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PRESS RELEASE : UK-funded program connects Solomons cocoa producers to UK market [May 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 May 2025.

UK-funded trade mission involving 10 cocoa buyers to Solomon Islands organised by the UKTP Programme forged this connection in September 2024.

In the growing trading relationship between Solomon Islands and the UK, there is now a first all-female-led business collaboration to grow out of the UK-Pacific Economic Partnership Agreement, which is leading the way for cocoa farmers in the Pacific and championing their resilience and skills.

That transpired through UK ethical chocolate maker Cocoa Sisters bringing to British consumers premium, single-origin chocolate made from cocoa grown by women farmers in Solomon Islands. This is the result of a successful connection between UK-based ethical chocolate maker, Sarah Payne and pioneering cocoa producers from the Pacific Islands.

The connection was first made during a trade mission by 10 cocoa buyers to the Solomon Islands organised by the UK-Government funded United Kingdom Trade Partnerships (UKTP) Programme in September 2024.

In February 2025, UKTP programme supported four Solomon Islands cocoa producers to attend a Cocoa trade fair in Amsterdam, providing another opportunity for them to meet with buyers from the UK and around the world.

The UKTP Programme, funded by the UK Government and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC), supports businesses in African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries to improve export readiness and connect with UK buyers.

In Solomon Islands, UKTP has worked closely with women-led businesses, cocoa farmers and processors, and export businesses to strengthen quality, packaging, branding, and market access.

The launch of Cocoa Sisters celebrates the arrival of a product that is as much about empowerment and equity as it is about exceptional flavour. Cocoa Sisters sources directly from women-led cocoa farms, with a commitment to sustainable farming practices and fair returns for producers.

At the heart of this brand are Agnes Pilopaso from Guadalcanal and Lucy Kasimwane from Makira – 2 female cocoa farmers supported by UKTP through capacity building, trade promotion and market connections.

At the launch in London last week, His Excellency Mr Moses Kouni Mose, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Solomon Islands Head of Mission to the European Union said:

I think this is something that needs to be developed and I see the potential not only for cocoa but also other agriculture commodities from Solomon Islands like coffee, palm oil and coconut body products that can have added value. We really appreciate the collaboration that this has realised.

Managing Director of the Cocoa Sisters brand who is also founder and Creative Director at Cocoa Loco, Sarah Payne remarked:

So, the idea behind Cocoa Sisters is that we will source directly from female cocoa farmers, supporting them financially and telling their stories. At the same time raising awareness of the imbalances that exist in the cocoa supply chain. But this is more than a chocolate brand, it is a platform that uplifts women and we’re shining a light on their brilliance and of course getting cocoa beans from Pacific Islands remote places is quite challenging, but I’ve been overwhelmed by the support that I’ve had.

The Cocoa Sisters launch event included tasting the first collection of Cocoa Sisters chocolate made from the cocoa beans of incredible female farmers Agnes and Lucy from Solomon Islands and Delwin from Papua New Guinea and enjoying chocolate martinis and brownies, all crafted using their cocoa.

Solomon Islands Ambassador to the EU, H.E. Moses Mose and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Indo-Pacific) Catherine West MP also spoke at the event about the importance of global collaboration and women-led enterprise.

British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Nauru, His Excellency Paul Turner said there’s huge potential for cocoa and other agricultural commodities from Solomon Islands in the UK.

His Excellency Paul Turner remarked:

Solomon Islands cocoa is a high-end product that is exotic to the British customer. In the UK we are used to getting our cocoa from countries such as Ghana in West Africa. It is great to have a more diversified market, and I look forward to strengthening the commercial ties between the UK and Solomon Islands.

Recent successes for Solomon Island exporters include:

Free from Awards

In 2024 Solomons Gold, from Solomon Islands, won several accolades, including silver and bronze medals for seven of their vegan chocolate varieties. The company produces handcrafted vegan chocolate in a diverse range of flavours. Their chocolates are known for the absence of allergens, including dairy, gluten, nuts, soy, and refined sugar, making them an ideal contender for the Free from Awards.

As award winners, Solomons Gold, are promoted across Free form’s social platforms and are granted exclusive rights to use the awards’ logo on their winning products. This instantly recognizable and internationally respected mark helps consumers identify safe, quality products. For these two small companies from the Pacific Islands, the awards are a clear recognition that their products satisfy British consumer tastes.

The UK Great Taste Awards

Great Taste is the world’s largest and most trusted food and drink accreditation scheme. Championing independent food and drink producers since 1994, the awards are organized by The Guild of Fine Food based on a blind tasting of over 12,500 entrants by more than 500 expert judges.

The blind-taste evaluation ensures that accolades are awarded based purely on taste, without the influence of branding or marketing. Achieving even one of the possible three stars establishes a food as among the best tasting in the world. In 2024 Solomon’s Gold was the only company to receive two-star recognition for multiple products, winning accolades for both its Dark Orange 70% Cacao, and Dark Nib 75% Cacao chocolates.

