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PRESS RELEASE : UPR51 – UK Statement on Georgia [January 2026]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 January 2026.

Thank you, Madam President,

The United Kingdom welcomes Georgia’s engagement with the Universal Periodic Review process. However, we remain concerned about the serious deterioration in the human rights situation. Since 2024, there has been excessive use of force by police against peaceful protesters, politically motivated arrests, restrictions on freedom of assembly, intimidation of journalists, and legislative measures that undermine civil society and political pluralism.

We recommend that Georgia:
- Ensure independent, impartial investigations into allegations of police violence and ill-treatment during protests, and hold perpetrators accountable.
- Guarantee the safety and independence of journalists, civil society and human rights defenders, and repeal or amend legislation that restricts their ability to operate.
- Release all those unjustly detained on politically motivated charges, and take urgent steps to uphold the independence of the judiciary and right to a fair trial.
We urge the Government of Georgia to ensure accountability for human rights violations and to uphold its international obligations on freedom of expression, assembly, and association.

Thank you, Madam President.
January 28, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : UK lenders step up with £11 billion push to back British businesses [January 2026]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 26 January 2026.

UK banks agree £11 billion lending packages to support small business growth, particularly for small and mid-sized enterprises.
- Money will help firms invest, hire and expand into new international markets, taking advantage of major new trade deals 
- Agreement reached at a roundtable convened by Business Secretary Peter Kyle
UK businesses to benefit from a landmark £11 billion lending package to help them invest and expand abroad, to grow their businesses and the economy.  

The lending commitment, from the UK’s five leading banks, is one of the largest collective moves by the banking sector in over a decade, representing an historic show of confidence in the UK economy. 

Senior executives from NatWest, HSBC UK, Barclays, Lloyds and Santander finalised an agreement with the Government today (26 January) at a roundtable in Westminster convened by the Business Secretary and the CEO of UKEF Tim Reid. 

Together, the banks serve half of all British businesses across all corners of the country.  

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said:

Strengthening Britain’s export potential relies on British businesses having the means, motive, and opportunity to succeed in new overseas markets.

The £11 billion these banks are making available will help meet the ambitions of smaller British businesses to fully export, expand and exploit these international market opportunities. It is positive proof of UK lenders’ confidence in the growth prospects of British enterprise.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

Britain’s small businesses are ready to take on the world – and this £11 billion commitment gives them the firepower to do it.

We’re turning the power of the City into rocket fuel for UK exporters – backing ambitious firms in every part of the country to break into new markets, create good jobs and drive the next decade of British growth.

The lending will be drawn entirely from the banks’ own balance sheets and will give small and mid-sized enterprises a powerful route to access the finance and expert advice they need to compete on the world stage.

UK Export Finance (UKEF), the government’s export credit agency, will guarantee up to 80% of eligible loans issued by each bank. Banks can apply UKEF’s guarantee automatically for working capital loans of up to £10 million.

Alongside funding, businesses will also benefit from advisory support through banks’ relationship managers and UKEF’s regional Export Finance Managers, helping them navigate global markets and seize new opportunities. 

UKEF Chief Executive Tim Reid said:

British exporters are at the heart of economic growth. This partnership unlocks billions of pounds to help UK businesses compete to win overseas contracts, showing how UKEF stands behind companies with global ambitions.

Economic growth is the government’s number one mission, and backing British exporters is central to delivering it. This partnership puts billions of pounds within reach of ambitious small businesses across the UK, reinforcing UKEF’s role as one of government’s most powerful levers for growth. It builds on the government’s wider commitment to backing small businesses as engines of the economy, including measures to tackle late payments, cut red tape and create the right conditions for investment.

Together, these form a joined-up approach to removing barriers and helping smaller firms scale up. Working in partnership with business is central to the government’s growth mission. Alongside the trade and modern Industrial Strategies, the government is building on the UK’s unique strengths in high-growth sectors, boosting exports abroad and ensuring the benefits of growth are felt across every part of the country.

Stephanie Betant, Head of Global Trade Solutions for HSBC, said:

Amid geopolitical volatility, UK businesses continue to reap the benefits of global trade. Recent HSBC UK research found that 82% of businesses that trade overseas expect to grow over the next two years.

