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  • PRESS RELEASE : Lebanon – foreign ministers’ joint statement [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Lebanon – foreign ministers’ joint statement [April 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 April 2026.

    Statement on Lebanon by the foreign ministers of Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, the UK and the High Representative of the European Union.

    We, Foreign Ministers of Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, and the High Representative of the European Union, express our full support to the Government and people of Lebanon, who are once again suffering the dramatic consequences of a war that is not theirs. We express our condolences to the family of the victims and our solidarity to the civilian population impacted by this war both in Lebanon and Israel.

    The responsibility for this situation lies with Hezbollah. We strongly condemn Hezbollah’s attacks in support of Iran against Israel, which must cease immediately. The priority is to avoid a further escalation of the regional conflict with Iran.

    We support the historic and courageous decisions taken by the Lebanese Government. There is no other way to preserve Lebanon from foreign interference than by strengthening its State, its institutions and sovereignty. In that regard, we call for direct political negotiation between Lebanon and Israel, that can contribute to putting a durable end to this conflict and set the conditions for peaceful regional coexistence.

    The Lebanese executive has our full support in its approach and we encourage it to continue on this path through the implementation of concrete and irreversible measures, at all levels, to restore its sovereignty over the whole Lebanese territory, including the State’s monopoly on arms. In this context, we are committed to support the Lebanese Armed Forces and Lebanese Security Forces, by participating actively in the international support conference to be held as soon as conditions allow. With a view to enabling the Lebanese security forces to become the sole independent guarantors of Lebanon’s sovereignty in the long term, we also call on the Lebanese authorities to continue to adopt the necessary financial and economic reforms, in line with IMF requirements.

    We call on all parties to immediately deescalate and to revert to the cessation of hostilities agreement and UN Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). We call for the protection of the civilian population, humanitarian personnel, peacekeepers, and civilian infrastructure, including airport, ports and bridges across the country, in line with international humanitarian law. We reaffirm our concern regarding the forced displacement of over 1m people in Lebanon. We call on Israel to avoid a further widening of the conflict including through a ground operation on Lebanese territory. We strongly reaffirm that the territorial integrity of Lebanon must be respected.

    We stand determined to continue to support the Lebanese government in providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict including the more than 1 million people displaced and to preserve Lebanon’s internal cohesion, building on the emergency measures already taken by our respective countries. We call on the entire international community to participate in this vital humanitarian effort to ensure dignified living conditions for the many victims of this conflict.

    Finally, we reaffirm our strong support for the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in South Lebanon and call to ensure deconfliction channels remain open. We strongly condemn all recent attacks on UNIFIL contingents, which provoked unacceptable casualties among peacekeepers in recent days. We urge all parties, under all circumstances, to ensure the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and premises, in accordance with international law. We commend its remarkable work in these difficult conditions.

  • PRESS RELEASE : National Living Wage increases to £12.71 per hour [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : National Living Wage increases to £12.71 per hour [April 2026]

    The press release issued by the Low Pay Commission on 1 April 2026.

    Increased rates of the National Minimum Wage, including the National Living wage came into force from 1 April 2026. These rates bring into effect recommendations made by the Low Pay Commission last autumn.

    The new rates are set out in the table below.

    NMW Rate from April 2026Annual increase (£)Annual increase (per cent)
    National Living Wage (21 and over)£12.71£0.504.1
    18-20 Year Old Rate£10.85£0.858.5
    16-17 Year Old Rate£8.00£0.456.0
    Apprentice Rate£8.00£0.456.0
    Accommodation Offset£11.10£0.444.1

    Baroness Philippa Stroud, Chair of the Low Pay Commission, said:

    The recommendations we made last autumn sought to balance the need to protect the economy and labour market, whilst providing a real-terms increase for the lowest-paid members of society.

    A lot has changed since we gave our advice to the Government last autumn, and we are now beginning to gather evidence for recommendations later this year. The current economic uncertainty makes it essential that the Commission hears from those affected by the minimum wage and builds consensus for evidence-based recommendations.

    To mark the uprating, the Low Pay Commission has published a report looking at the immediate impacts of the new rates. It has also published a consultation to inform its recommendations on future minimum wage rates.

    NOTES FOR EDITORS

    • The LPC’s recommendations were submitted to the Government on 27 October 2025. The Government announced acceptance of those recommendations at the Autumn Budget on Wednesday 26 November.
    • The Government’s remit to the LPC, which determines the Commission’s work through the year, was published on 16 March and is available here.
    • The National Living Wage (NLW) is currently the statutory minimum wage for workers aged 21 and over. This age threshold came down from 25 to 23 in April 2021 and from 23 to 21 in April 2024.
    • The Low Pay Commission is an independent body made up of employers, trade unions and experts whose role is to advise the Government on the minimum wage. The rate recommendations introduced today were agreed unanimously by the Commission. The current Low Pay Commissioners are: Baroness Philippa Stroud (Chair), Nigel Cotgrove, Matthew Fell, Andrew Goodacre, Louise Fisher, Professor Patricia Rice, Simon Sapper, Professor Jonathan Wadsworth and Janet Williamson.
    • Baroness Philippa Stroud can be contacted via the Low Pay Commission’s press office (07341 098734).
  • NEWS STORY : Trump’s NATO threat deepens concerns over US standing abroad

