJ Day veterans whose service and sacrifice finally brought an end to the War.

Second World War veteran and RBL ambassador Tom Berry, 101, from Cheshire, who was serving on HMS Tartar in the Pacific when Japan surrendered, said:

For veterans like me and all those who carried on fighting until VJ Day was announced, this will be a very emotional day – a moment in history. I’ll be watching the service at home, and I’d ask the country to do the same – to stop and remember all those who gave so much for our freedoms, and those who never made it back.

The national commemorations will commence with a government reception to celebrate VJ Day with veterans.

Government buildings and High Commissions across the globe will also be lit up on 15 August to commemorate VJ Day.

In addition, Imperial War Museums (IWM) will be screening I Saw The World End, a digital public artwork by celebrated artist and designer Es Devlin, at Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday 6th August to commemorate the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

IWM will also invite visitors to reflect on the events leading up to the end of the Second World War through paper dove and crane making activities at IWM London and IWM North.

On VJ Day itself, IWM will premiere a new contemporary film exploring the events and significance of VJ Day and the war in Asia and the Pacific. The film, which can be seen at IWM North and outdoor screens in locations across the UK, is produced in partnership with SODA (School of Digital Arts), part of Manchester Metropolitan University. A new augmented reality experience at IWM North will also engage audiences in a deeper exploration of the Second World War in Asia and the Pacific and its significance, bringing to life some of the personal stories, sound and film from IWM’s collection.

Following the success of IWM’s VE Day Letters to Loved Ones initiative, the public are asked to delve into their family history to find letters sent by relatives to loved ones that provide fresh insight and first-hand testimonies of VJ Day and the war in the Far East. Digital copies can be uploaded onto the official VE/VJ80 website.

James Taylor, IWM’s Principal Curator of Public History said:

The story of the Second World does not finish with VE Day on 8 May 1945, with intense fighting in Asia and the Pacific continuing for another three months, and the destruction of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Through this varied programme of activities, we will shine a light on these often-overlooked stories from the final months of the Second World War. Through public film screenings, digital experiences, and artist commissions, IWM will give people the opportunity to delve deeper into the significance of the war in Asia and the Pacific and its lasting global impact.

The Government is working with partners across the UK, including the Devolved Governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, to ensure commemorations are inclusive and UK-wide.

The Commonwealth War Graves will continue their Every Story For Evermore campaign through events, new content, and augmented reality tours at international sites. These will include Commonwealth War Graves Cemeteries at Nairobi in Kenya, Sai Wan in Hong Kong, Kranji in Singapore, Kanchanaburi in Thailand, and Yokohama in Japan. This will enable international audiences to learn about the men and women who continued to serve in the Second World War after VE Day.

Director of Education, Engagement and Volunteering at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Simon Bendry, said:

As part of the anniversary commemorations marking the end of the Second World War, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is encouraging people around the world to pause and reflect on the human cost of conflict.

We commemorate more than 580,000 casualties who died during the Second World War, and we invite the public to ensure their stories are never forgotten by exploring and contributing to our online story collection, For Evermore, and by joining commemorative events taking place across the globe. From sites in the UK to Japan, from Kenya to Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore, local communities will have opportunities to honour and remember those who gave their lives and acknowledge the huge sacrifices made in pursuit of peace.
July 16, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister Fiala of the Czech Republic [July 2025]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 14 July 2025.

The Prime Minister welcomed the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Petr Fiala, to Downing Street this afternoon.

The leaders began by reflecting on the close relationship between the two countries, including across defence, trade and energy security.

Both agreed that there were plenty of opportunities to be even more ambitious, which was emphasised by the signing of a civil nuclear memorandum of understanding today.

The agreement would allow both countries to harness the potential of nuclear power and the related technology to drive prosperity, energy security and highly skilled jobs, the leaders agreed.

