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PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister – No matter the global uncertainty, I’m on the side of the British people [April 2026]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 5 April 2026.
- New measures come into force today to support workers, pensioners, and families with the cost of living
- Two‑child benefit cap scrapped from today – lifting nearly half a million children out of poverty
- Comes as the Prime Minister renews his commitment to defend Britain’s interests abroad and stand up for people at home
The Prime Minister has vowed to “always be on the side” of the British people as changes today help workers, pensioners, and families with the cost of living.

At a time of international uncertainty, the Government is focused on what matters most to people at home: easing the cost of living now, and making sure the country is better prepared for future shocks.

A raft of changes coming into effect today will lift 450,000 children out of poverty, provide millions of pensioners with extra help to manage rising costs, and deliver the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation.

Keir Starmer understands that families are worried about bills, the weekly shop, and what global instability could mean for their household finances. Today’s measures provide certainty now — while laying the foundations for a stronger, more secure economy.

As a result of decisions made by this government, policies coming into effect today include:
- Scrapping the two child benefit cap which will lift 450,000 children out of poverty
- The biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation through the Employment Rights Act – delivering day one paternity and parental leave as well as major reforms to Statutory Sick Pay, ensuring workers can take time off when sick without worrying about going without pay.
- Increasing the basic and new State Pensions by 4.8% for more than 12 million people – an increase worth up to £575 a year for someone on the new State Pension.
- Uprating benefits such as PIP and Housing Benefit, and increasing most working-age benefits by 3.8%, helping millions of low-income families and sick and disabled people.
- This comes alongside action the Government is taking to incentivise work and tackle ill-health, as well as boosting the standard rate of Universal Credit by 6.2% – the first ever permanent, above-inflation increase – worth around £265 more a year for a single person, or £465 more a year for a couple.
These measures follow last week’s increase in the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage for millions of workers, alongside an average £117 a year cut to energy bills for households across the country – locked in until the end of June.

Taken together, this action leaves the UK better placed to weather current economic challenges, while working with global partners to secure de‑escalation and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to relieve pressure on prices globally.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, said:

No matter the global uncertainty, my government will always be on the side of the British people in bearing down on the cost of living.

I will never lose sight of how restless people are for change, and I am proud that today we are lifting nearly half a million children out of poverty, boosting support for pensioners, and delivering the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation.

“I know families across the country are concerned about the conflict in Iran and what it means for the cost of living. We are working closely with international partners to push for a de-escalation in the Middle East and the re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz. This is the most effective way to ease the pressure on the cost of living. > >I am clear that our response to the current global situation will define us for a generation, which is why we are taking the right long-term decisions now to ensure we emerge from this as a stronger, more secure nation.

All these policies take effect alongside the Prime Minister’s five‑point plan to deal with the immediate impact of the conflict in the Middle East on the cost of living.

This includes cutting energy bills by an average of £117 per household; extending the cut in fuel duty until September while closely monitoring prices at the pumps; providing £53 million to support households most exposed to heating oil price rises; strengthening Britain’s energy security by investing in clean, home‑grown energy; and continuing to push for de‑escalation in the Middle East.

During the past week, the Prime Minister has hosted a roundtable with leaders from the energy, insurance and shipping sectors to hear directly about the challenges they are facing, chaired a COBR meeting of Cabinet ministers to coordinate the UK’s response, and asked the Foreign Secretary to bring together more than 40 countries to drive forward a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and protect freedom of navigation.
April 6, 2026
Sarah Jones – 2026 Comments on Falling Knife Crime

The comments made by Sarah Jones, the Crime and Policing Minister, on 5 April 2026.

We are shutting down more criminal lines, busting more gang leaders and seizing more dangerous knives off our streets than ever before.

I will not rest in the relentless pursuit of these horrific criminals that leave a trail of violence and exploitation in their wake.

The Government will halve knife crime within a decade, saving lives and protecting communities.

April 6, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Record year for gang busts and knife seizures [April 2026]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 5 April 2026.

New figures show a record year for County Lines enforcement, with more gang leaders charged and knives seized than ever before, backed by £34m in new funding.

