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  • Yvette Cooper – 2026 Comments on Ukraine Recovery Fund

    Yvette Cooper – 2026 Comments on Ukraine Recovery Fund

    The comments made by Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, on 25 June 2026.

    The UK stands firmly with Ukraine, not only in its fight for freedom today, but in ensuring it has the strength to rebuild for the future – that is essential for the long-term deterrence of Russian aggression. 

    A just and lasting peace is urgent and non-negotiable. But Ukraine needs long-term support both to get through the conflict and to rebuild in future. That is why at this year’s Ukraine Recovery Conference, we are announcing a multi-million pound package to power Ukraine’s homes and critical infrastructure, back its businesses and drive improvements in education and justice. 

    This crucial investment will ensure the UK is also in close partnership with Ukraine as they look towards future growth, involving British and Ukrainian businesses and delivering long-term benefits for both our economies.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary announces nearly £290 million to strengthen Ukraine’s recovery and energy security [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary announces nearly £290 million to strengthen Ukraine’s recovery and energy security [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 June 2026.

    Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper announces a new support package at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk.

    • New UK support for Ukraine’s recovery and energy security in the face of Putin’s war  
    • UK continues to bear down on Kremlin having sanctioned over 3,400 Russia-linked targets, while supporting Ukraine’s long-term prosperity  
    • UK’s total commitment to meeting Ukraine’s non-military needs now stands at £5.6 billion since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion

    The Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has announced a new package worth almost £290 million to bolster Ukraine’s recovery and energy security as she attends the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk, Poland. 

    Yvette Cooper will make clear the United Kingdom’s ironclad commitment to Ukraine not only in its ongoing battle in the face of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion, but in ensuring it has the strength to rebuild for the future for the benefit of the UK and Ukraine. Ukraine’s security is vital to the UK’s own and supporting Ukraine today means a thriving partner for the UK in the future.

    Today’s package will help strengthen Ukraine’s energy security through the signing of a £210 million deal for UK-based Urenco to provide nuclear fuel to Ukraine’s national power company Energoatom, to help Ukraine resist Russian attacks on critical energy infrastructure and keep the lights on. The deal will also boost the British economy, as Urenco employs more than 650 people in the UK and its Chester site supports more than 4,500 jobs around the UK in the wider supply chain. 

    Funding will also support new schemes to modernise Ukraine’s justice system, to help build systems that hold the perpetrators of heinous war crimes to account, speed up court proceedings and tackle corruption to improve fairness and transparency.  

    Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper said: 

    “The UK stands firmly with Ukraine, not only in its fight for freedom today, but in ensuring it has the strength to rebuild for the future – that is essential for the long-term deterrence of Russian aggression. 

    “A just and lasting peace is urgent and non-negotiable. But Ukraine needs long-term support both to get through the conflict and to rebuild in future. That is why at this year’s Ukraine Recovery Conference, we are announcing a multi-million pound package to power Ukraine’s homes and critical infrastructure, back its businesses and drive improvements in education and justice. 

    “This crucial investment will ensure the UK is also in close partnership with Ukraine as they look towards future growth, involving British and Ukrainian businesses and delivering long-term benefits for both our economies.”    

    Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy said: 

    “An enduring peace in Ukraine will not be secured through military support alone, but through our collective commitment to rebuilding communities, strengthening institutions and deepening joint action. 

    “Ukraine’s battlefield victories must be bolstered by support to rebuild. The UK stands together with Ukraine as true partners for freedom – helping drive record investment, support recovery and ensure the Ukrainian people can look to the future with security and hope.” 

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said: 

    “The UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine – and that means backing Ukraine’s recovery just as firmly as its defence. Today we are securing Ukraine’s energy supply, and helping to support Ukraine’s economy in the face of brutal Russian aggression.

    “Ukraine’s security is our security, and our ironclad support will boost both our economies and give them the financial firepower to grow back stronger.”

    British International Investment will also deliver up to £65 million for renewable energy and the banking sector in Ukraine, alongside the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The new investments will see the construction of two new wind farms and provide much-needed backing for Ukraine’s businesses through the Bank of Lviv.  

