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PRESS RELEASE : New Head of the Joint Intelligence Organisation Appointed [May 2026]

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 22 May 2026.

The Cabinet Secretary, with the approval of the Prime Minister, has announced the appointment of Adrian Bird CB as the new Chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) and head of the Joint Intelligence Organisation (JIO). Adrian will replace Dame Madeleine Alessandri DCB, CMG, who is stepping down after three years in the role.

Adrian is currently Chief of Defence Intelligence at the Ministry of Defence, and has previously held senior roles in the Government Communication Headquarters. Adrian brings a wealth of experience from his current role and his career in GCHQ.

Adrian will lead a multidisciplinary team of expert officials in the JIO, providing real time security and risk assessments and advice to Ministers and the Prime Minister, and helping to develop government policies that keep the country safe and secure.

The Cabinet Secretary, Dame Antonia Romeo, said:

I am delighted to announce the appointment of Adrian Bird to this crucial role at this critical time for the country. Adrian’s extensive national security experience at the MoD and GCHQ make him an excellent fit to lead the dedicated security officials in the JIO, and to provide expert advice to the Prime Minister to keep the UK safe and secure.

I would also like to thank Madeleine Alessandri for her brilliant leadership as JIC Chair over the last three years, and her contribution to the wider Civil Service leadership, and to wish her well in her retirement.

Commenting on his appointment, Adrian Bird said:

It is an honour to be appointed as the new Chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee. I am delighted to be joining the JIO team and to have an opportunity to lead the UK’s professional intelligence assessment community, and to work closely with our trusted partners to deal with national security challenges of today and tomorrow.

I wanted to thank Dame Madeleine Alessandri for her excellent leadership of the JIO and I know she leaves the organisation in a strong position. I look forward to building on this and working with the team to meet the future challenges. I wish Madeleine a well-deserved retirement.

Outgoing JIC Chair, Madeleine Alessandri said:

The Joint intelligence Committee continues to play a vital role in the security of the United Kingdom. Amid unprecedented volatility in geopolitics and exponential advances in technology, clear-eyed assessment to reduce uncertainty for policymakers at moments of critical decision has never been more important.

It has been a privilege to chair the Committee. And it has been an honour to work with the brilliant people across the breadth of the UK national security system who enable assessments that are rigorous, impartial, and relevant to the challenges we face as a country.

I am delighted that Adrian has been chosen to take on this extraordinary role – at an extraordinary moment in our 90 year history.

Adrian will take up his new post on 3 July.

Notes for Editors

Adrian Bird is currently Chief of Defence Intelligence in the Ministry of Defence. Adrian is the first civilian to hold this MoD role, having previously been held by military personnel. His successor in the MoD will be Lieutenant-General Matthew Jones, OBE.

Adrian has been in his current role since 2022. He joined government service in 1993 and held a wide variety of positions in GCHQ and FCDO culminating in two successive GCHQ Director General posts before he moved to the MoD

Adrian has been in his current role since 2022.

The role

The Chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) is responsible to the Prime Minister for supervising the work of the JIC. The post-holder also leads the Joint Intelligence Organisation (JIO) and is adviser to the Prime Minister on intelligence.

The Joint Intelligence Committee

The Joint Intelligence Committee is the cross-government committee responsible for providing Ministers and senior officials with timely intelligence assessments on critical strategic national security issues.

The Chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee reports to the Cabinet Secretary.

The Joint Intelligence Organisation

The JIC is supported by the Joint Intelligence Organisation (JIO), a multi-disciplinary team of data scientists, analysts, economists and national security professionals. This dynamic and highly collaborative team is responsible for drafting all-source assessments on policy-relevant strategic issues and provides warning of threats to UK national interests.

The JIO sits at the heart of the UK intelligence assessment community and draws on the full range of reporting and expertise available across government, academia, business and international partners.

25/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Passengers one step closer to booking taxi and bus-style self-driving vehicles [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 22 May 2026.

Applications open for operators to join the self-driving vehicles pilot scheme.
- applications open for operators to run taxi, bus and private hire-style self-driving vehicles, in British first
- passengers could book journeys through operators later this year
- services will be held to strict safety requirements, driving confidence in an industry that will unlock significant economic growth and support thousands of jobs
Passengers could book taxi and bus-style self-driving vehicles later this year, as applications open today (22 May 2026) for operators to run cars across Great Britain.

The pilot scheme will enable firms – including British self-driving technology company Wayve – to bring cutting-edge technology to British roads, creating thousands of jobs and unlocking billions for the economy by 2035.

Services could enhance journeys by supporting greater freedom and independence for older and disabled people, as well as expanding travel options across both work and leisure.

Self-driving technology could transform roads, with human error currently contributing to 88% of collisions on UK roads.

Safety will be central to the pilot scheme, which will gather real-world evidence on how self-driving vehicles operate on everyday roads, from navigating busy urban streets to interacting with traffic and carrying passengers safely.

