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PRESS RELEASE : Libya’s leaders must use this window of opportunity to make progress on Libya’s political process – UK statement at the UN Security Council [August 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 August 2026.

Statement by Ambassador Sarah MacIntosh, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Libya.

Madam President, three points on the political process, the importance of stability, and human rights.

First, the United Kingdom reaffirms our support for SRSG Tetteh and for all efforts aimed at advancing an inclusive, credible, and Libyan-led political process.

Almost a year ago, this Council welcomed SRSG Tetteh’s briefing setting out a roadmap towards elections in Libya, and opening a window for making progress in Libya’s political process.

A year on, its two initial milestones remain to be implemented by Libya’s parties.
The people of Libya are telling us clearly that they want progress in the political process towards elections and unified, strengthened, and accountable institutions.

And we urge Libya’s leaders to use this window of opportunity to act to implement the roadmap and move towards elections.

Two steps that Libya’s leaders could take now to demonstrate both progress and determination to move forward. Implementing the US-facilitated unified budget agreement, and finalising the outcome of the UNSMIL-facilitated ‘4+4’ small convening discussions.

Second, progress on the political process will support stability, which in turn offers the best prospects for greater economic certainty and a stable Dinar, for jobs and youth employment, for stable fuel and essential goods and services supplies, and for all those things that Ms Bek has described in her briefing.

Conversely, when progress stalls, stability is put at risk and in recent weeks we have seen concerning signs.

And we have heard this morning of some of them.

Including around the Governor of the Central Bank, the assassination of the Libyan National Army Military Intelligence Chief, and targeted drone attacks on critical infrastructure at Zawiya.

We have also seen protests resulting from wider frustrations.

It is the Libyan people who suffer the most from any instability.

The window for progress is open, but not indefinite.

Third, protection of human rights.

The United Kingdom welcomes announcements on the release of detained individuals in both West and East Libya.

We encourage Libyan institutions to end the practice of arbitrary detentions.

To empower law enforcement and legal institutions to investigate human rights violations and to pursue violators regardless of their affiliations, and to dismantle the criminal gangs responsible for organised immigration crime.

As the Secretary-General’s latest report shows, organised immigration crime creates protection risks, including of harassment, arbitrary arrests, and forcible transfer.

It has a disproportionate impact on women and girls, and it risks fuelling instability in Libya and beyond.

Madam President, the United Kingdom wants democratic choice, security, and prosperity for the people of Libya.

Through the mandate of this Council, and the work of our UN Mission, the international community is working to support the achievement of these goals.

We see a window of opportunity now. And we urge and encourage progress in this window, and support those who take the necessary steps to achieve it.

19/08/2026
PRESS RELEASE : AI to slash 101 wait times and free vital police time [August 2026]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 18 August 2026.

New AI call-routing system for 101 will get callers to the right service faster, while freeing up police to tackle crime and help victims.

New AI software will slash waiting times for reporting crimes to the police, helping to unclog the 101 service amid huge levels of misdirected, nuisance and prank calls.

The police’s non-emergency line receives 20 million calls each year. Around 20% – four million – of these are for non-policing organisations such as local councils, NHS 111 or the 105 power outage helpline.

However, the line also receives ridiculous reports on issues from delayed pizza delivery to slow pub service and requests for a lift, wasting vital time that police should be spending tackling crime.

Backed by a £1.4 million government investment, the new system will get the public to the right organisation faster, while freeing up call handlers to respond to crime reports, safeguarding concerns and victims more quickly.

It is estimated that the new system will save policing up to £8.5 million each year, releasing funds for local forces to invest in their most pressing priorities.

Crime and Policing Minister, Sarah Jones, said:

Police call handlers are wasting hours fielding calls meant for other organisations. Every minute spent on these calls is time taken away from helping people who genuinely need their support.

AI is already helping police catch dangerous criminals and speed up investigations. Now, it will help bring control rooms into the 21st century, freeing up time and unlocking millions of pounds. Forces can reinvest those savings into tackling the crime on our streets.

The system has been developed by the Home Office and National Police Chiefs’ Council, with delivery partner Vodafone Business. It uses an AI model to match why someone is calling 101 to a set of likely reasons, then redirects non-police issues to the correct agency before the caller enters a queue.