    British companies will play a vital role in reconstruction projects across Ukraine, including the future modernisation of Lviv Airport as well as schools in Vinnytsia Oblast through the Project Development Programme, which is set to receive £1 million additional UK funding. 

    The announcement comes as the UK continues to intensify pressure on those sustaining Putin’s illegal war, after the Prime Minister announced a major sanctions package targeting the vessels, finances and individuals enabling Russia’s aggression at the G7 last week. British forces also recently intercepted a Russian shadow fleet vessel in the Channel, in a significant blow to the Kremlin’s war effort.  

    The UK’s support for Ukraine is reinforced by its close partnership with Poland, a vital security partner and a frontline state in Europe’s response to Russian aggression. Poland plays a crucial role in ensuring Ukraine gets the military and defence equipment it needs for the frontline, by processing 90% of allied-funded material before it crosses the border. Following the conference, the Foreign Secretary will visit the Miecznik frigate programme, where British and Polish defence industries are working together to strengthen Poland’s naval capabilities through a contract worth around £3 billion, supporting jobs and growth in both countries.   

    The breakdown of bilateral assistance funding announced today includes: 

    • Up to £13 million to support British International Investment’s intention to commit to the EU Flagship Fund; 
    • Up to £12 million for a new governance programme, including:  
    • Up to £2.4 million for an EU Anti-Corruption Initiative (EUACI); and 
    • £1 million to support judicial reforms; 
    • Up to £763,000 to continue support for Ukraine’s Green Transition Office. 

     Alongside the bilateral allocation, the UK will announce a series of measures to support Ukraine’s long-term economic growth. These include: 

    • New British International Investment investments of up to £65 million, utilising existing UK ODA funding to co-finance projects that will expand lending to small and medium-sized enterprises through the Bank of Lviv and support the construction of two new wind farms; 
    • Up to £200,000 to expand support for Ukraine’s critical minerals sector through British Geological Survey expertise to improve geological data, strengthen standards and attract investment; 
    • Up to £1 million for the second year of the Project Development Programme, helping British companies participate in the early-stage planning of reconstruction projects across Ukraine. This builds on successful first-phase projects, including feasibility studies for the future expansion of Lviv Airport and the modernisation of schools in Vinnytsia Oblast; and 
    • A new Memorandum of Understanding between UK Export Finance and Ukraine’s export credit agency to strengthen institutional capacity, share expertise and support the growth of Ukraine’s private sector and exports.
  • PRESS RELEASE : The Falkland Islands – Lord Collins’ OAS statement [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : The Falkland Islands – Lord Collins’ OAS statement [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 June 2026.

    Deputy Leader of the House of Lords Lord Collins spoke during the 56th regular session of the OAS general assembly in Panama City, Panama.

    Secretary General, Assistant Secretary General, Ministers, Delegates, Friends.

    On behalf of the United Kingdom, I would like to thank our hosts, Panama, for convening this Assembly.

    The UK values its partnerships across the Americas – shaped by history and the many personal connections between our peoples today. This forum plays an important role in strengthening cooperation on the issues that affect us all and we will continue to contribute to solutions to shared problems in the constructive and respectful spirit on which the OAS was founded.

    I will turn now to the topic of this discussion, the Falkland Islands.

    The United Kingdom’s position has been clear and consistent for many years. The question of the Falkland Islands must be considered in light of the wishes of the people who live there. The Islanders have the right to determine their own political future, and they have expressed that choice clearly and democratically. With some tracing their roots back more than 10 generations, the Islanders have nowhere else they call home. Like many in the Americas, their ancestors journeyed to those Islands in past centuries to seek a better life, and shaped the Islands into the thriving and prosperous society they are today.

    The people of the Falkland Islands have built a stable, self-governing community with strong democratic institutions. Their elected representatives take decisions on matters that affect their daily lives, reflecting the priorities and values of the local population. This is a community that is confident in its identity and clear about its future.

    This principle is fundamental. The right of self-determination is a cornerstone of the international system and applies to all peoples. It is essential to maintaining the integrity and credibility of the rules-based international order.