As a UK bank providing market leading international services, we help companies to invest, innovate, and export with confidence. We look forward to continuing this work, using our international connections to help leaders navigate complexities and unlock sustainable growth overseas.

Robert Begbie, CEO, Commercial & Institutional Banking, NatWest Group said:

As the UK’s biggest bank for business, NatWest is committed to supporting companies across the UK to innovate, expand into international markets and play a bigger role in driving longterm economic growth. By improving access to the right finance, we’re helping those businesses to grow with confidence.

John Baldwin, CEO of Santander Corporate and Commercial Banking, said:

Our recent Trade Barometer showed UK businesses have an ever-growing interest in international expansion – despite the various geopolitical challenges they face. I’m proud to have worked with UKEF on the lending packages announced today, which will help power the overseas growth ambitions of businesses across the UK – and in turn boost the UK economy.

In addition to our partnership with UKEF, Santander helps businesses expand into new markets with our sector and country expertise, and our new digital Navigator Global platform.

Matt Hammerstein, CEO of Barclays UK Corporate Bank, said:

Small and medium-sized businesses are the heart of the UK economy. We welcome the support this brings to UK exporters and those looking to export. By working closely with Government and with UKEF, we can help ambitious firms access the finance, expertise and international networks they need to export, scale and compete at global scale.

As a globally connected bank, Barclays stands ready to deploy capital for growth and provide the trade support to help reduce barriers to new markets, manage risk and unlock opportunity. We are excited to join the Government and our fellow lenders in supporting British businesses to invest, innovate and win new customers around the world.

Paul Kempster, Managing Director, Commercial Banking Coverage, Lloyds Banking Group, said:

Working alongside UKEF demonstrates how banks and government can come together to unlock the full potential of UK businesses to help them compete and win on the global stage. This dedicated trade finance support will enable more firms to seek new export opportunities, scale internationally and drive investment and jobs back into the UK.

Through its Plan for Small Business, the UK Government is delivering the most comprehensive package of support for small and medium sized business in a generation. This includes the most significant legislation in over 25 years to end the scourge of late payments, which closes 38 business daily, a massive £4 billion finance boost to increase access to finance for entrepreneurs, and the launch of the new Business Growth Service, which is bringing together government support and advice in a single place for the first time.
January 28, 2026
Yvette Cooper – 2026 Holocaust Memorial Day Speech

The speech made by Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, on 26 January 2026.

I am pleased to gather with you here on such a significant and important day.

As we remember the 6 million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered by the Nazis. And as we remember all victims of Nazi persecution – from Roma communities to gay and disabled people.

Alongside all victims of genocide across history. An occasion for us to commemorate and to learn. And also, to combine remembrance with resolve.

To spur us to work even harder to tackle the scourge of antisemitism. And to relentlessly confront prejudice, persecution and hate.

The violent and corrosive effects of which are all too present in our own society today. And so tragically evident across the world.

Thank you to Daniela for co-hosting today’s event – a joint initiative with the FCDO that goes back over a decade.

And thank you to the Holocaust Educational Trust, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, and to the Association of Jewish Refugees. For their essential, longstanding work and their contributions to this event, and for creating such powerful exhibitions that I encourage you all to view today.

The theme of this year’s Memorial Day is ‘bridging generations’. Reminding us that responsibility for remembrance does not end with the survivors.

Instead, it must reverberate through those that follow. Through all of us. A bridge across years. But also a bridge to join memory and action. A bridge across generations. So that our engagement with horrors past animates our engagement with horrors present.

Something that I discussed earlier with Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich who I am honoured is with us today. Huge thank you for being with us today. She has now spoken at countless national events and, perhaps most importantly, to tens of thousands of students across the country.

Mala, who for many years found it too painful to talk about her experiences and who has shown such strength and bravery speaking out, and will kindly speak shortly to share her story.

For decades, Holocaust survivors have carried the truth across time. Sharing achingly distressing experiences with extraordinary courage, so future generations would know what happened – and would never forget.

Each personal testimony an act of generosity to humanity. Bestowing the gift of truth, of wisdom so that we may honour their suffering. By reckoning with the meaning of their experiences. And by taking action in our own lives to make real the all too easy phrase of ‘never again’. To make that real.