At present, these calls are only identified after someone has spoken to a handler, wasting the caller’s time and increasing wait times for people who need police assistance.

The new system has been subject to rigorous training and testing by the Home Office and police to ensure its performance is not affected by factors such as callers’ accents and phrasing. During pilots in 15 police forces it successfully diverted non-police issues including damage-only road traffic incidents, fly tipping and noise complaints to the right agencies.

There are strong safeguards in place to ensure that no one in need of police assistance is ever accidently diverted. Callers are told how the system has understood their reason for calling and must accept or reject this.

Where the reason for calling falls into a broad category, additional safeguarding questions are asked. If the system is in any doubt, the call is passed directly to the police without delay. Callers will always be able to speak to a handler if they wish.

The use of the system may vary by force, depending on what telephone menu services they already have in place. The current 999 system has not changed.

National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Contact Operations, A/Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Hooper, said:

This innovation addresses a long-standing challenge in public contact by using AI to triage and redirect non-police calls. It’ll help forces manage demand more effectively, freeing up call handlers to focus on those who genuinely need police support.

By reducing unnecessary call handling, this system marks a major step forward in modernising how the public interacts with policing – making services more efficient, responsive, and easier to navigate.

We’re extremely grateful to our partners at the Home Office and Vodafone, whose work and vision have been essential in designing and delivering this capability.

Nick Gliddon, Business Director, VodafoneThree, said:

The 101 service plays a vital role in connecting people with the police when they need them, but not every call requires police intervention. By using AI to understand the reason for a caller’s contact and help direct them to the right service, we can reduce unnecessary demand and help police teams focus their time and resources where they are needed most. This is a practical example of how technology can support public services, making it easier for people to get the help they need while helping to protect valuable police resources.

As part of its landmark police reform initiatives, the government is investing a record £16.5 million to modernise how the police and public interact. Alongside the new 101 triage system, this will include AI that transcribes 999 and 101 calls, and links crime reports to identify patterns in demand.

John Hayward-Cripps, CEO, Neighbourhood Watch Network, said:

Neighbourhood Watch volunteers and supporters have long fed back on the delays and poor service from the overloaded 101 service reported to them from local members of the public. This new AI call-routing system is a practical step towards a faster, smarter and more responsive 101 service. By directing non-policing calls to the right organisation at the start, it will help reduce waiting times for the public, protect vital police resources, and ensure officers and call handlers can focus on tackling crime, safeguarding vulnerable people and supporting victims. Neighbourhood Watch fully support this government initiative and hope it can be implemented quickly.

Al Murray, Interim Director at PoliceAI, said:

Every minute spent dealing with a misdirected call is a minute that could be spent helping a victim or responding to a crime. This initiative shows how AI can better redirect non-police related calls from the system, get the public to the right service faster and free police officers to focus on the work only they can do. At a time when policing is facing growing demand, that matters more than ever. It is a powerful example of how technology can improve the public’s experience, strengthen support for victims and make better use of valuable police time.

When introduced responsibly and with the right safeguards, AI has the potential to transform public services. This investment will help policing work more efficiently, deliver better value for taxpayers and allow officers and staff to spend more time protecting communities and tackling crime. It’s exactly the kind of practical, people-focused innovation that PoliceAI exists to support.

19/08/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Better Wifi on Trains [August 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 18 August 2026.
- Reliable broadband on remote Scottish railways and access to cutting-edge tech for British farmers among 16 new projects backed by £13 million.
- Funding to help transform access and availability of 5G and 6G networks – boosting connectivity and driving growth.
- Projects will create high-value jobs across the UK, strengthen national security, and help cement Britain’s position as a global force in satellite communication technology.
More reliable broadband on remote Scottish railways and affordable sensors which help farmers grow more food are among a raft of new projects which will bring the benefits of space technology into everyday life.

The UK Space Agency is funding 16 projects through a £13 million government investment, supporting the companies and workers developing the satellite communications systems the UK will depend on for decades to come.