    Calls for discussions on sovereignty do not alter this reality. Any approach to this issue must respect the principle that the Islanders’ wishes come first. Without their consent, there can be no change to their status. Their wishes have been made clear – the 2013 referendum with a 99.8% vote on a 92% turnout to remain in the British family, and no subsequent election has questioned that decision. There can be no negotiation without the agreement and participation of the Falkland Islanders themselves.

    The UK strongly supports the right of the Falkland Islanders to develop their natural resources for their own economic benefit. The decision to pursue hydrocarbon development was a democratic choice by the people of the Falkland Islands alone, and it is for the Falkland Islands Government to pursue production alongside the commercial companies involved. This is an integral part of the Islanders’ right of self- determination.

    I would like to emphasise that UK forces in the South Atlantic are entirely defensive. We regularly review our force levels so that they are at the minimum level appropriate to ensure the defence of the Falkland Islands against any potential threat.

    None of this changes the UK’s desire to maintain a respectful and fruitful bilateral relationship with Argentina; nor our commitment to constructive engagement in the South Atlantic. We will continue to support practical cooperation where it serves shared interests, including in areas such as environmental stewardship and sustainable economic activity.

    Colleagues, this is ultimately a question of the foundational principles of the international system. A population has exercised its democratic rights and made its position known. Respecting that choice is both a legal obligation and a reflection of the values that underpin this Assembly.

    The United Kingdom will continue to uphold that principle and encourages others to do the same.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 62 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Discrimination against Women and Girls [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 62 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Discrimination against Women and Girls [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 June 2026.

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Discrimination against Women and Girls. Delivered at the 62nd Human Rights Council in Geneva.

    Thank you, Madam Vice President.

    The UK is committed to protecting and promoting the rights of women and girls in all their diversity – including through tackling discrimination. The Foreign Secretary has placed women and girls globally at the heart of the UK’s foreign policy and is committed to championing their ability to live in a world free from violence and discrimination.

    Women and girls are disproportionately targeted by AI-enabled harms, including deepfakes and online abuse at scale. The lack of safety-by-design in AI is intensifying technology-facilitated gender-based violence, with real-world impacts on safety, participation, and wellbeing.

    States should adopt a human rights based approach to AI, with gender equality at its core. 

    Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D) is a major international development programme, co-funded by the UK, Canada and Sweden, that aims to ensure AI works for inclusive, safe and equitable development outcomes in the Global South. Through AI4D Africa, the UK has supported women-led AI research and strengthened the pipeline of female AI leaders. 

    Madam Vice President,

    How can Member States work with the UN to ensure that protection from discrimination is embedded in the design of AI systems?

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Europe’s security cannot be built on coercion or spheres of influence – UK statement to the OSCE [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Europe’s security cannot be built on coercion or spheres of influence – UK statement to the OSCE [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 June 2026.

    Deputy Ambassador James Ford stressed that Europe’s security cannot be built on coercion or spheres of influence, rejecting Russia’s revisionist narratives. He underlined that Russia alone is responsible for the war, reaffirmed support for Ukraine, and called for an immediate ceasefire and genuine negotiations.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

    Mr Chair, last week G7 leaders underlined our countries’ shared support for Ukraine. They reaffirmed our firm backing of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. And they committed to strengthening Ukraine’s capacity to defend itself, while further increasing pressure on Russia’s war economy. This message was clear, united and rooted in the principles on which we have built European security.

    By contrast, Mr Chair, Russia continues to advance narratives that seek to rewrite history, to invert responsibility, and to portray Russia as the victim of a crisis it chose to create. An article by the Russian Foreign Minister, also last week, repeated all of these themes.

    The actual facts are clear. No state sought to deny Russia’s security. No state planned aggression against Russia. No state launched an unprovoked invasion of Russia.

    The developments Russia now complains of – higher defence spending in Europe, further NATO enlargement, support for Ukraine’s self-defence, drone strikes against Russian targets – are patently not the causes of the current crisis. They are in fact the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression.

