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PRESS RELEASE : The UK welcomes the inaugural meeting of the Syrian People’s Assembly: UK statement at the UN Security Council [July 2026]

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

Statement by Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

I will make three points.

First, the United Kingdom welcomes the inaugural meeting of the Syrian People’s Assembly on 12 July.

This is an important step towards establishing Syria’s new political settlement.

The UK stands ready to support the efforts to strengthen Syria’s institutions and to help build long-term peace, stability, and security.

And we look forward to working with the Assembly as it seeks to build an inclusive, prosperous future for all Syrians.

Second, Syria’s security situation remains fragile.

There is a real risk that wider regional conflict could undermine the country’s long overdue recovery.

And we urge all parties to de-escalate and to focus on rebuilding regional stability.

We condemn the egregious Iranian-claimed attacks against Syria last week.

And we also call on Israel to set out a timeline for their withdrawal from areas in southern Syria.

And we urge the Israeli Government to return to negotiations with the Syrian Government. This is in all parties’ interests.

We also condemn the recent terrorist attacks in Damascus and offer our deepest condolences to those affected.

There can be no justification for such violence.

The UK will continue to work closely with the Syrian Government to support its counterterrorism efforts, and we remain an active member of the Global Coalition against Daesh.

President, this month marks one year since the violence in the southern province of Suwayda, in which many innocent lives were lost, and tens of thousands of people displaced.

We continue to support efforts to find a negotiated solution for Suwayda: one that upholds Syria’s sovereignty and unity, while addressing accountability, social cohesion, access to essential services, and humanitarian assistance.

Finally, we welcome the landmark decision by the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to restore Syria’s rights and privileges.

This recognises the leadership and commitment of the Syrian Government in locating and destroying the stockpile of chemical weapons left by the Assad regime.

President, Syria has made important progress in its efforts to build peace and security for its people, and in its commitment to play a positive and constructive role in its neighbourhood.

The Council should continue to support Syria in these efforts and to help forge a safer and more prosperous future.

24/07/2026
Ed Miliband – 2026 Comments on Appointment as Foreign Secretary

The comments made by Ed Miliband on 21 July 2026 following his appointment as Foreign Secretary.

It is a great honour and privilege to have been appointed by the Prime Minister to serve as Foreign Secretary.

My parents came to Britain as Jewish refugees from the Nazis. To them, Britain was both a sanctuary and a beacon of hope in the global fight against fascism. I will carry my parents’ faith in that spirit of Britain to my role representing our country.

I will be a Foreign Secretary who fights for Britain’s interests and our values of democracy, freedom and the rule of law on the world stage.

Today, as we face a time of greater instability and threat to international law and democracy than at any time since the Second World War, these values are more important than ever.

From Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine to conflict in the Middle East, time and again we have seen the consequences of a more dangerous world in the cost of living crisis that families and businesses face.

For Britain, that means we must work with others to defend the principles that we cherish, because it is in our national interest to do so, building on the excellent work of my predecessors and friends, Yvette Cooper and David Lammy.

I will seek to deepen and strengthen our strategic alliance with the European Union which is so important for our prosperity and security and at the same time nurture our strong, enduring and essential alliance with the United States. I will uphold our commitment to multilateral institutions from NATO to the UN as well as working with global partners, particularly in the Global South.

Pursuing our interests and values means continuing to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine against Russia’s illegal invasion, as Britain has done for the last four years. It means playing our part to seek to end the conflict in Iran and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz. It must also mean working tirelessly to seek a sustainable peace in Palestine and Israel, including an end to the terrible suffering of the people of Gaza and security for the people of Israel.

The FCDO I lead will also be at the forefront of issues which pose profound and substantial threats to justice and equality in Britain and across the world. We will work with others on tackling the climate crisis, strengthening our partnerships for international development, and reforming our international institutions so they deliver for all countries, including the world’s poorest people.

FCDO is a great British institution filled with talented, expert, and committed staff who do crucial consular work for our country and have reach across the world. I look forward to working with Britain’s world-class network of embassies, diplomats, civil servants, businesses, and cultural organisations to represent and promote the interests and values of our great country.

24/07/2026
PRESS RELEASE : £20 million investment for hypersonic target to test air defence systems and boost British small businesses [July 2026]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 21 July 2026.

British small businesses will help develop a hypersonic ‘clay pigeon’ target, a vehicle intended to represent threats capable of travelling at five times the speed of sound, under a new £20m investment announced today.
- £20 million contract will directly benefit British small-and-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout the supply chain, showing how defence is an engine for growth.
- A new SME Action Plan will remove barriers and open up defence supply chains for British SMEs.
- Hypersonic ‘clay pigeon’ target will help new defence systems to counter advanced missiles and is part of a trilateral partnership between Australia, the UK, and the United States.
British small businesses will help develop a hypersonic ‘clay pigeon’ target, a vehicle intended to represent threats capable of travelling at five times the speed of sound, under a new £20m investment announced today. The target will test missile defence systems designed to protect the UK from advanced threats such as hypersonic missiles.