The Prime Minister also thanked Prime Minister Fiala for the Czech Republic’s strong support for Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian aggression, and the leaders reflected on the strength of solidarity for Ukraine through the Coalition of the Willing.

Both looked forward to speaking again soon.

July 16, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : The UK is committed to ensuring the UN can operate across its Missions in Yemen – UK at the UN Security Council [July 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 July 2025.

Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, after the adoption of UN Security Council resolution 2786.

We welcome the Council’s extension of UNMHA’s mandate until January 2026.

We thank Council colleagues for their engagement in the negotiation.

We will closely engage with the UN on their review to identify opportunities for further efficiencies, coherence and coordination across United Nations Missions in Yemen.

As the expiry of this mandate approaches early next year, we look forward to leading further discussions with this Council on the full range of options for UN operations in Hodeidah, including assessing the future viability and sunsetting of UNMHA.

We remain committed to ensuring the UN is able to operate across its Missions in Yemen, with a view to supporting humanitarian needs, promoting long-term stability and preserving space for a future UN-led peace process.

We will continue to work closely with the UN Special Envoy, regional and Yemeni stakeholders to achieve this.

July 16, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK and Pakistan agree new Business Advisory Council at inaugural Trade Dialogue [July 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 July 2025.

Ministers from the UK and Pakistan have announced new measures to boost trade between the two countries, following the launch of the UK-Pakistan Trade Dialogue.

As part of the Dialogue, ministers announced the creation of a new UK-Pakistan Business Advisory Council bringing together senior business leaders and government officials to facilitate high value trade and investment. The Council will provide strategic advice on policy reform, offer a confidential forum for engagement, and help promote commercial opportunities by addressing market access challenges and sharing best practices.

Today’s (14 July) meeting in London was co-chaired by the UK Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security, Douglas Alexander, and Pakistan’s Federal Minister of Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan. Both Ministers agreed to annual ministerial meetings to unlock growth opportunities, and support businesses and investors in the UK and Pakistan.

UK Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security Douglas Alexander said:

Today’s Dialogue marks the next step in our long-standing relationship with Pakistan, taking our trading partnership to the next level and unlocking new opportunities for businesses in both our countries.

By deepening cooperation in key sectors like healthcare and digital technology – areas central to the UK’s Industrial Strategy – we can drive growth, foster innovation, and create jobs.

Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal said:

The UK remains one of Pakistan’s most important economic partners. This Dialogue lays the foundation for a more structured and forward-looking trade relationship. By strengthening collaboration and aligning our priorities, we can expand bilateral trade, attract greater investment, and create sustainable economic opportunities that benefit both nations.

The UK has also announced up to £200,000 to support Pakistan’s aspirations to attract investment from the UK. The funds will provide technical assistance for investor outreach, and support matchmaking between Pakistani investors and UK-based opportunities. This initiative reflects the UK’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s ambitions to increase outbound investment and to strengthening the bilateral investment relationship.

The Dialogue highlighted shared ambition to build on recent momentum, with bilateral trade increasing by 7.3% during the final quarter of last year. Bilateral trade is currently valued at £4.7 billion. Today’s discussion focussed on key sectors including information technology and healthcare, two priority areas under the UK’s Industrial Strategy.

The UK’s Industrial Strategy presents a significant opportunity for businesses and investors. The UK is committed to making it easier, faster, and more predictable for international firms to operate in its market. This includes reforms in skills development, innovation, regulation, and planning – creating a more dynamic and open business environment. Through the alignment of the UK’s Industrial Strategy and the UK – Pakistan Trade Dialogue, we are reaffirming our commitment to open and fair trade, and to deepening economic ties with key partners like Pakistan.

July 16, 2025
NEWS STORY : Jacob Corrie’s jail term hiked to 10 years after appeal over sexual abuse of teenagers

STORY

Jacob Corrie, 31, from Carlisle, will now spend ten years and four months in prison after the Court of Appeal ruled his original sentence was too lenient. Corrie abused two teenagers over several years, targeting a 14-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl, grooming them online and coercing them into sending explicit images.