    Russia also continues to call for a new security architecture. But we already have one. It was built together by the states present at this table, including Russia, through the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of Paris. These commitments enshrine sovereign equality, territorial integrity, the inviolability of borders, and the right of every state to choose its own security arrangements.

    These principles did not fail. Russia violated them. Again Nobody attacked Russia. And no one sought to dismantle Russia’s security. In fact, it was Russia that used force against others: including in Georgia in 2008 and in Ukraine since 2014.

    At the heart of this is Russia’s rejection of sovereignty as a universal principle. Russia believes it has a right to decide the future of its neighbours. It frames independence as provocation and choice as hostility.

    OSCE principles are not compatible with this vision of spheres of influence. The OSCE is composed of sovereign states. Ukraine is not Russia’s to control. Nor is Moldova. Nor Georgia. Nor any other OSCE participating State.

    Mr Chair, our shared OSCE principles do not need to be rewritten; they need to be respected. Europe’s security cannot be built on coercion, conquest, or spheres of influence.

    We keep on listening to Russia’s messaging, including here in this forum. But, unfortunately, we keep on hearing that Russia’s narratives remain false and contradictory. By contrast our message is clear, as the G7 underlined last week: we stand united in our unwavering support for Ukraine.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government pushes forward with conversion practices ban to protect LGBT+ people from abuse [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government pushes forward with conversion practices ban to protect LGBT+ people from abuse [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Office for Equality and Opportunity on 25 June 2026.

    The government is banning abusive conversion practices in England and Wales to protect LGBT+ people from physical and psychological harm.

    • Government publishes a draft bill that will deliver a landmark ban on abusive conversion practices in England and Wales. 
    • Current legal loopholes leave victims at risk, and new legislation will fill gaps in the law to protect people from abhorrent abuse. 
    • Proposed ban includes safeguards for legitimate healthcare and therapy, and robust thresholds that protect open conversations, and free speech.  

    LGBT+ people will be protected from physical and psychological abuse to change who they are, as the government announces a landmark ban on abusive conversion practices in England and Wales, with the publication of the draft Conversion Practices Bill.

    The proposed ban will set the criminal threshold for conversion practices as conduct that aims to change someone’s sexual orientation or transgender identity through abusive acts that seriously harm the victim. 

    These abhorrent practices are still happening today, with people being subjected to physical, sexual, economic and psychological abuse. Victims of conversion practices have recounted stories that range from beatings and rape to verbal threats, manipulation and exorcisms.  

    Conversion practices are still happening in 2026 because of a series of legal loopholes that allow perpetrators to escape justice. Existing pieces of legislation that cover domestic violence, coercive control and communications offences do not adequately address the unique nature of abusive conversion practices, leaving a gap in the law that can be exploited. In addition, the lack of a legal definition of abusive conversion practices makes it challenging for police and prosecutors to act. The only way to tackle these problems is through this legislation.

    The legislation will create the following criminal offences: 

    • carrying out abusive conversion practices that cause serious harm, alarm or distress to the victim
    • encouraging or assisting an abusive conversion practice performed outside England and Wales

    It also creates new civil Conversion Practice Protection Orders and breach offences to support victims as well as those currently at risk of abuse. These will be similar to protection orders for forced marriage and female genital mutilation and will pre-emptively protect people.

    Someone found guilty of conducting abusive conversion practices could face an unlimited fine, a custodial sentence of up to 5 years, or both. 

    Olivia Bailey MP, Minister for Equalities, said: 

    Conversion practices are driven by the false belief that being LGBT+ is shameful and can be forcibly changed.

    No-one should face abuse just because of who they are. That’s why we are delivering on our manifesto commitment to ban abusive conversion practices.

    Legal loopholes have left LGBT+ people vulnerable to these harmful acts which is why we must legislate.

    Dr Hilary Cass, author of the Cass Review, said: 

    I am pleased to see that the government is bringing forward legislation which not only gives a clearer definition of what conversion practices are, compared to previous drafts, but also what they are not.