More drug lines have been closed, gang leaders arrested and dangerous weapons seized than ever before due to County Lines operations.

New data released today shows that 2,740 County Lines have been closed, 1,657 gang leaders charged and 961 knives were seized in 2025. Since the election, these operations have resulted in 3,785 line closures, 2,175 gang leaders charged and 1,229 knives taken off the streets.

County Lines are a method of drug dealing by gangs, running drugs from metropolitan cities to smaller towns – leaving a trail of exploited children and violence across the country.

The Government funds police operations under the County Lines Programme to dismantle criminal gangs that use violence and exploit children to transport drugs and knives.

The funding supports police operations which include intelligence gathering on gangs, targeted house raids and drug seizures across the transport network, putting gang leaders behind bars and ensuring the phones lines used for drug deals cannot be brought back into use.

County Lines Programme has led to a 25% reduction in hospital admissions for stabbings in key areas, preventing more than 800 stabbings a year.

The figures come as next Tuesday, the Government will launch its plan to halve knife crime within a decade. Titled “‘Protecting Lives, Building Hope”, it will save lives, transform the futures of young people and protect communities across the country.

To tackle knife crime, the Government will support young people so they get the best start in life, stop those at risk from turning to knife crime and police our streets to catch and punish perpetrators.

Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones said:

“We are shutting down more criminal lines, busting more gang leaders and seizing more dangerous knives off our streets than ever before.

“I will not rest in the relentless pursuit of these horrific criminals that leave a trail of violence and exploitation in their wake.

“The Government will halve knife crime within a decade, saving lives and protecting communities.”

Building on these results, the Government will invest more than £34 million in the County Lines Programme this year, ensuring the national fight continues against the violent gangs who exploit children and fuel serious violence.

The new funding includes more than £28 million for policing, as confirmed through the Police Funding Settlement, ensuring forces have the resources they need to disrupt organised drug networks, close down active lines and safeguard those at risk of exploitation.

Naomi Hulston, Chief Executive Officer, Catch22 said:

“Catch22 is proud to deliver the national County Lines Support Service, working alongside Government and police to safeguard thousands of child victims through trauma-informed support and achieve the incredible impact of the County Lines Programme.

“No child should become a victim of violence, County Lines, or exploitation. Across our services we have seen a worrying trend of younger victims and an increasing impact on girls and young women, so collaborative approaches are even more vital.

“As a member of the Government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime, Catch22 is committed to working together to draw a line under violence and exploitation for good.”

These new Programme results follow the most successful County Lines Intensification Week from 2-8 March, involving forces across England, Wales and Scotland taking targeted action against County Lines gangs. In the space of a week, police closed 355 lines, resulting in 2,180 arrests and 1,348 people safeguarded.

Detective Superintendent Dan Mitchell, Head of the National County Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC), said:

“As the results from our latest intensification week demonstrate, tackling County Lines remains a top priority for policing.

“Since the Home Office-funded County Lines Programme was established, we are now closing more lines, charging more violent offenders, and protecting more children and adults at risk of exploitation and other harms than ever before.

“As County Lines gangs’ methods evolve, our policing approach – led by the NCLCC – does too. We remain committed to pursuing high-harm County Lines and those controlled by violent drug dealers, so that we can prevent harm, protect children and vulnerable adults, and disrupt criminal activity.”

Tackling County Lines is central to the mission to halve knife crime. By relentlessly disrupting the drug networks that fuel serious violence and exploit young people, the County Lines Programme is helping to drive lasting reductions in harm. It has led to a 25% fall in hospital admissions for stabbings across key County Lines exporter areas, preventing more than 800 stabbings each year.

The ongoing funding will help the police across the UK to continue to work together effectively to tackle County Lines drug supply, violence and exploitation. It will also support work with local partners to protect young people who are at risk, deal with the causes of knife crime and help keep communities safe.

This includes doing more to stop children being exploited by criminals. The Government is bringing in a new child criminal exploitation offence through the Crime and Policing Bill to prosecute adults criminally exploiting children. It will also introduce new court orders to stop this exploitation before it happens or stop it from happening again.