Each year, fewer survivors remain. Each time a survivor’s voice falls silent, we are reminded that soon there will be no first‑hand witnesses. Their absence does not bring an end to remembrance. It simply places it firmly in our hands. So that we carry and reinforce it through education, dialogue and action.

I’d want to say how pleased we are to have the presence today of Meg Davis – Young Ambassador of the Holocaust Educational Trust – who has contributed so much to this cause.

And because education remains our strongest defence. Lest the passage of time dulls the urgency of the lessons. Or is exploited for the distortion of truth, the manipulation of facts, or – even more shockingly – the antisemitic denial of Holocaust altogether.

Because truth does not endure on its own. It endures because people chose to humanise it, to share it and to defend it.

That is why I’m so pleased that Parliament has now, finally, passed the Holocaust Memorial Act, which received its Royal Assent late last week and passed through Parliament.

A vital step towards establishing the national Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre that this government has so long championed. And that we want to see built just a few hundred metres from where we stand today, at Victoria Tower Gardens. A location so close to Parliament is fitting because we must never forget that the road to the Holocaust began in a democracy.

I am also pleased to announce that Jon Pearce will be appointed as UK Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust issues. To give advice and push forward UK policy – including promoting Holocaust education, remembrance and research here and around the world.

Jon who brings his deep personal commitment, having spoken movingly in the House exactly a year ago of his trip to Yad Vashem and of standing in the Hall of Names, overwhelmed by Pages of Testimony detailing the individual lives so brutally cut short.

We mark Holocaust Memorial Day at a time of successive repugnant attacks on Jews here in the UK and overseas. Jews killed for being Jews, in the twenty first century.

The appalling Manchester synagogue attack of 2 October during the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.

The terrorist murders in December as Australian families gathered at Bondi Beach to celebrate the joyful time of Chanukah.

Instead facing an unimaginable ordeal and loss of life. And the ever-present, horrific October 7 Hamas attacks – the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust.

All the grieving families and friends are in our thoughts today.

The loved ones of Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz and all the congregants of Heaton Park Synagogue.

The parents of Ran Gvili in such anguish and pain as the wait continues for the return of his remains. And all communities mourning victims and facing hate today.

Here in the UK, I want to pay tribute to the light of the Jewish community that shines so brightly in our country, enhancing in so many areas our communal life.

The volunteers from Community Security Trust guarding against attacks and protecting communal events. The fantastic, life-saving work of Jewish Women’s Aid, who support victims of domestic abuse.

The brilliance of Mitzvah Day – with thousands of people volunteering in their communities up and down the country.

The humanitarian work of World Jewish Relief, helping keep Ukrainian families warm this winter in the face of Russian aggression.

And I want to say clearly on behalf of this Government. That we stand with the Jewish community today and every day. Unresolving in our resolve to tackle those who spread the poison of antisemitism online and on our streets. Unrelenting in our determination to stand against antisemitism.

Hence further allocations to the CST through the Jewish Community Protective Security Grant. Including for additional security staff and equipment following the Manchester attacks.

The Home Office’s independent review of public order and hate crime legislation. Steps in the education sector to tackle antisemitism in schools, universities and colleges.

In the NHS through Lord Mann’s review of the regulatory system for healthcare professionals.

And in my role as Foreign Secretary, I will continue to work with counterparts around the world to tackle the global of rise of antisemitism. Including close collaboration with Canada and Australia in the wake of recent attacks.

Just as I am committed to preventing atrocities and pushing for accountability wherever they occur – from Sudan to Iran.

We cannot only be witnesses to memory. We are its custodians. How we remember shapes how we act for the future. And how we act shapes the world we pass on.

By bridging generations, we honour those who were lost. We defend those who remain. And we protect those yet to come.

Thank you.

January 28, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Kier Pritchard announced as Ministry of Defence Police Chief Constable [January 2026]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 26 January 2026.

Lucy Bogue, Director SJC GUARDIAN, has announced the appointment of Kier Pritchard as Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) Chief Constable following an open selection process.

Kier joined the MDP in September 2023 as Deputy Chief Constable, following an exemplary career with Wiltshire Police, and in September 2025 he stepped into the role of Interim Chief Constable. He has already made a significant impact, emphasising the critical importance of the MDP amid an increasingly unpredictable global landscape and is committed to ensuring the force is recognised as the vital national asset it truly is.