The contract, awarded to Lockheed Martin UK, will support around 63 jobs in Bedfordshire, and have 15 UK SMEs benefitting through the supply chain, showing how defence is an engine for growth.

It comes as the government unveils today a new Defence SME Action Plan, which will open up opportunities for small businesses across the defence supply chain.

Known as Project Bowline, the work will produce a hypersonic target, designed to act as an advanced ‘clay pigeon’ for next-generation air defence systems, including sensors and interceptors, to shoot down as they’re developed. This will help the UK test counter-hypersonic missile capabilities, ensuring that the Armed Forces lead on producing and countering the most advanced threats.

The project is part of international collaboration under AUKUS Pillar 2, the trilateral partnership between Australia, the UK, and the United States to develop advanced military capabilities, including hypersonic and counter-hypersonic technologies.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP said:

British businesses are the backbone of our defence industry, and we’re backing them to succeed. Our SME Action Plan will give firms of every size a clearer, faster route to contracts at home, while programmes like Project Bowline show exactly how major defence investment flows through to small businesses across the UK.

With our commitment to spend £7.5 billion with UK SMEs by 2028 and a further £400 million ringfenced for UK Defence Innovation every year, defence is delivering growth across the UK, sustaining skilled jobs and strengthening our security at the same time.

The new SME Action Plan, led by the Defence Office for Small Business Growth, sets out concrete steps to remove the barriers small and medium businesses face when working with defence – opening up supply chains, simplifying procurement and creating accessible opportunities across the defence industry. The plan will simplify processes at all stages of the contracting cycle and marks another key step in the MOD’s drive to increase defence spending with SMEs to £7.5 billion by 2028, representing a 50% increase on the current spend.

The announcements come as the Defence Secretary Wes Streeting MP and Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP are championing the UK defence industry at the Farnborough International Air Show, one of the world’s largest aerospace and defence trade events.

National Armaments Director Rupert Pearce said:

Delivering Project Bowline will help ensure the UK stays ahead of rapidly evolving hypersonic threats. By working with our AUKUS partners and investing in advanced missile technology in the UK, we strengthen our national arsenal, boost a key sector in our economy, and support our ability to deliver effective missile defence.

The Ministry of Defence already works with around 12,000 SMEs through its supply chain, and that work has only accelerated in the year since publication of the Modern Industrial Strategy and Defence Industrial Strategy. That work has included: the launch of the Defence Growth Deals and Defence Technical Excellence Colleges; the award of thirteen British-based SMEs contracts of up to £4 million each from the Defence Unicorn Fund; and the ringfencing of £400 million annually for UKDI to accelerate innovation.

Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS said:

We welcome the publication of the SME Action Plan today – it is a positive and timely step towards unlocking the full potential of the UK’s defence industrial base. Smaller businesses – including more than 1500 ADS members – form our industrial bedrock, delivering innovation, agility and critical capabilities throughout the UK.

Commitments to simplifying procurement processes, improve access to opportunities and increase engagement with smaller businesses will help ensure that innovative UK companies can compete, invest and scale with confidence.

We look forward to working closely with Government and our members to deliver this ambition into tangible opportunities for businesses across every region of the UK.
24/07/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with the Taoiseach of Ireland [July 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 21 July 2026.

The Prime Minister spoke to the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin, today.

The Taoiseach began by congratulating the Prime Minister on his appointment, with the Prime Minister thanking him and underlining how much he is looking forward to working together.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the UK’s partnership with Ireland and welcomed the continued close cooperation, particularly through the annual UK-Ireland Summit.

The leaders agreed on the need to continue to work together across shared priorities, including security, energy, and both countries’ enduring commitment to the Good Friday agreement.

The Prime Minister then congratulated the Taoiseach on the launch of Ireland’s EU Presidency. He reiterated the UK’s commitment to strengthening relations with the EU, to deliver opportunities for normal people across the UK.

The Prime Minister and Taoiseach said they looked forward to meeting in person soon.

24/07/2026
Andy Burnham – 2026 Comments on Defence

The comments made by Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister, on 21 July 2026.

As I said on the steps of Downing Street, we are going to honour our commitments on defence – and use that investment to transform people’s lives.

And we are going to work even more closely with our allies.

So today, we are not just recommitting to our state-of-the-art GCAP fighter programme – but I am delighted to announce that Canada will join the programme as the first Observer Nation.