These changes will help target the gangs who groom and pressure young people into violence and criminal activity.

The Bill also creates new offences to tackle practices used by County Lines gangs, including taking over someone’s home to deal drugs (known as cuckooing) and forcing people to conceal drugs inside their bodies (internal concealment).

Together, these measures will give the police stronger powers to break up organised crime gangs, go after those who exploit others, and better protect children and vulnerable people.

Kathy Betteridge, Director of Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery for The Salvation Army, said:

“We welcome the Government’s action to tackle County Lines and the violence and devastation of lives that goes with it. We recognise the vital focus on prevention, the continued investment, and the clear results it is bringing.

“Through our work supporting survivors and in the heart of communities across the country, we see first-hand the devastating impact of County Lines exploitation, where young and vulnerable people are groomed, coerced and drawn into violence by criminal gangs.

“For future investment to succeed, it must continue to prioritise early intervention, trusted relationships and long-term support to protect people from harm and help them build safer futures.”

April 6, 2026
John Healey – 2026 Comments on the Appointment of the Armed Forces Commissioner

The comments made by John Healey, the Secretary of State for Defence, on 5 April 2026.

Our Armed Forces are at the heart of our nation’s security. With demands on defence rising, from the conflict in the Middle East to growing Russian aggression, we are asking more of our military, and it is right that we continue to step up our support for them and their families.

I am proud that we legislated in our first year of government to create this new Commissioner role, with powers to challenge Ministers and military leaders and to report directly to Parliament.

Polly brings deep experience of service life and exceptional leadership as this country’s first ever Armed Forces Commissioner, she will be the independent champion and direct point of contact that our Armed Forces and their families deserve. Our message to the Armed Forces community is clear: this government is on your side.

April 6, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Independent champion for Armed Forces appointed as new team stands up [April 2026]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 5 April 2026.

The UK’s first ever Armed Forces Commissioner has been appointed by the Defence Secretary John Healey MP.

The UK’s first ever Armed Forces Commissioner – Former Air Commodore Polly Miller-Perkins CBE – has been appointed by the Defence Secretary John Healey MP.

The appointment delivers on the government’s key manifesto commitment to give serving personnel and their families an independent voice to improve service life.

The Armed Forces Commissioner is a new statutory office that is an independent champion and direct point of contact for personnel and their families. Polly has unprecedented powers to investigate welfare issues and raise concerns that impact service life, including equipment, housing, and unacceptable behaviours. The office was up and running and Polly was in post on Monday 30 March 2026.

Appointing an Armed Forces Commissioner was a lead defence manifesto commitment by this Government to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

Our Armed Forces are at the heart of our nation’s security. With demands on defence rising, from the conflict in the Middle East to growing Russian aggression, we are asking more of our military, and it is right that we continue to step up our support for them and their families.

I am proud that we legislated in our first year of government to create this new Commissioner role, with powers to challenge Ministers and military leaders and to report directly to Parliament.

Polly brings deep experience of service life and exceptional leadership as this country’s first ever Armed Forces Commissioner, she will be the independent champion and direct point of contact that our Armed Forces and their families deserve. Our message to the Armed Forces community is clear: this government is on your side.

Armed Forces Commissioner, Polly Miller-Perkins CBE, said:

As the first Armed Forces Commissioner, I am deeply honoured to take on a role dedicated to championing the lived experience of our Service personnel and their families. Throughout my career in Defence, education and public service, I have been fortunate to lead teams in some of the most challenging and rewarding environments across the UK and overseas. Those experiences have shaped my belief that people are at the heart of everything we do — and that when we truly listen to them, we strengthen and improve the systems that support them.

Ultimately, my purpose as Commissioner is simple: to ensure the lived experience of those who serve is understood, valued and continuously improved. I will work tirelessly with Serving communities across all Services to understand personal experiences and ensure concerns reach the people who can deliver real and lasting change.

Commissioner Miller-Perkins will be able to visit UK Defence sites unannounced, commission reports, and will report directly to Parliament to hold the Government to account. Personnel and their families will be able to contact the Commissioner about issues affecting them, with the Commissioner empowered to investigate these concerns, seek relevant information from the Ministry of Defence, and make recommendations for improvement.