With the force continuing its programme of modernisation and improvement, it is vital to maintain continuity of force command and leadership and therefore several temporary promotions have been granted, until substantive selection processes are finalised: Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dobinson has stepped up to Interim Deputy Chief Constable, and Chief Superintendent Sarah Johnson has stepped up to Interim Assistant Chief Constable. They will continue to support CC Pritchard and the MDP in the collective mission to protect the nation’s defences and national infrastructure.

Commenting on the appointments, Lucy Bogue, Director SJC GUARDIAN, said:

I am delighted that Kier has been appointed to the position of Chief Constable. Kier is well placed to lead the Force, who provide unique specialist policing, and support Defence to mitigate the complex and evolving threats that we, and the UK face. I look forward to working with him as Chief Constable.

Kier Pritchard said:

I am incredibly honoured to step into the role of Chief Constable. We are operating at a time of heightened global tension, from hostile acts and insider threats to protestor incursions and community unrest. The spotlight is on us. I have every confidence that MDP will continue to rise to these challenges with professionalism, courage, and unity. I look forward to working with, and leading, our dedicated officers and civilian colleagues through this vital next chapter, where together we will further modernise our force to protect Defence.

January 27, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Baroness Barbara Young of Old Scone appointed as Forestry Commission Chair [January 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 26 January 2026.

The new Chair will continue to drive the Forestry Commission’s efforts to protect and expand England’s trees, woodlands and forests for future generations.

By Royal Warrant, His Majesty King Charles III has today (Monday 26 January) appointed Baroness Barbara Young of Old Scone as the new Chair of the Forestry Commission.

The announcement comes as Sir William Worsley’s tenure as Chair ends after six years in post. Baroness Young has been appointed for a four-year term, commencing on 10 February 2026.

The new Chair will bring extensive leadership experience across environmental protection, land management, regulation and public service to the role. Under her leadership, the Forestry Commission will continue its work to deliver a resilient and sustainable future for England’s trees, woodlands and forests.

Baroness Barbara Young of Old Scone said:

It will be a great privilege to join the Forestry Commission team at a time when the importance of trees, woods and forests for the economy, local communities, resilience and security, climate change, biodiversity, and human health and wellbeing is great and growing.

The Forestry Commission has a huge contribution to make and I look forward to helping take that forward.

Minister for Nature, Mary Creagh said:

Baroness Young brings a wealth of experience in environmental protection and land management to this vital role. She is therefore ideally placed to champion England’s trees, woodlands and forests, and I look forward to working with her to help restore our natural environment.

I’d also like to thank Sir William Worsley for his service and dedication throughout his tenure.

Richard Stanford, Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, said:

I’m pleased to welcome our new Chair, Baroness Barbara Young, who brings a wealth of experience from her distinguished background in the environmental sector. I’m excited to work with Barbara to deliver our strategy of helping to tackle some of society’s biggest challenges with thriving trees, woods and forests.

I would also like to acknowledge the fantastic contribution of our outgoing Chair, Sir William Worsley. William’s leadership has been instrumental in driving the growth of the Commission in recent years and building strong foundations for the future.

Sir William Worsley, outgoing Chair of the Forestry Commission, said:

It has been a great honour to serve as Chair of the Forestry Commission. Together with dedicated colleagues, we have strengthened the organisation and helped lay firm foundations for the future of our nation’s trees, woods and forests.

As I step down, I am delighted to welcome Baroness Young as the new Chair. Her deep experience and commitment to the environment will serve the Commission exceptionally well.

As Chair of the Woodland Trust from 2016 to 2024, Baroness Young led the organisation through a period of significant growth and impact, expanding woodland creation and the protection and restoration of ancient woodland across the UK.

This appointment has been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process, nor is a bar to appointment. Baroness Young has been a Labour Life Peer in the House of Lords since 1997 and has canvassed locally for the Labour Party.