Services will be subject to rigorous approval checks by government, including strict safety assessments to ensure the technology is protected against cyber and security threats.

Roads and Buses Minister, Simon Lightwood, said:

Self-driving vehicles represent a transformative opportunity for Britain, opening up independent travel for disabled people and older adults, while driving growth and creating high-skilled jobs across the UK.

This pilot scheme brings that future closer, giving passengers the opportunity to experience self-driving travel first-hand while ensuring safety always comes first.

Local transport authorities, such as Transport for London, will also need to provide local consent to ensure services reflect local priorities.

The government is working closely with safety and accessibility experts as it develops the regulations needed to safely bring self-driving vehicles to British roads.

Learnings from the pilots will support the development of self-driving vehicle regulations, which are currently being progressed by government, following a call for evidence that closed in March.

Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery, Uber, said:

This is an exciting and important step toward launching autonomous vehicles in the UK.

London has long been a pioneering city for Uber, where we’ve launched some of our biggest innovations and we can’t wait to give people in the capital the chance to experience autonomous rides this year.

Ben Loewenstein, Waymo Head of Policy and Government Affairs for the UK and Europe, said:

The UK is leading the way in enabling the safe deployment of pilot autonomous vehicle services. We hope to soon become part of London’s transport network and demonstrate the safety, accessibility and sustainability benefits of battery-electric autonomous vehicles through the government’s pilot scheme.

We are working closely with the Department for Transport and Transport for London to ensure our operations align with their goals.

Waymo is serving riders in eleven major metropolitan areas in the US, providing over 500,000 rides each week. We are excited to bring our world-leading, fully autonomous ride-hailing service to the UK and help make transport in London safer and more accessible.

Sarah Gates, VP, Global Affairs and Assurance at Wayve, said:

The UK has all the ingredients to become a global leader in the deployment of self-driving vehicles and today’s launch of the automated passenger services scheme marks an important milestone. Wayve has been developing its technology in the UK for nearly a decade and we’re excited to bring our supervised passenger service to market here this year.

Self-driving vehicles represent a generational opportunity to make road transport safer, more accessible and more convenient for millions of people. Beyond the societal benefits, this sector also has the potential to drive significant economic growth — revitalising the UK’s industrial base, creating high-skilled jobs and strengthening the country’s position as a world-leading technology ecosystem.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:

Today is a significant milestone in the safe and responsible rollout of automated vehicles on British roads. For the first time, legislation will allow operators to offer passenger-carrying commercial services – such as robotaxis – to the general public.

Government’s decision to bring forward this legislation has positioned Britain as a leading European market for automated vehicles and a frontrunner in physical AI investment, development and deployment. Automated passenger services represent a market expected to be worth some £3.7 billion annually in Britain by 2040, while having the potential to widen society’s access to mobility and improve road safety.
25/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement on the Death Penalty by Members of the UN Inter-Regional Task Force on the Moratorium on the use of the Death Penalty [May 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 May 2026.

Joint statement by UN Member States: Albania, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Mongolia, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, as well as the European Union.

We are deeply concerned about a recent series of backward steps going against the global movement towards universal abolition of the death penalty, as outlined in the Global Report on Death Sentences and Executions 2025 recently released by Amnesty International.

This includes a sharp increase in executions in the world, primarily due to a significant rise in executions in a small number of retentionist States.

Other United Nations Member States have resumed the use of the death penalty after periods of suspension or have taken steps to reintroduce it into national legislation or to expand the types of offences for which the death penalty can be imposed, sometimes creating a framework susceptible to group-based discrimination.

These setbacks serve as a stark reminder of the continued relevance and urgency of the fight for the universal abolition of the death penalty.

The death penalty is inhumane and degrading, contrary to human dignity, without any deterring effect.

We deplore the fact that the use of the death penalty leads to violations of the human rights of the persons facing the death penalty and of other affected persons, including violations of the right to life and to the prohibition of torture enshrined in international instruments including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

This is why we oppose the death penalty, in all cases and in all circumstances. Its rejection is a fundamental principle that unites us.

We call for the universal abolition of the death penalty and commend the efforts undertaken worldwide towards this objective.

The number of countries resorting to the death penalty continues to decline, with more than two-thirds of United Nations Member States having abolished it in law or in practice.

We urge all United Nations Member States to support the upcoming General Assembly resolution on the moratorium on the use of the death penalty, presented on behalf of the Inter-Regional Task Force, as well as the Human Rights Council’s biennial resolution on the abolition of the death penalty.

We reiterate our full support for the work of the United Nations, the relevant treaty bodies and special procedure mandate holders, as well as Civil Society Organisations working towards these goals.

We look forward to the 9th World Congress against the Death Penalty, to be held in Paris from 30 June to 2 July 2026.

This Congress represents an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment towards universal abolition.

The abolition of the death penalty is a universal fight for human dignity. We call upon all United Nations Member States to join us in achieving it.