She will be able to investigate individual welfare concerns, undertake thematic reviews into systemic issues affecting service life, and report findings directly to Parliament – strengthening transparency and public understanding of welfare matters across Defence.

Former RAF Air Commodore Polly Perkins served for over 30 years in the Royal Air Force, specialising in logistics and holding senior leadership roles including Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff, British Forces Cyprus. She deployed on operations in Kosovo and Afghanistan and worked with NATO partners to improve multinational logistics. She holds an MA in Defence Studies from King’s College London and was awarded a CBE for her service.

The decision to appoint a commissioner was inspired and modelled on the Commissioner for the Armed Forces in Germany. They have been received positively by German personnel.

The Interim Commissioner will carry out all the functions of the Commissioner and a permanent appointment is due to be made in the coming months through an open competition.

The Armed Forces Commissioner role came into law under the Armed Forces Commissioner Act on 3 September 2025. They will take responsibility for the existing Service Complaints Ombudsman and will ensure there is no break in that service.

April 6, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Record number of new and replacement ambulances delivered [April 2026]

The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 4 April 2026.

Boost for paramedics as over 1,100 new or replacement ambulances rolled out nationwide.

1,141 new or replacement ambulances delivered across England between April 2025 and March 2026 – the highest annual total on record
Majority of vehicles replacing older fleet, improving reliability and keeping more ambulances on the road
Modern ambulances equipped with modern technology, improving protection for patients and staff while supporting paramedics to deliver urgent care more effectively
A record number of new and replacement ambulances have been delivered to NHS Trusts across England over the past year, boosting frontline capacity and helping paramedics respond to patients faster.

New data shows that a total of 1,141 new or replacement Double Crewed Ambulances (DCAs) were delivered to NHS ambulance Trusts between April 2025 and March 2026.

Funded through a combination of national investment and local funding, this marks the highest number of replacement ambulances delivered in a single year since records began.

The majority of the 1,141 vehicles replace older ambulances, ensuring patients and staff benefit from a modern, reliable fleet. The remainder of the new vehicles will provide additional fleet capacity, further supporting services under pressure.

Health Minister, Zubir Ahmed said:

By modernising the NHS fleet, our hardworking paramedics are equipped with all the tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively, while ensuring patients receive the highest possible standard of care.

Replacing older vehicles with state-of-the-art ambulances means we are not only improving reliability and reducing downtime, but crucially helping more crews stay on the road and respond to emergencies.

These vehicles are equipped with the technology to better protect staff and support faster, more effective treatment. This is a vital step in ensuring the NHS can continue to deliver world-class care for patients when they need it most.

Dr Fenella Wrigley, National Medical Adviser, Ambulance, NHSE said:

New and replacement ambulances are crucial in providing care for patients, whether taking care to the patient home or conveying a patient to an emergency department.

Reliable, modern, well-equipped ambulances allow emergency teams can stay out on the road and do what they do best, responding to patients quickly and ensuring they get the care they need.

The new Double Crewed Ambulances are equipped with the modern technology and enhanced safety features, helping protect patients and staff while enabling paramedics to deliver high-quality pre-hospital care.

Modern ambulances are more reliable and less likely to require repairs, reducing the amount of time vehicles spend off the road. This means more ambulances are available to respond to 999 calls, helping cut waiting times and improve patient outcomes.

The rollout forms part of wider action to improve urgent and emergency care services, including improving flow through hospitals, improving delays to discharge through better join up with social care, putting more power in the hands of local leaders and improving strategic leadership.

Anna Parry, Managing Director of the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) said:

Delivering more than 1,100 new and replacement ambulances in a single year is a great achievement by NHS ambulance services in collaboration with DHSC and NHSE, and a genuine boost for patients and our people. Replacing older vehicles with modern, better‑equipped ambulances means greater reliability, fewer breakdowns and more time on the road where they are needed most.

For our crews, these vehicles make a tangible difference. The enhanced safety features and improved working environment support paramedics and other clinicians to deliver high‑quality care under intense pressure, and they help our people feel safer and better supported on shift.