GCAP is already one of the world’s most ambitious defence and industrial partnerships – supporting 4,500 jobs across the UK. Today’s announcement makes it even stronger.

24/07/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Canada joins next-generation fighter jet programme as first Observer Nation [July 2026]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 21 July 2026.

One of the world’s most ambitious defence and industrial partnerships  is even stronger  as the UK, Italy  and Japan welcome Canada  to  the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as  the  first Observer Nation.
- Canada becomes the first Observer Nation of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), founded by the UK, Italy  and Japan. 
- GCAP  is designing, developing  and building  the next generation of fighter  jet  to  support  national  security. 
- Ambitious  programme  supports  thousands of jobs in  the UK, with  over 600  companies up and down the country involved. 
One of the world’s most ambitious defence and industrial partnerships  is  even  stronger  as the UK,  Italy  and Japan welcome Canada  to  the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as  the  first Observer Nation.  

GCAP  will  deliver a next generation combat  aircraft,  designed to  fight,  win  and keep the UK fit to face the future.

GCAP is part of the UK’s future combat air system  which already supports 4,500 jobs in the UK, with thousands more expected to be supported. Over 600 organisations up and down the UK are in the supply chain, creating skilled jobs and apprenticeships and driving growth in advanced manufacturing and technology sectors.  

Canada will gain direct insight into GCAP, including capability development, industrial  collaboration  and long-term delivery plans through structured engagement with partner nations.

While  Canada  won’t  have a  decision-making role, the move gives them privileged  access to the  programme  and  paves the way for discussions on Canada’s future participation and contribution to GCAP.  

The announcement was made as Defence Secretary Wes Streeting MP hosted his Japanese, Italian and Canadian counterparts - Shinjirō Koizumi, Guido Crosetto, and David McGuinty  –  on his first day in post at Wellington Barracks in London.  

Prime Minister, Andy Burnham said:

As I said on the steps of Downing Street, we are going to honour our commitments on defence – and use that investment to transform people’s lives.

And we are going to work even more closely with our allies.

So today, we are not just recommitting to our state-of-the-art GCAP fighter programme – but I am delighted to announce that Canada will join the programme as the first Observer Nation.

GCAP is already one of the world’s most ambitious defence and industrial partnerships – supporting 4,500 jobs across the UK. Today’s announcement makes it even stronger.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting MP said: 

The first duty of any government is to keep our country safe. That’s why I’m pushing this programme forward on my very first day in the job. GCAP continues to strengthen our security, drive technological innovation and create highly skilled jobs across the UK.   

We are proud to welcome Canada to this new phase of engagement and look forward to sharing expertise and  working on technological advances as we continue to deliver this groundbreaking programme.

Involvement in GCAP  will further  strengthen the UK’s defence cooperation with Canada, building on decades of close collaboration as  Five Eyes members  and NATO  Allies.

GCAP  will deliver a sixth-generation  aircraft, designed to operate  alongside  capabilities including the F-35. It will  use  advanced autonomy, AI, uncrewed  systems and next-generation sensors to maintain  air superiority against  ever  evolving threats.  

This announcement comes  alongside an investment of £8.6 billion into  GCAP over four years as part of the Defence Investment Plan.

Earlier this month,  the  UK,  Italy  and Japan  finalised a £4.6 billion contract with  Edgewing  -  the  industry joint venture  –  to  advance the next stage of the aircraft’s design by  establishing  its key requirements and rigorous testing.  

The work strengthens the UK’s sovereign industrial base, securing skilled good manufacturing jobs, and industries in Italy and Japan.   

GCAP brings together the industrial and technological strengths of all three nations, driving innovation and skills across key areas such as digital engineering, advanced propulsion, sensors  and data systems, delivering a highly capable future combat air system.  

Since its  inception, GCAP has been founded on the principle that international collaboration delivers significant benefits, demonstrating how trusted partners can work together to enhance interoperability, strengthen  security and deliver a world-leading future combat air capability. 

Canada’s Observer status  represents  a significant step in  GCAP  as  an open, scalable  and internationally relevant partnership, designed to meet the  threats of the future.
24/07/2026
PRESS RELEASE : The UK remains committed to supporting a Haitian-led pathway to sustainable peace – UK statement at the UN Security Council [July 2026]

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

Statement by Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Haiti.

I want to start by welcoming the Secretary-General’s recent visit to Haiti, which comes at a critical time for the Haitian people.

Nearly 1.5 million people are currently displaced, more than half the population is food insecure, and access to essential services is severely restricted.

Within the most recent reporting period, BINUH documented 853 survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, in which collective rape accounted for 84% of cases.

I will outline three urgent priorities to help address these intersecting crises.