    It is important that healthcare professionals providing much needed holistic care to young people feel confident that they are able to do their job without fear of litigation and the minister has kept that important issue in mind at the same time as the need to protect vulnerable young people.

    I look forward to the pre legislative scrutiny process which will facilitate further constructive debate.

    Jasmine O’Connor OBE, Co-CEO at Galop, said:

    As LGBT+ anti-abuse experts, Galop frequently witnesses the devastating impacts caused by conversion practices. We know all too well how gaps in legislation have left LGBT+ people unprotected against covert and insidious forms of abuse, and we welcome this long-overdue legislation – it’s a vital first step toward addressing conversion practices as a distinct form of harm. As Galop’s latest research shows, conversion practices are happening today. This legislation is urgently needed, and we will keep working to inform the parliamentary process and ensure the ban protects LGBT+ people from all conversion practices.

    Simon Blake, CEO at Stonewall, said:

    People from the LGBTQ+ community are not broken or in need of ‘fixing’. That’s why I’m so pleased the government have published a draft bill to ban conversion practices that attempt to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. These practices are abuse, and every day without a ban in place leaves people at risk of serious harm.

    This is testament to the hard work of campaigners and survivors who have bravely shared their stories and refused to give up. We look forward to continuing our work with sector partners, Parliament, and government to ensure the legislation is robust and effective.

    Saba Ali, Chair at the Ban Conversion Therapy Coalition, said:

    No one should ever be told they can’t be who they are, or love who they love. LGBTQ+ identities are beautiful, diverse, and should be celebrated, and yet attempts to change and suppress them are still happening across the UK, causing profound suffering.

    Today’s announcement of the publication of draft legislation to ban conversion practices is a significant and welcome step forward, but it is also long overdue. The coalition look forward to continuing to work with the government to ensure the legislation delivers the comprehensive protections all LGBTQ+ people deserve.

    This moment belongs to a movement. Over eighty coalition organisations, countless survivors, clinicians, faith leaders, Parliamentarians and campaigners have refused to let this be forgotten. Today proves what we achieve when we stand together.

    Professor Subodh Dave, President of Royal College at Psychiatrists, said:  

    The College have long called for a ban to these harmful practices and we strongly support the publication of this draft Bill.

    We welcome the pre-legislative approach that will help ensure the Bill works in practice. It is important that in protecting people from these unacceptable practices, this legislation also supports healthcare professionals to continue to have appropriate exploratory conversations with their patients.

    Dame Nicole Jacobs, Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, said:

    Subjecting a family member or partner to harm or coercing them to change who they are is domestic abuse and it must be stopped. I’m pleased to see this draft Bill brought forward so we can finally ban these deeply harmful practices, which have damaged too many people’s lives. I look forward to continuing to work with Ministers, as this legislation progresses to ensure it delivers the much-needed protections for all LGBT+ victims and survivors.

    The Rt Revd Dr David Walker, Church of England, said: 

    I welcome the publication of this draft Bill as a positive step towards banning conversion practices. These have harmed LGBT people over many years, leaving many with lifelong trauma. This work is long overdue, and comes after the General Synod of the Church of England voted, by a very large majority, in favour of the Government bringing forward a ban in 2017. I am pleased that this will bring an opportunity for consultation and scrutiny, so that substantial progress can at last be made.

    The draft legislation is clear that the government is not seeking to criminalise expressing beliefs about LGBT+ identities, nor is it seeking to ban explorative conversations and questioning about someone’s identity. That is why a high threshold for criminality has been included, so that only the acts that are abusive, seeking to change someone’s identity, and create real harm to the person, will be in scope. 

    The proposed ban includes exemptions for legitimate healthcare. This ensures that healthcare professionals, therapists and counsellors can be confident that they can continue their work to support patients and have free and open conversations about sexuality and transgender identity. 

    Our proposed ban aligns with international best practices by being trans-inclusive, protecting individuals from harm, and including a custodial sentence for perpetrators. Through targeting abusive conduct intended to change someone’s identity, the offence mirrors parts of New Zealand’s approach while remaining tailored to the UK legal framework. 