This level of investment is essential as ambulance services continue to face sustained demand. A modern, resilient fleet is fundamental to improving response times and ensuring patients receive timely, safe care wherever they are when it is needed. We welcome this record year of delivery and look forward to continued progress in strengthening ambulance services across the country.

This winter, the NHS has seen a significant improvement in performance despite record demand, with Category 2 response times, including for strokes and heart attacks quicker than they have been for half a decade.

Waiting times are also at their lowest in A&E for almost half a decade, thanks to the hard work of NHS staff, better planning and modernisation.

April 6, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Over 12 million pensioners to receive £575 State Pension boost [April 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 4 April 2026.

Over 12 million pensioners will see their State Pension rise by up to £575 from Monday (6 April), as both the basic and new State Pensions increase by 4.8% under the Triple Lock guarantee.
- Millions of pensioners to receive up to an additional £575 in their State Pension this year.
- The Government’s Triple Lock commitment means pensioners’ incomes will rise by up to £2,100 over this parliament.
- This year’s uprating of State Pensions and working-age benefits will help millions of people across the UK in the face of cost-of-living pressures.
The Government has already delivered above-inflation increases worth up to £395 in real terms over this Parliament. By its end, pensioners’ annual incomes are expected to rise by up to £2,100 – boosting financial security for millions.

Pension Credit will also rise by 4.8% and be worth an average of £4,300 a year, unlocking further support including help with housing costs, council tax and free television licenses. Between 2026 and 2027, the government will provide a £6 billion boost to spending on State Pensions and pensioner benefits.

The increases come into effect as the government takes wider action to ease pressure on household finances, including raising the National Living Wage, cutting an average of £150 from household energy bills, lifting the two child limit and freezing rail fares and prescription charges.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said:

I know global shocks, and the effects they have on our living costs, will be increasing anxiety for many households.

This government will always protect our pensioners, and that’s why we are raising the full rate of new State Pension by up to £575 this coming year.

Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said:

After a lifetime of work and contribution, people deserve a decent retirement. Raising the State Pensions faster than prices, ensuring it is a pension they can rely on, is how we make that a reality for millions.

In addition to the range of action being taken by government to support families, most working-age benefits, and other benefits for people below State Pension age, will also increase by 3.8% helping millions of households.

This comes alongside action the Government is taking to incentivise work and tackle ill-health, including boosting the standard rate of Universal Credit by 6.2% – the first ever permanent, above-inflation increase – and tackling perverse incentives by introducing a lower Universal Credit health element rate of £217.26 per month for new claimants, compared to the higher rate of £429.80.

Additional information
- The majority of the new rates will apply from Monday 6 April 2025. Please see here for a full list of rising benefits: Benefit and pension rates 2026 to 2027 – GOV.UK
- The full rate of the new State Pension will increase by 4.8% in line with the increase in average earnings from £230.25 to £241.30 a week. The full basic State Pension will increase from £176.45 to £184.90 a week.
- The Standard Minimum Guarantee in Pension Credit will increase by 4.8% in line with the increase in average earnings. From April, it will be £238.00 a week for a single pensioner and £363.25 a week for a couple.
- Details of when the State Pension is paid can be found on GOV.UK: The new State Pension – GOV.UK
- Most working-age benefits and other benefits for people below State Pension age will also increase by 3.8%; including Statutory Payments such as Statutory Sick Pay and Statutory Maternity Pay and the personal allowances of Income Support, Housing Benefit and Jobseeker’s Allowance.
- Universal Credit will be up-rated by September CPI plus an additional 2.3%.
- The increased expenditure as a result of uprating in 2026/27 is estimated to be £11 billion. This includes £6 billion more to be spent on State Pensions and pensioner benefits, £3 billion on working-age benefits, and £2 billion on disability and carers benefits.
April 6, 2026
Keir Starmer – 2026 Easter Message

The message made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 3 April 2026.

Easter is a celebration of hope, new life and renewal.

Across the country, churches and Christian communities quietly and tirelessly support families, children and neighbours – offering comfort, bringing people together, and standing alongside those who need it most. It is precisely that spirit of service which exemplifies national renewal, and reflects the very heart of Christ’s example.