In 2025, we are supporting UK SME bean-to-bar chocolate maker CocoCaravan to enter their two bars made from cocoa sourced from producers in the Solomon Islands. Their 75% Ailali Solomon Islands and 75% Pilopaso Solomon Islands chocolates are handcrafted bean-to-bar products, sweetened with coconut sugar. The cocoa beans were purchased during the UKTP cocoa mission to the Solomon Islands in September 2024. The results of the awards will be announced by end of July 2025.

Nourish Awards.

Established in 2017, the Nourish Awards are the UK leading recognition for healthy food, beverages, and supplements, setting the standard for innovation, excellence, and health in the food industry. In 2024 Solomons Gold earned three-star ratings in the Nourish Vegan Awards on top of the ‘Best Vegan Chocolate’ for its Dark Orange 70% Cacao, Dark Caramel 70% Cacao, and Dark Nib 75% Cacao.

May 25, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Thousands of young people set to benefit from new support into work and training [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 23 May 2025.

Thousands of young people across England will receive targeted support into work, under a new £45 million scheme launched by the Work and Pensions Secretary.
- Landmark programme to support thousands of 18 to 21 year olds into education, work and training officially launches in Liverpool.
- Marks major win in the Government’s Youth Guarantee to ensure all young people have the chance to upskill, earn or learn.
- Comes as part of the Government’s Plan for Change to drive growth and break down barriers to opportunity by helping people into work.
Thousands of young people across England will receive targeted support into work, under a new £45 million scheme launched by the Work and Pensions Secretary.

The Youth Guarantee trailblazers will match young people to job or training opportunities and will provide all-important foundations for the national roll-out of the programme, ensuring all 18 to 21 year olds in England can access help to find work – breaking down barriers to opportunity as part of the Plan for Change.

The trailblazers will play a key role in helping the government understand which local structures are most effective and in identifying the organisations best placed to deliver targeted support.

They will also develop innovative ways to identify, engage and sustain contact with young people most at risk of falling out of education, employment or training.

It comes as new ONS figures published today (Friday 23 May 2025) will reveal the number of young people not in education, employment or training, with the current figure standing at 987,000.

Liverpool City Region is one of eight areas across England set to receive a £5 million investment into work with 18 to 21 year olds most at risk of falling out of education or employment.

In its first year, the City Region aims to support tens of thousands of young people. Within this, the trailblazer will focus on vulnerable young people often facing the most complex barriers, including care leavers, nearly 40% of whom are not in employment, education or training.

They will receive a range of support including work and training opportunities, free travel passes, mental health support and money advice.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said:

Young people are our future – and yet for too long they have been denied access to the opportunities and support they need.

At Liverpool FC, the home of champions, we are championing young people to get the skills, education and jobs they require to achieve their ambitions.

We are investing £45 million – including almost £5m here in Liverpool – to deliver our Youth Guarantee, so every young person across England gets the chance to earn or learn, as we boost living standards and get Britain working under the Plan for Change.

Further to this, Liverpool will work with over 600 employers to develop tailored roles and placements, and through the region’s BeMore portal which brings career and skills advice straight into your pocket. A panel made up of young people to ensure they are at the heart of decision making will also be set up.

The city has already had success in tailoring support to meet the needs of young people, including:
- Ethan who has cerebral palsy and had just finished university with no work experience. With the help of Liverpool, including support with housing, mental health and navigating familial challenges, Ethan gained part-time experience as a youth support worker and has since been offered a job with the Civil Service.
- Luke who felt he was in a black hole searching for jobs but not being successful. He has since received an apprenticeship levy from Liverpool which meant he was able to do his Level 4 Marketing apprenticeship and now works in Product & Operations Market at Liverpool Football Club.
- Ellie who decided to explore new career paths following mental health challenges. Through engaging with Liverpool, she was provided with a laptop in order to join the Movement to Work programme and has since been offered a job at the DWP.
Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said:

When I travel across our region, I feel fortunate to meet some of the best and brightest young people in the country. But for too long, too many of them have been held back from getting on in life, not because of a lack of talent, but by a lack of opportunity – and I have made it my mission to put that right.

It’s because of the investments we’ve made, through initiatives like my Young Person’s Guarantee and BeMore, that we’ve been able to connect tens of thousands of people in our area with jobs and training opportunities. Now, backed by the government’s Plan for Change, we can go even further, giving even more young people the best possible start in life.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

Through our Plan for Change we are breaking down barriers to opportunity so every young person can get on in life, regardless of their background.

The Youth Guarantee is a genuine game changer for young people in England. I’m delighted Liverpool is leading the way as one of our trailblazers – ensuring every young person has support to develop essential skills for work and life at the critical early stage of their careers.

Every young person deserves the best life chances — and we won’t stop until everyone has a level playing field to succeed.