Satellites are the backbone of modern life, powering the navigation apps we rely on, the weather forecasts that keep us safe from storms and extreme heat, and the broadband connections that keep friends and family in touch.

Among the projects receiving support, CGI’s SODOR will trial satellite broadband on ScotRail’s West Highland Line, one of Scotland’s most scenic but remote routes. This will bring reliable connectivity to passengers and commuters in areas where traditional mobile networks struggle to reach. This trial will support the government’s wider work to introduce satellite connectivity on all mainland trains – improving availability and connection speeds for passengers across the country.

In agriculture, Farmer Charlie’s GAUFF project is developing affordable satellite-enabled sensors that will give farmers real-time data on their land and crops. That will help deliver better harvests and reduce waste through smarter, more targeted farming, with the technology expected to be available by the end of next summer.

Space Minister Liz Lloyd said:

This investment shows the true breadth of UK space innovation and how innovations in the UK’s satellite sector can improve lives, with better connectivity delivering internet access for more train journeys, and smarter farming. through more reliable connections through to support for our farming communities.

By backing brilliant British companies, we are not only furthering our status as one of the world’s leading space powers, but creating high-quality jobs and new opportunities across the UK.

Betty Bonnardel MBE, CEO of Farmer Charlie said:

We are delighted to receive the support of the UK Space Agency, through the European Agency, as it helps Farmer Charlie bring the benefits of precision agriculture to farmers across the UK.

By combining affordable sensors with satellite connectivity, we are making it easier for growers to make informed decisions, improve productivity and farm more sustainably anywhere in the UK.

The 16 projects will be delivered as part of the European Space Agency’s Advanced Research in Telecommunication Systems (ARTES) programme, backed by £13 million in UK Government funding.

The space sector is one of our strongest drivers of growth and opportunity – employing more than 55,000 people and bringing £18.6 billion into the economy every year(1.) This investment will take UK space to the next frontier – backing the innovators developing the faster, smarter and more secure satellite systems which will keep us safe and our economy moving.

Other projects winning backing today include Exobotics Ltd’s STARS project, which will develop ultra-fast satellite communications technology. This will deliver the first satellites in a planned network designed to relay data between satellites and the ground much more quickly.

Further projects will also improve the UK’s capabilities in deep space and lunar communications, supporting future missions which explore our universe.

These investments will boost the UK’s ability to shape the curve of progress in space technology – backing the companies who will deliver jobs, investment, and opportunities that will support communities across the country for decades to come.

Notes to Editors

List of Projects

STARS, Exobotics Ltd, London – £2,100,000

Working with Archangel Lightworks and University of Nottingham, this project selected under the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit Programme2 will develop and demonstrate a next-generation optical communications capability designed to provide ultra-fast, resilient and near real-time connectivity for satellite operators. The project will deliver the first satellites in a planned future data relay network, helping address growing demand for rapid transfer of mission-critical data.

Theia – Software Defined Radio Generic Payload Processor, Airbus Defence and Space UK Ltd, Portsmouth – £1,500,000

This project is developing technology that allows to expand Airbus existing Hyperion Processor (Hyperion Evo) by offering the capability to tailor specific Processor functions to the mission needs as well as reprogramming and updating those functions while in orbit, rather than being locked into a fixed set of functions before and after launch. This makes Airbus On-board Processors and satellites more adaptable, helps operators get more out of them over time, and reduces costs.

QUAKES: Quick Universal Array for Ka-band, E-band, and S-band Earth Stations, Orbital Astronautics Ltd, Goring–On-Thames – £1,710,000

QUAKES is building a compact, portable ground station that can connect to multiple satellites at once and handle everything from low-bandwidth sensor data to high-speed broadband. Because it can be quickly deployed with minimal infrastructure, it is well suited to both civilian and defence uses in challenging or remote environments.

Hybrid Generative Broadcasting & Semantic SATCOM for Satellite Content Delivery in Space-Air-Ground Integrated Networks, AWTG Ltd, London – £684,000

This project is using artificial intelligence to make satellite broadcasting more efficient, reducing the amount of data and power needed to deliver high-quality video and media content. Rather than transmitting a full picture every time, the system intelligently reconstructs content at the receiving end, saving bandwidth across satellite, airborne and ground-based networks.