Biography
- Barbara Young, Baroness Young of Old Scone, is one of the UK’s most experienced public service leaders, with a distinguished career as both chief executive and chair of large, complex public and not-for-profit organisations, many operating in regulated, competitive and commercial environments.
- She is currently Chair of the Labour Climate and Environment Forum, an independent organisation working with senior leaders across the Parliamentary Labour Party to strengthen climate and environmental ambition and coherence across the Labour movement. She has particular interests in agriculture, land use, trees, forestry, climate change and regulation.
- She has held numerous senior leadership roles, including Chair of English Nature (1998-2000), Vice Chair of the BBC (1998-2000), Chief Executive of the Environment Agency (2000-2008), Chair of the Care Quality Commission (2008-2009) and Chair of the Royal Veterinary College (2019-2025), She has also served as Chief Executive of Diabetes UK and as Chancellor of Cranfield University.
- She holds an MA (Honours) in Classics from the University of Edinburgh, is a Chartered Environmentalist, and has received numerous honorary degrees and fellowships in recognition of her contribution to public life, environmental protection and education.
- Headshot attached.
The Forestry Commission
- The Forestry Commission is the non-ministerial government department responsible for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woodlands.
- Established a century ago, the Forestry Commission works with two agencies: Forestry England, which manages the Public Forest Estate, and Forest Research, the principal organisation for forestry and tree-related research.
January 27, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : UK and Europe sign historic pact to drive clean energy future [January 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 26 January 2026.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband signs a historic clean energy security pact.
- Energy Secretary signs historic clean energy security pact – the Hamburg Declaration – with European leaders at the North Sea Summit in Hamburg to deliver major offshore wind projects in shared waters
- In an increasingly unstable world, UK and EU allies double down on clean power as route to energy sovereignty and abundance, protecting the British people and strengthening national security
- New partnership signed to secure 100 GW of joint offshore wind projects – powering homes and businesses across the continent – built jointly between UK and EU companies
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has today (Monday 26 January) signed a historic clean energy security pact – the Hamburg Declaration – with European allies to bolster energy security for families and businesses across the UK and Europe, in an era of global instability.

The deal will drive forward an unprecedented fleet of joint offshore wind projects between European countries, including Germany, Norway, France and Denmark, taking advantage of Europe’s shared abundant energy in the North Sea.

The UK and Europe stand together amid global headwinds, to reaffirm their commitment to clean, secure energy as the only route to escape the fossil fuel rollercoaster. The summit comes after the UK delivered a record-breaking offshore wind auction, unlocking 7,000 jobs and driving £22 billion of private sector investment into the UK’s factories and ports.

Three years ago, North Sea countries pledged to build 300 GW of offshore wind in the North Sea by 2050, in response to Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and weaponisation of Europe’s energy supplies.

The deal agreed today means, for the first time, North Sea countries have agreed to deliver 100 GW of this offshore wind power through joint clean‑energy projects. These will include new ‘offshore wind hybrid assets’ — wind farms at sea that are directly connected to more than one country through interconnectors. This joint commitment is set out in the ‘Hamburg Declaration’, agreed today at the Future of the North Seas Summit.

The Energy Secretary met European leaders to push forward plans to transform the North Sea into the world’s largest ‘clean energy reservoir’. The major summit brings together European leaders in Germany, France, Belgium, Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark and Norway.

Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, said:

We are standing up for our national interest by driving for clean energy, which can get the UK off the fossil fuel rollercoaster and give us energy sovereignty and abundance.

After our record renewables auction, we today went further by signing a clean energy security pact with European allies to ensure we maximise the clean energy potential for the North Sea.

Industry are expected to respond to the pledge by unveiling ambitious plans for new projects. Interconnectors are crucial to Europe’s energy security, enabling countries in the North Sea to send clean power to where it’s needed most and end Europe’s reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets controlled by petrostates and dictators.

The UK is leading the way on the pledge, earlier this month the delivery of its record-breaking auction secured 8.4 GW of offshore wind – the biggest ever auction in European history. This includes projects in the North Sea, setting a powerful example to European partners.

Further key outcomes expected from the summit include:
- Interconnected offshore grid – the Energy Secretary signing a statement of intent with Germany, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands to unlock cross-border offshore electricity projects, focusing on joint planning, cost-sharing and market arrangements to speed up delivery
- Offshore Hybrid Assets – The UK agreeing a framework to deepen German and UK collaboration on offshore hybrid assets. These are advanced subsea energy infrastructure that combine offshore wind farm connections with electricity interconnectors. This would put UK firms at forefront of grid technology, unlocking export opportunities and boosting growth
Ben Wilson, President of National Grid Ventures, said:

Today is a step towards a more integrated energy system in the North Seas. LionLink and projects like those being announced today are important for maximising the efficient use of resources, reducing costs, and minimising the impact on coastal communities. Collaboration on projects like these are key to delivering on more secure, affordable energy for British and European consumers.