    The government has recognised that this is a complex legal area and is seeking to build a genuine consensus around a ban. That is why the draft bill will now undergo pre-legislative scrutiny to give opportunity to draw on the expertise and insight of a range of parliamentarians and stakeholders, ensuring that a ban is as effective as possible in the long term. 

    Today’s draft bill is the latest action taken by the government to tackle abuse against the LGBT+ community and comes after legislation passed in spring equalised hate crime protections for LGBT+ people.

    The government has also taken further action to fulfil its commitments to the LGBT+ community, including: 

    • righting the historic wrongs committed against LGBT veterans 
    • publishing a HIV Action Plan to end new transmissions by 2030
    • investing £21 million in global LGBT+ rights
  • PRESS RELEASE : ‘Choose carefully’- new data shows degree choice drives earnings [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : ‘Choose carefully’- new data shows degree choice drives earnings [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 25 June 2026.

    Graduates earn on average around £100,000 more over their lifetime than non-graduate counterparts, but returns vary by degree subject.

    Students’ choice of degree subject has a hugely significant impact on their lifetime earnings, according to new research from the IFS.

    Graduates earn on average around £100,000 more over their lifetime than someone of the same background and attainment who did not attend university, even after taxes and student loan repayments. 

    But the returns vary sharply by subject. Medicine and economics are the highest-earning degrees, and offer up to £400,000 in increased salary over a graduate’s lifetime, while other subjects can offer little to negative financial return, compared to what someone similar without a degree earns.   

    The government has this week outlined plans to draw up options for legislation to limit the growth of some courses at some providers, where there are consistently poor returns for students. 

    Drastic action to tackle poor-quality degrees and crackdown on the rapid expansion of franchised, and often poor-quality, provision is also ensuring the system prioritises student outcomes over volume or profits. 

    A new consultation in the Autumn will look at options for a minimum English language requirement for prospective under-grads to access student finance, to ensure students taking on debt to earn a degree are equipped to succeed in their studies. 

    Minister for Skills, Jacqui Smith said:

    Going to university and getting a degree is one of the most transformational things a young person can do. But it is not a universal guarantee of success and not all degrees are equal. 

    As well as the variation by subject, too many franchised and poor-quality courses do not offer a good deal to young people – selling the dream then leaving students in the lurch.

    We’re making the system work better but my message to those thinking about university: choose carefully. Don’t walk into a degree by default.

    The data also comes as the government publishes its Pathways to Priority Occupations measure, highlighting that medicine, nursing, architecture and computing are among the top degree subjects to access jobs in the priority sectors in the UK’s Industrial Strategy, Construction, and Health and Social Care.

    Collectively an estimated 1.8 million additional skilled workers will be needed in these sectors by 2035.

    This measure provides a crucial first step in helping us identify which subjects will be eligible as part of our new targeted maintenance grant offer. It will be used alongside other data and stakeholder feedback to best assess how to target this funding for students in Academic Year 2028 to 2029.

    The government is also working closely with UCAS to ensure earnings and employment outcomes from different courses are clear and accessible to prospective under-grads.

    The government is also ensuring university is not the only choice for young people to succeed, with a record £3.3bn investment in apprenticeships this year, to help deliver the ambition of 50,000 more apprenticeship starts for young people by 2029.

    This will start to reverse nearly half of the 40% decline in 16–24 apprenticeship starts over the past decade which has left young people locked out of the first rung on the career ladder.

    This also builds on wider action through the government’s Youth Guarantee which will ensure every young person has the opportunity to earn and learn. This includes financial incentives for businesses to hire young people who have been out of work, providing guaranteed subsidised jobs — helping deliver up to 500,000 opportunities.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Young people with SEND to benefit from new guidance on inclusion [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Young people with SEND to benefit from new guidance on inclusion [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 24 June 2026.

    Government launches first of its kind guidance on creating dedicated teaching and support spaces for children with SEND.

    Children and young people with SEND across the country will be able to attend their local school, early years and college and know they belong there, as the government delivers a first of its kind package of advice to guarantee inclusion for all.