Optimus, Archangel Lightworks Ltd, Oxford– £1,845,000

Project Optimus is building a high-speed laser communications system that can transmit data between satellites and the ground at speeds of over 100 gigabits per second — roughly ten times faster than its predecessor. Compact and quick to deploy, it could support everything from broadband internet and Earth observation to space-based data centres.

NextGen Deep Space & Lunar Ground TT&C Processor (TTCP Lite), BAE Systems Applied Intelligence Limited, Chelmsford – £123,000

This project is exploring how ground station systems that are used to track and communicate with deep-space missions billions of km away can be modernised. It is an important step towards building a fully-digital ground infrastructure to support future space exploration.

DTN Network Operations Centre, Aalyria Technologies (UK) Ltd, London – £750,000

Working with Goonhilly Earth Station in Cornwall, this project is developing networking technology that can maintain reliable communications even across the vast distances of deep space, where signals can take minutes or hours to travel. It will help lay the groundwork for future lunar missions and programmes such as ESA’s Moonlight initiative.

NG-OGS Accelerator: Accelerating Next-Gen Optical and Quantum Ground Station Networks, Lumino Technologies Ltd, London – £1,140,000

This project is developing next generation optical ground stations – the facilities on the ground that use lasers to communicate with satellites – making these cheaper and easier to build and deploy at scale. NG-OGS Accelerator will help the UK keep pace with growing demand for high-speed, secure satellite communications as well as enable long-range quantum communications.

Digital BUC / HPA, ETL Systems Limited, Hereford – £895,000

This project will modernise satellite ground infrastructure by replacing complex analogue uplink equipment with digital technology. This will enable more flexible, cloud-based satellite services and create infrastructure that is easier to upgrade, more adaptable and better suited to future satellite communications networks.

“UPLINK-GEO” – Power Scaled Erbium-Doped Fibre Laser and Hollow-Core Fibre Beam Delivery to Enable Optical Ground Stations with Extended Range to GEO and Beyond, Woodrow Scientific Ltd, Southampton – £376,000

This project is developing more powerful laser technology to extend the range of optical ground stations, allowing them to communicate with satellites in higher orbits further from Earth. This is essential infrastructure for future high-capacity satellite networks that use light rather than radio waves to transmit data.

Satellites for Digitalisation of Railways (SODOR) CCN 4 – West Highland Line Pilot, CGI IT UK Ltd, Leatherhead – £428,000

This project will fit a ScotRail train on the West Highland Line with satellite communications equipment to provide reliable broadband in one of the UK’s most remote rail corridors. It will demonstrate how satellite technology can fill connectivity gaps where mobile and broadband networks simply don’t reach.

NOVACOM2: Propulsion Pressure Regulation Equipment for HET, Nammo UK, Aylesbury – £860,000

This project is developing and testing advanced components that control the propulsion systems used to manoeuvre electric satellites in orbit. More precise and reliable propulsion technology helps satellites operate more efficiently and extends their working lives, benefiting operators across the global space industry.

Gardens, Allotments and Urban Farming Facilitator (GAUFF) Sensor – TN/NTN Optimisation, Farmer Charlie, London – £199,000

This project is creating low-cost, easy-to-use sensors that help farmers and growers monitor their crops, soil and local environment using a combination of satellite and mobile connectivity. The technology is designed to work in rural areas with poor or no internet coverage, helping to bring the benefits of precision agriculture to more people.

“UPLINK-4.0” – UPLINK Amplifier Technology to Meet the Challenges of SDA OCT 4.0 Burst-Mode Operation, Woodrow Scientific Ltd, Southampton – £205,000

This project is developing laser amplifier technology that can deliver much higher bursts of power when needed, allowing ground stations to communicate more reliably with satellites in different orbits. It will help ensure the UK’s optical communications infrastructure is ready for the next generation of satellite constellations.

Lacuna User Terminal Development, Lacuna Space Ltd, Harwell – £429,000

This project is developing and manufacturing a new generation of small, affordable devices that connect everyday objects and sensors to the internet via satellite — even in the most remote parts of the world. By building these devices in the UK, the project will also strengthen domestic manufacturing and supply chain capabilities.