Dhara Vyas, Chief Executive of Energy UK, said:

The UK’s energy sector is fully behind the landmark efforts to be announced at the Hamburg North Sea Summit to transform the North Sea into a truly regional clean power hub. Delivering the goal of 100 GW of offshore cooperation projects by 2050 will require a relentless focus on maintaining the momentum of UK-EU alignment on electricity market coupling and ETS linkage.

This deeper cooperation on supply chains, standardisation, and shared infrastructure is not just a strategic necessity, it is the most effective way to bring down energy costs for households and businesses while fuelling sustainable economic growth and high-value jobs for years to come.

Jane Cooper, Deputy Chief Executive of RenewableUK, said:

This ambitious announcement to build a vast number of new offshore wind farms jointly with our European partners will increase the energy security of the UK and the whole of the North Sea region significantly. This historic declaration puts offshore wind right at the heart of Europe’s power system, with the UK leading the way.

We are strengthening our security collaboration to ensure the North Sea’s critical energy infrastructure is protected from harm, so that we can continue to generate the huge quantities of clean power needed by the UK and our neighbours reliably at all times.

William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 

It is essential for the UK’s energy security and economic growth that we co-operate more closely with our European allies to realise the full potential of the North Sea. 

The commitments set out in the Hamburg Declaration will deliver on that, allowing our businesses to work on joint projects on renewables, interconnectors and other vital energy infrastructure. The momentum from today’s Summit and Business Conference needs to be kept up.

Enrique Cornejo, Energy Policy Director, Offshore Energies UK, said:

In an increasingly volatile world, this deal sets ambitious targets for UK and European offshore wind collaboration. 100 GW from such joint projects would become a major part of our shared North Sea energy mix, which will include oil, gas and also hydrogen for decades to come. Affordable and secure energy is key to the UK’s future and to those of our European partners. The future of the North Sea is in our hands.

Gus Jaspert, Managing Director, Marine at The Crown Estate, said:

The UK’s offshore wind sector is a national success story and an engine of economic growth. It attracts billions in investment, supports tens of thousands of jobs across the country and each new turbine built boosts our energy security.

As such we welcome opportunities for the UK to utilise its world-leading experience in offshore wind and work closely with international partners in the North Sea to collectively drive clean energy generation and enable greater energy security at a time of geopolitical uncertainty.
January 27, 2026
António Costa – 2026 Statement on the EU/India Trade Deal
The statement made by António Costa, the President of the European Council, on 27 January 2026.

Thank you dear Prime Minister Modi, for welcoming us on this special occasion. We were privileged yesterday to be your Chief Guests for the Republic Day celebrations, such an impressive display of India’s capabilities and diversity.

Today is a historic moment. We are opening a new chapter in our relations – on trade, on security, on people to people ties.

I am the President of the European Council but I am also an overseas Indian citizen. Then, as you can imagine, for me, it has a special meaning. I am very proud of my roots in Goa, where my father’s family came from. The connection between Europe and India is something personal to me. Also because we conclude today our trade negotiations we relaunched at the Leaders’ meeting that I had the pleasure to host, in May 2021, in my previous capacity.

Our summit sends a clear message to the world: at a time when the global order is being fundamentally reshaped, the European Union and India stand together as strategic and reliable partners.

Today, we are taking our partnership to the next level. As the two largest democracies in the world, we are working hand in hand:
- to deliver concrete benefits for our citizens; and
- to shape a resilient global order that underpins peace and stability, economic growth, and sustainable development.
I would like to share three messages.

First: the European Union and India must work together towards our shared prosperity and security. India is the world’s fastest-growing major economy.

Trade has flowed between our two continents for centuries. Trade is a crucial geopolitical stabiliser. And a fundamental source of economic growth. Trade agreements reinforce rules-based economic order and promote shared prosperity.

That’s why today’s Free Trade Agreement is of historic importance. One of the most ambitious agreements ever concluded. Creating a market of two billion people. In a multipolar world, the European Union and India are working together to grow spheres of shared prosperity.