    For years families have faced a postcode lottery that has left hundreds of thousands fighting for the right support, travelling miles to access it or waiting months or years to receive it.

    Today, the government is taking an important step to end this lottery through clear expectations on how settings can design their SEND provision so children and young people can thrive.

    For the first time, new guidance sets out what families can expect to see on the ground, building on the commitment that every secondary school will, in time, have an inclusion base – a dedicated space providing targeted teaching and specialist support those who need it.

    Inclusion bases will be run by a qualified teacher, never used as a sanction, and allow access to an adapted, broad, ambitious curriculum to meet the needs of every child, serving as a bridge to school life rather than a barrier to it.

    That means more time for children in mainstream classes alongside their friends and will put a stop to inconsistent and patchy provision where children feel excluded from the wider school – being left out of lessons, trips or activities.

    The bases go hand in hand with an overhaul on physical spaces including classrooms, with landmark guidance for schools, early years and post-16, setting out a roadmap for how settings can adapt buildings that are shaped around the real experience of a child or young person with SEND.

    Whether that’s starting their day through an alternative entrance or taking time out in a calmer space, every child will be able to navigate the day with confidence.

    Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

    Every child and young person deserves to feel included, without fighting for the support they need to succeed.

    We are giving schools a clear, practical blueprint to become truly inclusive, from calmer classrooms and sensory-friendly spaces, to specialist support embedded right in the heart of the school, so children can learn alongside their peers rather than miles from home.

    Every child deserves to attend a school where they belong, where the environment works for them, and where the right support is simply part of the school day. That’s what we’re building.

    The results where high-quality inclusion bases already exist are striking. Eight in ten parents (80%) who want their child to attend a base report a positive experience, and nationwide they are delivering strong outcomes.

    In Sheffield, autistic pupils access up to 100% of mainstream lessons with tailored support and every single pupil from the base has entered education, employment or training after leaving, in Nottinghamshire 80% of pupils accessing a base achieve strong passes in GCSE Maths and English and in Oxfordshire, pupils who previously struggled to attend school at all are now averaging 93% attendance.

    To make sure the whole site meets the needs of children, the Inclusive Estates guidance suggests tools for understanding the daily experience of a child or young person with SEND, such as structured walkthroughs or “Day in the Life” approaches to identify challenges in navigating the physical space.

    It will include tangible improvements including adapting acoustics and light, introducing quiet and calm spaces like sensory gardens or installing ramps or handrails.

  • Keir Starmer – 2026 Comments at the E5 Summit

    Keir Starmer – 2026 Comments at the E5 Summit

    The statement made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 24 June 2026.

    Thank you, Friedrich.

    It’s a real pleasure to be here with all of you and thank you so much for your kind words, it has been my privilege to work with you on these really important issues and I am proud of the work we have done over the last two years to rebuild our relationship with our allies in Europe and around the world.

    I’m proud that Britain is standing up once again for decency, respect, and the rule of law.

    Last week at the G7, and thank you again Emmanuel for hosting a successful G7, we pledged our unwavering support to Ukraine and we’ve been able to echo that here today – our determination to capitalise on Ukraine’s newfound momentum.

    They are increasingly able to push Russia back on the battlefield. That’s very much been the story of this year. There are clear signs that as Russia loses ground and their economy struggles, the mood in Moscow is turning against Putin’s war.

    So this is a really important moment to ramp up the pressure on their economy with more sanctions and providing Ukraine with more military support.

    We are committed to driving this forward and that this should be the first item on the agenda at the NATO summit in a couple of weeks time.

    The second key issue at the summit must be building a more European NATO.

    We’ve been making this argument for some time but now is the time at this summit to really push this argument forward.

    Our aim together should be to lead a decisive strengthening of European leadership and sovereign capabilities, working of course in full coordination with the United States.

    Because we know that is what it will take to keep our countries safe, deter those who would do us harm and preserve the most successful military alliance in history.

    That is the big strategic challenge of the moment in the face of a clear and growing threats that we face and we are all playing our full part.