He first contacted the boy through social media in 2013 and repeatedly abused him between 2013 and 2015, sending sexually explicit messages throughout. In the same year, he also abused a 15-year-old girl, threatening her into silence and later demanding further sexual images, claiming he would share compromising photos if she refused. In 2020, he was separately convicted for sending further threatening messages to the same girl in an attempt to obtain more photos.

Corrie denied the allegations but later pleaded guilty to nine counts of sexual activity with a child, eight counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and two counts of sexual communication with a child. Victim impact statements described how his abuse left lasting psychological harm, including trauma, anxiety and depression. In April, Carlisle Crown Court sentenced him to six years and four months. The Solicitor General, Lucy Rigby KC, referred the case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, arguing it failed to reflect the seriousness of his crimes. Judges agreed and increased the sentence by four years.

Lucy Rigby KC said: “Jacob Corrie’s crimes were appalling. I commend Cumbria Police for their thorough investigation and welcome the decision to increase his sentence.”

July 16, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Man who sexually abused teenagers has sentence increased [July 2025]

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 14 July 2025.

A man who sexually abused two teenagers has had his sentence increased following an intervention by the Solicitor General.

Jacob Corrie [31] from Carlisle has had his sentence increased by four years after it was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Solicitor General, Lucy Rigby KC MP, under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

The court heard that Corrie met his first victim over social media when he was 19. Corrie sexually abused the vulnerable boy, who Corrie knew was 14 years old, over two years between 2013 and 2015. Corrie also sent sexual messages via social media.

Corrie sexually abused the second teenager in 2013, before threatening her not to tell anyone. After the incident, Corrie sent a series of sexual messages to the victim claiming he had compromising images of them.

The court also heard Corrie had a previous conviction from 2020 after he sent messages to the second victim threatening to send compromising photos to her friends and family unless she sent more pictures.

In a victim personal statement, one of the teenagers said they do not feel safe in their daily life and suffer from constant fear, anxiety and depression.

Corrie initially denied the offences before pleading guilty and accepting that he was aware the victims were both aged under 16.

He admitted to nine counts of sexual activity with a child, eight counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and two counts of sexual communication with a child.

The Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said:

Jacob Corrie’s crimes were appalling. I commend Cumbria police for their comprehensive investigation, and I welcome the court’s decision to increase his sentence.

On 16 April 2025, Corrie was sentenced to six years and four months’ imprisonment Carlisle Crown Court.

On 11 July, his sentence was revised to 10 years and four months after it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

July 16, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Largest fund of its kind to support vulnerable children & families [July 2025]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 14 July 2025.

The world’s largest fund of its kind will support vulnerable children and families across the country.
- Chancellor launches new £500m Fund to break down barriers to opportunity for up to 200,000 vulnerable children and young people and deliver Plan for Change.
- World’s largest fund of its kind will boost pupil achievement and could fund programmes to reduce reoffending or provide specialist workers for children struggling with exclusion, mental health or crime.
- Better Futures Fund will run for ten years, with plans to raise another £500 million from local government, social investors, and philanthropists on top of government’s funding
- The launch is backed today by groups including Save the Children UK, The King’s Trust and Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government.
Struggling and vulnerable families and children are to be given a better start in life after a new government fund was announced today (Monday 14 July), which will provide them with the support and funding needed to access a better education, a safe home, and the caring supportive environment they need to flourish.

The Better Futures Fund will support up to 200,000 children and their families over the next ten years by bringing together government, local communities, charities, social enterprises, investors, and philanthropists to work together to give children a brighter future.

It could fund providing support in schools to improve attendance, behaviour and overall achievement of pupils, intervening to free children from a life of crime, and offering employment support to secure their futures.