This Easter comes at a time of real anxiety for many people. Conflicts abroad, pressures at home, and uncertainty about the future weigh heavily on families and households. In moments like these, faith offers reassurance and grounding – a reminder that we are not alone, and that hope can still take root even in difficult soil.

For generations, churches have been rooted in their neighbourhoods, working to combat poverty, fear and isolation. In times when some seek to divide, the Government is committed to working across faiths and differences to build a country that is more resilient, inclusive and connected. That is why we are keen to partner with churches, alongside other faith and belief groups, to strengthen and transform local communities through programmes such as Pride in Place and Best Start Family Hubs, among others.

Our country is at its best when we choose community over division, kindness over indifference, and service over self‑interest. I thank everyone who gives their time through churches and Christian charities, and wish Christians across the UK and around the world a very happy Easter filled with peace, hope and the promise of new life.

April 6, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with the Crown Prince of Kuwait [April 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 3 April 2026.

The Prime Minister spoke to His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah this morning.

The Prime Minister began by condemning the reckless overnight drone attack on a Kuwaiti oil refinery. He reiterated that the UK stands with Kuwait and all our allies in the Gulf. They discussed the deployment of the UK’s Rapid Sentry air defence system to Kuwait, which will protect Kuwaiti and British personnel and interests in the region, while avoiding escalation into wider conflict.

Regarding ongoing disruption to global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the Prime Minister and Crown Prince welcomed the meeting convened by the Foreign Secretary yesterday on a viable plan to reopen the Strait.

They agreed to continue to work together on this and stay in close contact over the coming weeks.

April 6, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Largest ever Government investment in threatened species recovery [April 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 3 April 2026.

A total £90 million funding for species recovery across England.

Hundreds of England’s most threatened native wildlife are to be protected from extinction, thanks to the largest ever government funding for threatened species announced today.

The government will invest £60 million over the next three years – more than double the previous round of funding – into the Species Recovery Programme, marking the largest ever government investment in directly supporting threatened species. A further £30 million will be dedicated to fund species recovery on the national forest estate.

It comes as Defra unveils a new campaign, “Wild Again: Restoring England’s Wildlife”, which will encompass the government’s existing and future work to protect and recover native species through projects including the flagship Species Recovery Programme.

The programme, run by Natural England, funds conservation projects including habitat restoration, captive breeding and species reintroductions, helping to tackle habitat loss, safeguard our fragile ecosystems such as ancient woodland and chalk streams, and restore nature-rich landscapes.

Successful projects set to receive funding for 2026-2029 will be confirmed by Natural England in May but early indications suggest the funding will support action across a wide range of species from birds to beetles, moths to mammals and spiders, snails and seahorses.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:

This Government is bringing threatened wildlife back from the brink with the largest ever investment in species recovery.

This long-term commitment is a decisive step towards reversing the decline of nature and protecting it for generations to come.

Natural England Chair Tony Juniper said:

If there is one positive thing about species decline, it is the fact that it is usually reversible. For decades Natural England’s species recovery work has revealed how even the rarest of the rare can be brought back from the brink. The red kite, lady’s slipper orchid, pool frog, beaver and large blue butterfly are among the examples that demonstrate the many opportunities at hand.

Through the proven winning mix of good science and effective partnerships we know that many species can be restored to favourable status. This new government funding is most welcome, and will enable us to support even more of the many initiatives underway across England to halt and reverse the decline of our wonderful wildlife.

Over the past three decades the programme has helped protect over 1,000 species and prevented the national extinction of at least 35 species. More than 600 species benefited from conservation efforts by the programme between 2022-2024, including water vole, hazel dormouse and oystercatcher. Among the key successes were the first red-billed chough to hatch in the wild in Kent for over 200 years, the successful reintroduction of black grouse to the North Yorkshire Moors, and the return of the large marsh grasshopper to the Norfolk Broads after an 85-year absence.

England is one of the most nature depleted countries in the world. Since 1970, wildlife populations have fallen by a third with one in six species at risk of extinction. The funding uplift will help support the government’s mission to reverse this decline and meet our legal targets set out in the Environmental Improvement Plan, which commit to halting the decline in species abundance by 2030 and reducing species extinction risk by 2042 against 2022 levels.