    The UK is ready to implement the largest increase in defence funding since the cold war. We’ve already taken steps last year to that end and we’ll take further steps and we’re going further, working to deliver our defence investment plan ahead of the NATO summit, not just to increase how much we spend on defence but to completely overhaul how we spend it to learn the lessons of Ukraine and to ensure that we’re ready to meet the threats of today and of tomorrow.

    And look, one final point, it is clear that this renewal of European defence must be fuelled by a generational shift in European industrial cooperation.

    The reality of modern warfare is that as well as outmanoeuvring the enemy, we must be able to out-innovate and out-produce them as well.

    More than ever, economic and technological power is the basis for military power and so we must harness this moment to boost our cooperation and at the same time boost jobs, growth and opportunity for all of our people for many years to come.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : E5 Leaders’ Statement [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : E5 Leaders’ Statement [June 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 24 June 2026.

    E5 Leaders’ Statement.

    Against the backdrop of the current threats and challenges to the security environment, leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland and United Kingdom met today in Berlin. The Secretary General of NATO joined the meeting from Washington.

    Leaders affirmed their unwavering commitment to Euro-Atlantic security and the transatlantic bond, recognising the vital role the US continues to play in the Alliance. They agreed to collectively work towards a successful NATO summit in Ankara hosted by President Erdogan on 7-8 July 2026.

    They expressed their strong determination to build a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO and to pursue their respective defence industrial endeavors in the closest possible cooperation.

    Leaders decided to move forward in five specific areas:

    1. European Leadership and Burden Sharing: Leaders are committed to a stronger European role within NATO with Europe taking greater responsibility for our shared transatlantic security, coordinating closely with the US. Leaders welcome the significant progress made by Allies towards implementing The Hague Defence Investment Pledge and agree to jointly develop avenues to strengthen European contributions to Allied capabilities.
    2. Collective Security: Leaders agree to proactively strengthen the Alliance’s deterrence and defence posture and increase contributions to NATO’s deterrence activities in order to respond to and deter the most significant and direct threat from Russia and the most direct asymmetric threat of terrorism to Euro-Atlantic security, in line with our 360-degree approach. Leaders reaffirm their fundamental commitment and determination to the security of the Euro-Atlantic area and their determination to act timely together should this be threatened.
    3. Defense Industrial Cooperation: Leaders recognise the importance of closer defence industrial cooperation to deliver NATO’s capabilities, warfighting readiness and resilience essential for deterrence and defence at the necessary speed, scale and value. Leaders will further strengthen the defence industrial cooperation, with a focus on air defence, unmanned systems, AI, and other capabilities including long-range firepower. They agree to accelerate their commitment to European joint development and procurement of deep precision strike capabilities. In addition to strengthening European industrial efforts, leaders emphasised the importance of harnessing emerging technologies underpinned by financial mechanisms to unlock capital and investment. This includes extending existing instruments to close critical capability gaps and increase interoperability.
    4. Support for Ukraine: Leaders are committed to further substantially support Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression, including through sanctions and economic pressure on Russia as well as support for the resilience of Ukraine’s energy sector. They support pledges in military support at the NATO Summit and intensified co-operation with Ukraine through NATO initiatives, including JATEC and NSATU. They reiterate their commitment to deepening NATO’s partnership with Ukraine, bringing Ukraine closer to the Alliance and recognizing the vital contribution Ukraine makes to Euro-Atlantic security. Leaders are aligned regarding the conditions for a just and lasting peace and support proposals for direct dialogue between Ukraine and Russia – with active US and European participation.
    5. United on Iran: Leaders welcomed the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding, secured under the leadership of President Trump with the support of mediating countries, and agreed this is a moment of opportunity to restore regional stability and stabilise the global economy. Leaders reiterated their commitment to supporting implementation of the MoU as part of urgent and comprehensive follow-up that delivers lasting peace. Leaders underlined that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon. Leaders reaffirmed the importance of unconditional and unrestricted freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. They confirmed their commitment to participate in the UK-France led Multinational Military Mission as soon as conditions allow and in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements. It could play an important role in reassuring the shipping industry and re-opening the Strait including through verification of demining.