    NEWS STORY : Trump’s NATO threat deepens concerns over US standing abroad

    STORY

    Donald Trump, the US President, has intensified alarm among America’s allies after saying he is strongly considering taking the United States out of NATO, a move that would strike at the heart of the Western alliance and further raise questions about Washington’s reliability on the world stage. In remarks reported on Wednesday, Trump described NATO in dismissive terms and suggested US membership was now under serious review, adding to a growing sense of instability around American foreign policy.

    The latest row comes amid a widening transatlantic dispute over the US approach to Iran, with several European allies refusing to back American military action or provide full logistical support. That breakdown has exposed a deeper rift between Washington and key NATO partners including Britain, France, Italy and Spain, while fuelling criticism that the White House is damaging long-standing alliances at a moment of international tension.

  • Chris Philp – 2026 Comments on Serious Disorder in Clapham

    Chris Philp – 2026 Comments on Serious Disorder in Clapham

    The comments made by Chris Philp, the Shadow Home Secretary, on 1 April 2026.

    Mass rioting and looting by youths in Clapham is totally unacceptable

    This is clear criminality and there should be mass arrests. There is no excuse for this.

    We need surge policing, widespread stop & search and live facial recognition to catch criminals.

  • Keir Starmer – 2026 Comments on Easing the Cost of Living

    Keir Starmer – 2026 Comments on Easing the Cost of Living

    The comments made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 1 April 2026.

    In an uncertain and volatile world, it is my government’s duty to protect the British people at home and abroad.

    I know the public are concerned about the conflict in Iran and what it means for them and their families.

    I want to reassure them that they have a government on their side, working with allies on de-escalation and bearing down on the cost of living.

    Today, millions of people up and down the country will see energy bills go down by £117, wages go up for the lowest paid, and more support will be available for people who need it most – because of the decisions this government has taken.

    But we must go further to bear down on costs, and that means pushing for de-escalation in the Middle East and a re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz. That is the best way we can bring down the cost of living for families and that is my focus.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New measures coming in to ease cost of living pressure [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New measures coming in to ease cost of living pressure [April 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 April 2026.

    A raft of new measures – coming into force today (1 April 2026) – will see wages go up, bills come down, and more support for those who need it most.

    In an uncertain and volatile world, the Prime Minister is continuing to work with allies to push for de-escalation in the Middle East – which is the surest and quickest way to bring down pressures on prices.

    On Monday, he hosted a roundtable with energy, insurance, and shipping companies and on Tuesday he chaired a COBR(M) meeting to assess the situation with Cabinet colleagues.

    Measures coming into force today include:

    –       Increasing the National Living wage to £12.71 – a £900 boost for 2.4 million workers

    –       Increasing the National Minimum Wage to £10.85 – a £1,500 boost for over 200,000 young workers

    –       Cutting energy bills by an average £117 a year for millions across the UK – locked in until end of June

    –       The Crisis & Resilience Fund starts running – enabled by £1bn of funding – which helps vulnerable households with things like heating oil

    –       A freeze on prescription prices – so people aren’t spending more than a tenner on their medicines

    This follows an update to the public on 16th March where the Prime Minister set out five steps that were already in place on the cost of living. These were:

    1)    Cutting the energy price cap until the end of June – thanks to last year’s Budget

    2)    The Chancellor’s decision to extend the cut in fuel duty until this September

    3)    £53 million for households that are most exposed to heating oil rises

    4)    Building Britain’s energy security and independence

    5)    Ongoing work towards a swift resolution of the situation in the Middle East

    The cut to the energy price cap comes on top of the £150 Warm Home Discount that around 6 million families will have received this winter, following its expansion last year – and eligible billpayers will continue to receive this support every winter for the rest of the decade.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    “In an uncertain and volatile world, it is my government’s duty to protect the British people at home and abroad.

    “I know the public are concerned about the conflict in Iran and what it means for them and their families.

    “I want to reassure them that they have a government on their side, working with allies on de-escalation and bearing down on the cost of living.

    “Today, millions of people up and down the country will see energy bills go down by £117, wages go up for the lowest paid, and more support will be available for people who need it most – because of the decisions this government has taken.

    “But we must go further to bear down on costs, and that means pushing for de-escalation in the Middle East and a re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz. That is the best way we can bring down the cost of living for families and that is my focus.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Iceland – Jane Stevens [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Iceland – Jane Stevens [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 March 2026.