25/05/2026
NEWS STORY : Public Accounts Committee Says £6.6 Billion Was Wasted in 2024-25

STORY

The Public Accounts Committee has said the Government wrote off close to £7 billion of public money in losses during 2024-25, describing the figure as an example of poor value for the taxpayer.

The committee’s report, drawing on National Audit Office work, said £6.6 billion represented spending that had not achieved its intended objectives or created value. It also raised wider concerns about the quality and timeliness of Government financial reporting.

The report adds to pressure on ministers over public sector efficiency and Whitehall accountability. The committee said Government spends around £1.1 trillion a year, making accurate and timely reporting essential for parliamentary and public scrutiny.

25/05/2026
NEWS STORY : MEPs Demand Action Over Rule Of Law Concerns In Slovakia

STORY

The European Parliament has called on the European Commission to assess whether there could be a clear risk of a serious breach of EU values by Slovakia’s Government.

In a resolution adopted by 347 votes to 165, with 25 abstentions, MEPs said they were deeply concerned about the deterioration of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia. They also warned that systemic deficiencies could endanger the protection of the EU’s financial interests.

MEPs reiterated their call for the Commission to use the tools available to it, including infringement procedures and the rule of law conditionality mechanism. The resolution referred to concerns over criminal law reforms, judicial independence, anti-corruption safeguards, whistleblower protection and the use of EU funds.

25/05/2026
NEWS STORY : Shropshire Plan Aims to Rebuild Council Stability

STORY

Shropshire Council has said its newly agreed Corporate Plan will support a long-term programme to rebuild the authority’s finances, organisational capacity and local services.

The council said the Liberal Democrat administration’s first year in office had focused on restoring stability after a difficult period financially and organisationally. It said adult and children’s social care accounted for around three quarters of the council’s budget, making financial sustainability a central priority.

The authority said key measures had included declaring a financial emergency in September 2025, introducing a council-wide improvement plan, securing exceptional financial support from Government and strengthening financial management. It said budget monitoring returns submitted on time had improved from around 40% to more than 95%.

25/05/2026
NEWS STORY : Essex Council to Challenge Cancellation of Witham School

STORY

Essex County Council has promised to challenge the Government’s decision to cancel a new primary school planned for Witham.

The Lodge Farm Free School had been expected to provide 420 primary school places for children on the 750-home Lodge Farm development in the north of the town, along with a 56-place nursery. The council said the Government notified it in December that it planned to cancel the long-awaited project, before confirming that decision on 21 May.

Councillor Peter Harris, the council’s leader-elect, described the decision as disappointing and short-sighted, saying it would affect a rapidly growing community already under pressure for school places. Essex County Council said it would write directly to the Government to challenge the decision and continue making the case for local investment.

25/05/2026
NEWS STORY : Hartlepool’s New Council Leader Promises Financial Review

STORY

Councillor Graham Harrison has been confirmed as the new leader of Hartlepool Borough Council following the authority’s annual council meeting.

The Reform UK councillor, who was elected earlier this month for the Burn Valley ward, said his first priority would be to understand the council’s financial position. He said residents expected public money to be managed responsibly and that he wanted a clear and transparent review of the authority’s finances.

Councillor Harrison said the new administration would look for opportunities to deliver services more efficiently, while acknowledging that many councillors were newly elected and still learning how the council operates. He said the council would focus on serving all parts of Hartlepool fairly and treating residents with respect.

25/05/2026
NEWS STORY : New Suffolk Leader Names Cabinet With Community Pledge

STORY

Suffolk County Council has elected Councillor Michael Hadwen as its new leader, with the authority saying he has become the youngest leader in its history.

Councillor Hadwen used his first speech at the council’s annual general meeting to pledge that communities would be at the centre of the new administration’s work. He said the council would focus on better services, living within its means, less bureaucracy, greater accountability and leadership that prioritises the people of Suffolk.

The new Cabinet includes portfolios for adult social care, finance and economic development, children’s services, education and SEND, transport and highways, planning and devolution, public health, coastal affairs, waste and rural affairs. Councillor Hadwen said difficult decisions lay ahead, but promised to protect frontline services, support sustainable growth and reform the way the council operates.

25/05/2026
NEWS STORY : Hampshire Confirms New Cabinet After No Overall Control Result

STORY

Hampshire County Council has confirmed its new administration and Cabinet team after the 7 May local elections left the authority under no overall control.

Councillor Nick Adams-King was elected as leader at the council’s annual general meeting on 21 May, continuing in the role after discussions between political groups on how the county authority would be governed. The council said the administration would oversee services affecting around 1.4 million residents, including schools, roads, social care, countryside access, waste sites and libraries.

The new Cabinet includes executive roles covering universal services, children’s services, adult social care and public health, highways and passenger transport, education, finance, people and local government reorganisation. Councillor Adams-King said the administration would be collegiate, cooperative and transparent, while also pursuing a judicial review of the local government reorganisation outcome.

25/05/2026