The fund, which is the largest of its kind in the world, will be launched by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at a visit to a school today in Wigan, hosted by the charity AllChild. It could fund providing support in schools to improve attendance and behaviour, intervening to free children from a life of crime, and offering employment support to secure their futures.

By investing in early support to tackle challenges like school absence, addiction and re-offending, the fund will help give children the stability and opportunity they need to thrive – delivering on a key part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change to give every child the best start in life.

It comes ahead of the government hosting the first Civil Society Summit this week, where the government will set out a comprehensive plan on how this government will partner with experts from outside the traditional corridors of power to create solutions that work for real people – all through the principles of fairness, collaboration and trust.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

I got into politics to help children facing the toughest challenges. This fund will give hundreds of thousands of children, young people and their families a better chance. For too long, these children have been overlooked. Our Plan for Change will break down barriers to opportunity and give them the best start in life.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

This groundbreaking Better Futures Fund represents a major step in partnering with the impact economy, which has long played an important role in strengthening communities and driving inclusive growth.

As part of the Plan for Change, we’re bringing together government, local authorities, charities, social enterprises and philanthropists to create a powerful alliance that will transform the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

We owe them the best start in life. Together we will break down barriers to opportunity, ensuring those who need support most aren’t left behind and have the chance to reach their potential.

Social Outcomes Partnerships have already been used with success across the UK, with over 180 commissioners using the model across the country. The Greater Manchester Better Outcomes Partnership (GMBOP), for example, works with young adults in the Greater Manchester area who are at risk of homelessness.

AllChild’s projects have already halved persistent school absences, and 80% of children have improved emotional wellbeing. Other programmes like the Skill Mill offer paid work experience and qualifications, reducing reconviction rates from 63% typically to 8% and three quarters of those in the programme progress to further employment, education or training.

This fund is a big step in the government’s work with the impact economy – unlocking extra resources from philanthropy, social investors and businesses to tackle urgent social challenges. Today’s announcement comes as the government’s Child Poverty Strategy is to be published in autumn to ensure it delivers fully funded measures that tackle the structural and root causes of child poverty across the UK.

The launch is backed today by groups including Save the Children UK, The King’s Trust and Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government.

Today’s announcement is informed by consultation with the Social Impact Investment Advisory Group and other representatives from civil society, purpose-driven business, and local government. Over the coming months Government will build on this and develop a strategic approach to working with the impact economy, who have long played an important role across the UK economy in unlocking innovation, driving inclusive growth and strengthening community resilience.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones said:

Partnering with impact capital to tackle child poverty was a personal priority for me coming into government – which is why I set up the Social Impact Investment Advisory Group to advise on the development of this brilliant fund, which we’ve been delighted to support as a government. I’d like to thank Dame Elizabeth Corley for chairing the group and all the members for their hard work.

Louisa Mitchell MBE, Chief Executive Officer, AllChild said:

I warmly welcome the government’s Better Futures Fund as a pivotal step toward transforming how we support children and families across the country. It’s vital that children engage with the right support and opportunities, at the right time, in the right way. Holistic support that is rooted in each child’s local community, builds on their strengths, and places trust and relationships at the heart of delivery.

I hope this fund will be a catalyst for a new way of working – one which prioritises prevention, shared accountability for locally identified outcomes, and genuine cross-sector partnerships. This is how we can ensure every child no matter where they live has the support and opportunities they need to flourish.

Richard Rigby, Head of UK Government Affairs, The King’s Trust said:

At The King’s Trust, we know that timely support can change the course of a young person’s life. Potential is everywhere but opportunity is not. The Better Futures Fund is an investment in the potential of young people who are too often left behind. We welcome this commitment to early intervention and collaboration with organisations like ours to tackle inequalities and help young people build brighter, more secure futures. By getting behind young people, we can all help to make the UK a healthier, wealthier, more positive and cohesive place.”

Further details on the fund will be set out in due course. It will be delivered by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
July 16, 2025