    Mrs Jane Stevens has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Iceland in succession to Dr Bryony Mathew. Mrs Stevens will take up her appointment during September 2026.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Jane Elizabeth Stevens

    YearRole
    2025 to presentFull time language training (Icelandic)
    2024 to 2025FCDO, temporary assignments in MENAD, EECAD and Analysis Directorate
    2022 to 2023FCDO, Deputy Director, Ukraine Campaign Unit
    2018 to 2022FCDO, Europe Directorate (Deputy Head EU Exit, then Europe Strategy)
    2013 to 2018FCO, Team Leader then Deputy Head, Projects Task Force
    2010 to 2013FCO, Olympics Directorate (London 2012)
    2004 to 2010Maternity/special unpaid leave
    2003 to 2004FCO, Press Officer to the Permanent Under Secretary, then Chief Press Officer
    2001 to 2003FCO, Communication Directorate (Islamic Media)
    1998 to 2001FCO, Middle East and North Africa Directorate (Iraq)
  • Bell Ribeiro-Addy – 2026 Statement on Serious Disorder in Clapham

    Bell Ribeiro-Addy – 2026 Statement on Serious Disorder in Clapham

    The statement made by Bell Ribeiro-Addy, the Labour MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill, on 1 April 2026.

    I’m very concerned by the recent scenes of unrest on Clapham High Street. This intimidating behaviour causes havoc for local residents and businesses alike. It is inexcusable.

    The police have informed me that we will see increased patrols in the area over the coming days. Here’s the latest Met update I received on the issue:

    “From approx. 1600hrs crowds started to increase around Basketball Courts which then filtered into Clapham High Street. At around 1900hrs crowds had increased to around 300 causing ASB in Clapham High Street area. Three people arrested for assault / Public order offences.

    “Additional high visibility patrols sent to the locality from 2000hrs saw group reduced to between 30-50 within the park. Ongoing patrols will continue for local reassurance. Crowds managed through use of S.35 dispersal powers only. Original authority will remain place as planned until 0600hrs on 01.04.26”

    I remain in touch with local Met officers and will have further discussions with the Borough Commander this afternoon.

  • NEWS STORY : Disorder on Clapham High Street Following Second Night of Youth Unrest

    NEWS STORY : Disorder on Clapham High Street Following Second Night of Youth Unrest

    STORY

    Communities in South London are tonight issuing urgent appeals for calm after Clapham High Street was descended upon by large groups of unruly youths for a second consecutive evening. The disturbances, which began on Tuesday 31 March 2026 and continued into the early hours of Wednesday, have left local residents and business owners fearing for their safety after reports of shop storming, fireworks being aimed at buildings and shoppers being barricaded inside supermarkets for their own protection.

    The chaos reportedly peaked at approximately 19:00 on Tuesday, when dozens of teenagers, many dressed in black and filming the scenes on their mobile phones, swarmed several prominent retailers. At a local Marks and Spencer, security guards were forced to lock the doors to prevent the mob from entering, leaving terrified customers, including a mother with a young baby in a pram, trapped inside until police could safely escort them out.

    Witnesses described a “terrifying” atmosphere as groups ran through traffic and set off fireworks on the nearby Clapham Common, some of which were allegedly directed toward the High Street. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a dispersal order was enacted across the area to break up the crowds. Two teenage girls were arrested on Tuesday night on suspicion of assault, following three arrests made during similar antisocial behavior over the previous weekend.

    Local community leaders and councillors have spent the day visiting affected businesses to offer support, while simultaneously calling for an end to the “senseless” disruption that has plagued the neighborhood during the Easter holiday period.

  • NEWS STORY : European Powers Express Deep Concern Over Israel’s Death Penalty Legislation

    NEWS STORY : European Powers Express Deep Concern Over Israel’s Death Penalty Legislation

    STORY

    The foreign ministers of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy issued a joint statement on expressing “deep concern” regarding a bill in the Israeli Knesset that would expand the application of the death penalty. The four nations urged Israeli decision-makers to abandon the proposal, which they characterised as a departure from democratic principles and international human rights standards.

    The joint communiqué, released shortly before a scheduled vote in the Israeli parliament, highlights a growing diplomatic rift between Israel and its traditional European allies over the country’s penal policy.The proposed legislation seeks to introduce capital punishment, specifically execution by hanging, as the default sentence for individuals convicted of “nationalistic” killings or acts of terrorism resulting in the death of Israeli citizens. While the bill technically allows for life imprisonment under “special circumstances,” it significantly reduces judicial discretion and removes the requirement for a unanimous decision by a panel of judges, permitting a death sentence to be handed down by a simple majority. European ministers argued that the bill possesses a “de facto discriminatory character,” as it primarily targets residents of the West Bank tried in military courts, while excluding certain offences committed by Israeli citizens in civilian jurisdictions.

    In their statement, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and her counterparts from Paris, Berlin, and Rome reaffirmed their absolute opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances. The ministers described capital punishment as an “inhumane and degrading form of punishment” that lacks any proven deterring effect on violent crime or terrorism.