The government has already announced the largest nature friendly farming budget in history, with £11.8 billion to be spent across this Parliament, the creation of three new National Forests, and approved the first wild beaver releases since they were hunted to extinction around 400 years ago.

Additional information:
- The majority of applications for Species Recovery Programme funding are still undergoing assurance. These projects will be considered at the Programme Board in May, after which funding decisions and announcements for that group will be made later in the month.
- Examples of successful projects delivered with funding from the Species Recovery Programme:
Hawkshead bee in Hastings

The species highlight of the project was the discovery of Andrena fulvago (Hawksbeard Bee) by ecologist Andy Phillips. This rare species had not been recorded in Hastings for over 100 years. The wildflower areas created by Groundwork South will help support this rare bee species, along with many others.

Chough in Kent

The successful reintroduction of Chough in Kent for the first time in over 200 years following an extensive captive breeding programme and supervised release and monitoring. The success of this project, carried out by Wildwood Trust, Kent Wildlife Trust, and Paradise Park was demonstrated by first wild hatched chick in 2024, birds nested again in 2025.

Black grouse on the North York Moors

The successful translocation and reintroduction of breeding black grouse on the North Yorks Moors saw new nests hatched and 15 birds fitted with radio transmitters to monitor movements and health. This project will also release further individuals this year as part of the grant extension.

Adders in Berkshire

Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust installed two adder tunnels beneath the Old Thornford road in Berkshire which bisected Greenham and Crookham commons. The tunnel was completed in March 2024 and additional habitat enhancements were made to help direct adders towards the tunnel entrances instead of the road. In May 2025 trail cameras installed at the tunnel entrance caught evidence of an adder using one of the tunnels.

Horseshoe bats in Sussex

Vincent Wildlife Trust has worked on three disused buildings to make them ideal for bat breeding. Their project Horseshoes Heading East focussed on connecting up suitable breeding and hibernation places for greater horseshoe bat across Sussex. Greater horseshoe bats at one of the sites have successfully bred, with mums and pups in the incubator and a new attic space.

Waders in Essex

The RSPB and Essex Wildlife Trust worked together across wet grassland, grazing marsh, reedbeds and saline lagoons in the Blackwater and Colne Estuary to install predator fences and water control features to make the site even better for breeding waders. The works have already proved successful with a lapwing nest spotted this spring and 6 other lapwing were seen displaying, as well as a pair of redshank.

Lady’s slipper orchid in Yorkshire

Natural England has worked with Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and Plantlife for thirty years collecting thousands of seeds, conducting germination trials and growing on seedlings to try and bring back our most impressive and rarest orchid, the lady’s slipper. Now, with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust also part of the partnership, the first known example of this rare and beautiful plant naturally propagating in the wild has been recorded.

Avocet in Worcester

Upgraded islands within the lakes at the reserve at Upton Warren, which had eroded over time, have received positive responses from the visiting birds, with 57 Avocet recorded on the 28th March ’25. This is a fantastic outcome given the short timeframe over which this project has been delivered by the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.

Water voles in Northamptonshire, Cheshire, Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire

Four Species Recovery Programme projects have created habitats for water voles in Northamptonshire, Cheshire, Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire including creating new bankside habitat, wetlands and ponds, and planting hedges to provide cover and food plants.  Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, aided by contractors and volunteers, installed twenty water vole ‘motels’ along the banks of the canal in Coventry to provide safe resting and feeding places. In addition, more than 420 water voles were captive reared and released to help increase population numbers and distribution.

Atlantic salmon and pearl mussels in Cumbria

West Cumbria Rivers Trust, working with the Freshwater Biological Association delivered river habitat improvements including removing barriers to the passage of Atlantic salmon. This also benefitted pearl mussels, as their larvae spend around 9 months of their lifecycle on the gills of either salmon or trout, before dropping off into gravels to continue their growth. 2475 juvenile freshwater pearl mussels were released under licence into streams in Cumbria to bolster the populations.
April 6, 2026