First, we welcome the deployment of the Gang Suppression Force, whose success will be key to addressing instability in Haiti.

It is vital that operations are fully compliant with the human rights framework set out in resolution 2793 and include robust child protection measures.

In this context, the UK has committed up to $7.5 million to the Human Rights Compliance Mechanism for the Gang Suppression Force, delivered by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

This builds on our support for the human rights elements of the GSF’s predecessor, the MSS mission and reflects our firm conviction that accountability and civil protection are fundamental to restoring trust and stability in Haiti.

Second, we remain deeply concerned by the high proportion of children recruited by gangs. We need to take action to break the cycle of violence and prevent future lost generations.

We welcome the visit in May to Haiti of the SRSG for Children and Armed Conflict and the clear message that she has underlined today: that children associated with gangs must be treated as victims.

We urge the Haitian authorities to implement the handover protocol for children associated with gangs without delay, including establishing the promised task force and framework.

We also call on the Government to develop credible and resourced disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration programmes that tackle the drivers of instability and protect the most vulnerable.

Thirdly, recent progress on Haiti’s electoral timetable is welcome. We encourage continued momentum towards holding credible elections, which are vital for Haiti’s transition.

Madam President, listening today, many have referred to this being a critical moment, a window of opportunity. The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting a Haitian-led pathway to sustainable peace, where improved security is matched by strengthened rule of law and respect for human rights.

We will continue to work with all Haitian stakeholders and our international partners to this end, for the benefit of all the people of Haiti.

24/07/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Quadrilateral Joint Statement on Canada becoming an Observer to GCAP [July 2026]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 21 July 2026.

On July 21, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, Japanese Defense Minister KOIZUMI Shinjirō, UK Secretary of State for Defence Wes Streeting, and Canadian Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty met in London to discuss Canada’s participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

The Ministers of Italy, Japan and the UK welcomed Canada’s participation as an Observer, and all four Ministers welcomed the opportunities arising from this important development. This announcement marks an important step in strengthening cooperation among trusted, like-minded partners through the Programme.

Observer status will provide Canada with enhanced insight into GCAP and an opportunity to deepen its understanding of the Programme’s governance, capabilities and industrial framework, as well as the related security requirements and wider partnering opportunities.

For Italy, Japan and the UK, Canada’s involvement will also support greater alignment of strategic priorities and deepen mutual understanding of future combat air ambitions, thereby strengthening global security.

Since the Programme’s inception, GCAP has been founded on the principle that international collaboration delivers significant benefits. In a complex global security environment, Italy, Japan, and the UK have remained committed to engaging with trusted allies and partners to strengthen the Programme and maximise its long-term strategic impact.

As they begin this new phase of the Programme, the Ministers of Italy, Japan, and the UK reaffirmed their commitment to openness, collaboration with like-minded partners, and the delivery of a next-generation combat aircraft capable of meeting future security challenges.

24/07/2026
Stephen Kinnock – 2026 Comments on Becoming Welsh Secretary

The comments made by Stephen Kinnock on 22 July 2026 after becoming the new Secretary of State for Wales.

It is the privilege of my life to be appointed Welsh Secretary, and to serve the people of Wales as part of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s new Cabinet.

Wales succeeds when we all pull in the same direction, and I will work across all levels of government to deliver the best possible outcomes for our communities as a dynamic and confident country in a dynamic and strong United Kingdom.

As Welsh Secretary I will ensure that the Wales Office will continue to champion Wales within the UK Government and that the needs of the Welsh people are prioritised.

This is about building a strong Wales within a strong United Kingdom where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential with good growth in every Welsh postcode and where communities are in control and supported by government at every level.

I am truly honoured to be taking on this role at such a pivotal time for Wales and for the UK, and I am clear that there is no limit to what we can achieve by working together.

24/07/2026
NEWS STORY : New Controversy for Angela Rayner as she refuses to repay £16,876 severance payment

STORY

Angela Rayner has refused to return the £16,876 ministerial severance payment she received after resigning as Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary over the controversy surrounding unpaid stamp duty on her Hove property. The Labour MP has now returned to the Cabinet as Housing Secretary under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, prompting accusations that she is benefiting from arrangements she previously criticised when Conservative ministers received similar payments.

Asked on BBC Radio 5 Live whether she would repay the money, Rayner said she would not, arguing that she had worked in Government for a substantial period and then remained outside it for almost a year. She contrasted her position with Conservative ministers who returned to office within weeks of receiving severance payments. Rayner previously said it showed a “staggering lack of shame” for former Conservative ministers to accept large payouts after leaving office, while Labour later backed proposals requiring some returning ministers to repay the corresponding portion of their severance

23/07/2026