TS-SDN based SMO for 5G/6G NTNs, Aalyria Technologies (UK) Ltd, London, – £472,000

This project is developing the software interface that allows terrestrial networks and satellite systems to work together seamlessly, so that users can stay connected as they move between areas with mobile coverage and areas only served by satellite. It also uses AI to reduce interference between satellites, improving overall network performance for future 5G and 6G services.
19/08/2026
NEWS STORY : Serco worker charged over release of Thetford addresses later targeted during disorder

STORY

A Serco employee has been charged with misconduct in a public office in connection with the release of information relating to addresses in Thetford which were subsequently targeted during several nights of violent disorder. James Jobson, 62, of Highlow Road in Costessey, appeared at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court on Monday 17 August.

The addresses were linked to accommodation for asylum seekers in the Norfolk town. Properties were vandalised during three nights of unrest earlier this month, while police officers responding to the disorder were subjected to violence. Norfolk Police said officers were hit with a rock, bitten and spat at during incidents on 5 August, and the force subsequently confirmed that 21 arrests had been made in connection with the disorder.

Jobson works for Serco, which provides asylum accommodation under contracts with the Government. Serco said it was cooperating fully with the police and would not comment further while legal proceedings were continuing. Jobson was remanded in custody following his appearance at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court and is due to appear at Norwich Crown Court on 14 September.

19/08/2026
NEWS STORY : Crypto investment company shut down after investors lost more than £300,000

STORY

An unauthorised crypto investment company has been wound up after an Insolvency Service investigation found no evidence that genuine trading took place. Key Coin Assets Ltd promoted returns of between 40% and 100%, including online claims of no fees and no risk. Nine investors who complained to Action Fraud paid more than £300,000 to the company between them.

Investigators said money received from new investors appeared to have been used to make payments to earlier investors, while funds were also transferred rapidly into the personal account of the company’s director. The company posted customer testimonials without permission and told investors not to use words such as crypto or investment in bank payment references. Its Companies House filings also claimed assets of up to £42 million, a figure the Insolvency Service said was far above the level suggested by its banking activity.

Key Coin Assets Ltd was wound up by the High Court in London on 11 August and the Official Receiver has been appointed as liquidator. The Insolvency Service and Financial Conduct Authority are warning people considering crypto investments to check a firm’s regulatory status and to be cautious about promises of guaranteed high returns or no risk. Most cryptoasset activities are not currently regulated in the UK, although wider regulation is due to take effect from October 2027.

19/08/2026
NEWS STORY : Average UK house price rises 2% to £272,000

STORY

Average UK house prices increased by 2% in the year to June 2026, taking the average property value to £272,000, according to the latest UK House Price Index. Prices rose by 0.1% between May and June on a non seasonally adjusted basis. The annual rate of growth was lower than the revised 3% increase recorded in the 12 months to May.

In England, the average house price reached £293,000 after an annual increase of 1.8%. The North West recorded the strongest annual growth among English regions at 4.7%, followed by the North East at 4.3%. London was the only English region to record an annual fall, with average prices down 2.5% to £554,000, although prices in the capital rose by 1% between May and June.

The average price paid by a first time buyer in England was £245,000, up 1.8% over the year, while the average for former owner occupiers was £357,000. Official property transaction figures show an estimated 99,000 UK residential transactions worth at least £40,000 took place in June on a seasonally adjusted basis. That was 2.5% higher than in June 2025 but 0.2% lower than in May 2026.

19/08/2026
NEWS STORY : Trainline, Virgin Atlantic and RED Driving School investigated over extra fees

STORY

The Competition and Markets Authority has opened consumer protection investigations into Trainline, Virgin Atlantic and RED Driving School over concerns about whether customers were shown the total price upfront. The regulator is examining the presentation of mandatory charges when people buy train and coach tickets, package holidays and driving lessons. It has stressed that the investigations are at an early stage and no conclusion has been reached that any of the companies has broken consumer law.