But prosperity does not exist without security:
- strengthening our cooperation to better protect our citizens and our shared interests;
- working together to counter the full range of security threats we face, in the Indo-Pacific, in Europe and around the world;
- reaching a new level of strategic trust between us.
That is the significance of our agreement on a Security and Defence Partnership. The first such overarching defence and security framework between India and the European Union. And the first step towards even more ambitious cooperation in the future.

This brings me to my second message: as the world’s largest democracies and champions of multilateralism, the European Union and India share the responsibility of upholding international law, with the United Nations Charter at its core.

Earlier this morning, we had the opportunity to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. And I reflected upon his words which still hold true today: “Peace will not come out of a clash of arms but out of justice lived and done by unarmed nations in the face of odds.”

Our summit reaffirmed our commitment to supporting efforts towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. One that fully respects Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

This is a key moment. We are supporting all efforts to reach a just and sustainable peace. Ukraine has shown its readiness, including at the cost of difficult compromises. I know, dear Prime Minister, that we can count on you to help create the conditions for peace, through dialogue and diplomacy.

And this is my final message: together we must show leadership on global issues. Cooperation between the European Union and India will help shape a more balanced, resilient, and inclusive global order.

Just two examples: I am proud of the commitments we are making for greater cooperation on clean energy, green transition, and climate resilience. And our collaboration through the Global Gateway and on the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor is decisive for global connectivity.

By implementing the ambitious Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda towards 2030, we will align our priorities with concrete actions for the next five years: delivering real benefits to our citizens.

Today, we have tangible progress and set an example of cooperative leadership on global issues. With:
- our Free Trade Agreement;
- our Security and Defence Partnership; and
- our Joint Strategic Agenda for 2030.
These outcomes are a crucial milestone on a longer path. We look forward to continuing the journey. Together, as always.

Thank you very much.
January 27, 2026
NEWS STORY : EU and India Seal Historic Trade Deal

STORY

The European Union and India have concluded negotiations for a free trade agreement on 27 January 2026, ending an 18-year period of discussions that began in 2007. The agreement establishes a trade zone covering two billion people and representing approximately 25% of global GDP. It is expected to enter into force in early 2027 following legal review and parliamentary ratification. The pact aims to remove or reduce duties on over 90% of EU goods exported to India, with projected annual duty savings for EU exporters of up to €4 billion.

Under the terms of the deal, India will reduce import duties on European automobiles from 110% to 10% for an annual quota of 250,000 vehicles. Tariffs on European wines, currently at 150%, will drop to 75% upon implementation and eventually reach 20% for premium ranges. Other significant reductions include spirits (cut to 40%), beer (cut to 50%) and the elimination of duties on machinery, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. In exchange, the EU will provide zero-duty access for over 99% of Indian exports by value, benefiting sectors such as textiles, leather, gems and jewellery.

The agreement includes provisions beyond trade in goods, such as a dedicated chapter for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and enhanced intellectual property protections. It also outlines €500 million in EU support over the next two years to assist India in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticised the timing of the deal, noting that the United States maintains 25% tariffs on India for its continued purchase of Russian oil. Despite these external tensions, the agreement is projected to double the value of EU-India trade by 2032.

January 27, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Costa of the European Council [January 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 January 2026.

The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the European Council António Costa this evening.

Discussing events of recent days, he reiterated his position that the future of Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark alone.

He reiterated that the UK is prepared to play its part to protect Arctic security, alongside NATO.

They agreed on the fundamental importance of continued defence and security co-operation in these volatile times.

January 26, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto [January 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 January 2026.

The Prime Minister hosted the President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto at Downing Street today.

The leaders welcomed the strong progress on the Strategic Partnership between the UK and Indonesia, which they had committed to pursuing in 2024 and formally agreed today.

It was a clear example of how the UK and Indonesia’s relationship continued to go from strength to strength, and deliver for people in both countries, the Prime Minister said.

The £4 billion Maritime Partnership Programme agreed between the UK and Indonesia in November underlined that, supporting thousands of jobs in Rosyth, Bristol and Devonport, and across Indonesia, while also boosting regional and food security, the leaders agreed.

Both leaders also welcomed the strong education links being formed between the two countries.

Turning to international affairs, the leaders discussed the situation in Gaza and their strong continued support for a two state solution.

They looked forward to speaking again soon.

January 26, 2026