The CMA said it observed Trainline fees ranging from 59p to £2.79 on advance train bookings and a £1.50 fee on coach bookings. Its Virgin Atlantic investigation will consider whether resort fees and local taxes, which can add hundreds of pounds to some package holidays, were included in the price first shown to customers. RED Driving School is being investigated over mandatory booking and digital fees of more than £7 per booking and how those charges were displayed during the booking process.

All three businesses had previously received advisory letters from the CMA about their obligations under consumer law. The regulator now has stronger direct enforcement powers and can impose fines of up to 10% of a company’s global turnover where it finds an infringement, as well as requiring compensation for affected customers. The CMA said the next steps will depend on the evidence gathered during each investigation.

19/08/2026
NEWS STORY : Calls grow for public inquiry following death of Jason Arday

STORY

Calls for a public inquiry into the treatment of former Cambridge professor Jason Arday have intensified following his death, with more than 98,000 people signing a petition seeking an investigation into the role of the media. Downing Street has not ruled out an inquiry but has said that decisions should not be made while the usual processes following an unexpected death, including any inquest, are still to take place. Arday, 41, was found dead at an address in Battersea on Friday, with police saying his death was unexpected but was not being treated as suspicious.

The growing calls followed a large vigil in Trafalgar Square on Monday evening, which organisers estimated was attended by more than 30,000 people. MPs, friends, academics and campaigners paid tribute to Arday and raised concerns about the intensity of the scrutiny he faced before his death. His family said he had experienced public cruelty and asked that he be remembered for his life and achievements. Cambridge Chancellor Chris Smith has separately defended the importance of investigating allegations concerning academic integrity while criticising what he described as a racially charged media reaction to Arday.

Arday resigned earlier this month as Professor of Sociology of Education at the University of Cambridge following allegations concerning plagiarism in his PhD thesis and questions about statements relating to other achievements. He rejected allegations of deliberate dishonesty while acknowledging mistakes in his academic work. Cambridge had announced an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his appointment and tenure, although it is understood that the university has not yet decided whether that work should continue while his family is grieving. The controversy following his death has widened into a debate about press standards, academic accountability, race and the duty of care owed by institutions to people subjected to intense public scrutiny.

18/08/2026
NEWS STORY : Charity Commission reports rise in complex attempts to exploit charitable status

STORY

Concerns about charitable status being abused for private benefit rose by 29% in 2025 to 2026, according to the Charity Commission. The regulator recorded 374 such cases, following a 38% increase in the previous year. Its latest sector risk assessment says charities are facing increasingly complex activity by people seeking to exploit organisations and regulatory gaps.

The Commission said it formally passed information to other agencies including HM Revenue and Customs, police forces and local authorities 500 times during the last year, an increase of 8%. It also highlighted concerns about charities providing sensitive services in areas without specialist service regulation, including some out of school settings and certain housing services, where users may have limited routes for redress over service quality.

The assessment also points to continued financial pressure across parts of the sector and new risks associated with technology. Two in five charities spent more than their income and one in four charities with income below £10,000 reported only breaking even in 2024. The regulator said artificial intelligence can also facilitate fraudulent applications to register charities or obtain grants. Forty five per cent of charity registration applications are now approved, compared with 72% in 2016 to 2017.

18/08/2026
NEWS STORY : Liverpool businessman banned as director after investors lost more than £4.8 million

STORY

Liverpool businessman Lawrence Kenwright has been banned from acting as a company director for five years after an Insolvency Service investigation into Signature Works Gold Limited. The company distributed false and misleading marketing material to investors, who suffered losses of more than £4.8 million. The Insolvency Service said Kenwright is not accused of direct fraud.

Signature Works Gold sold desk space to investors in three Liverpool city centre properties, with rental income intended to fund investor returns. Marketing material stated or implied that investors would acquire a legal interest in the properties which would be registered at HM Land Registry. Investigators found that Signature Works Gold did not own a registered freehold or leasehold interest in any of the three buildings and investor returns stopped after September 2019.

The company was wound up in the public interest in December 2022. At the time of its winding up it had assets of less than £100,000 and liabilities of £4,848,654. Kenwright signed a disqualification undertaking before a planned trial and the ban took effect on 18 August. It prevents him from being involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company without permission from the court.

18/08/2026