Liz Kendall and Mayor Steve Rotheram unveiled the landmark programme at a careers fair in partnership with key Youth Guarantee partner, the Premier League.

Hosted at the iconic Anfield Stadium, three days before the champions lift the Premier League Trophy, around one thousand 18 to 21 year olds attended with opportunities on offer from around 40 employers – including Liverpool FC Foundation, Everton in the Community, John Lewis, and Google.

Clare Sumner, Chief Policy and Social Impact Officer at the Premier League, said:

The Premier League and our clubs continue to support young people across the country with a range of positive opportunities that help them build self-confidence and fulfil their potential.

The jobs fair at Anfield is the latest initiative supporting those who need it most in clubs’ local communities, and we will continue to work with Government to deliver similar events as part of the Youth Guarantee.

The programme comes alongside an unprecedented £1 billion investment to support disabled people and those with long-term health conditions back into work, as well as major reforms to Jobcentres to better align their services with the needs of employers.

Two youth trailblazers have already launched in London with more beginning to start work in the West of England, Tees Valley, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, West Midlands, and East Midlands

As well as this, nine inactivity trailblazers backed by £125 million have been rolled out across England and Wales. These programmes will help areas with the highest levels of economic inactivity by connecting work, health and skills offers.

Richard Rigby, Head of UK Government Affairs at The King’s Trust said:

With almost one million young people across the UK waking up today with no job, no training, and no education to go to, the prominence being given to developing a Youth Guarantee is not only very welcome, but absolutely vital.

Young people’s futures are worth fighting for. By getting behind them, we can all help to make the UK a healthier, wealthier, more positive, more cohesive place. The King’s Trust looks forward to working with local areas, including Liverpool City Region, to understand how we can help to deliver the Guarantee.

Laura-Jane Rawlings MBE, Founder and CEO of Youth Employment UK, said:

It is great to see the Youth Guarantee launch in Liverpool. The focus on providing young people with the tools that they need to transition into education, employment or training is critical.

Young people, particularly those who are care experienced or care leavers face multiple barriers to accessing employment so I am pleased to see those barriers be recognised and tailored support put in place.

Young people when in good quality employment not only add huge value to an employer but they are also much more like to feel fulfilled and happier.

Susannah Hardyman MBE, CEO of Impetus, said:

The Youth Guarantee Trailblazers are a vital step toward ensuring every young person – regardless of background – has the opportunity to thrive in employment. Targeted interventions are critical to reaching the young people furthest from the labour market.

Our research shows that factors like socioeconomic disadvantage, lower educational qualifications, and geographic location can combine to make a young person nearly three times more likely to be not in education, employment, or training than average – but this is not inevitable.

By connecting these young people with the right support and resources, we can spur economic growth, deliver on the Government’s opportunity mission, and transform lives.

Sarah Yong, Director of Policy and External Affairs at the Youth Futures Foundation said:

The launch of the eight trailblazers represents a positive first step in Government’s plans for its Youth Guarantee; we will await the learnings from these place-based approaches from this pilot year with interest.

The voices and experiences of young people alongside high-quality evidence of what works will be crucial for the Government in further developing the Guarantee for national rollout.

This comes as the government has, for the first time, linked immigration policy to our plan to deliver a higher skilled economy that backs British workers.

Alongside boosting the National Living Wage, we are also creating more secure jobs through the Employment Rights Bill and overhauling Jobcentres as we Get Britain Working as part of the Plan for Change.

Additional information:
- The latest ONS young people not in education, employment or training statistics will be published on Friday 23 May at 9.30 here: Young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), UK: May 2025 – Office for National Statistics
- The eight youth trailblazers will be in: Liverpool, West Midlands, Tees Valley, East Midlands, West of England, and Cambridgeshire & Peterborough and two in London
- Employment support measures are fully transferred to Northern Ireland. Jobcentre Plus services is reserved in both Scotland and Wales, but the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government also deliver other forms of employment support. The funding announced in the Pathways to Work Green Paper is UK wide, the share of funding for devolved Governments will be calculated in the usual way.
- The Youth Guarantee is an England only initiative, and trailblazer locations will reflect this since Skills, Education and Employment support are devolved in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- We will work closely with the devolved governments to share experiences and lessons learned.
- Additionally, Wales have developed their own Young Persons Guarantee and Scotland also had one until recently (now a comprehensive offer for all age-groups)
- The UK Government also plans to establish new governance arrangements with the Scottish and Welsh Governments to help frame discussions around the reform of Jobcentres and agree how best to work in partnership on shared employment ambition across devolved and reserved provision.
- Movement to Work is a voluntary collaboration of leading employers in the UK, including the Department for Work and Pensions to help support young people into employment by providing vocational employment and work placement opportunities.
May 25, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Greater Manchester to benefit from recent trade deals [May 2025]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 23 May 2025.

Trade deals with India, US and the EU that have seen tariffs on key industries slashed are set to help drive growth in Greater Manchester.
- Prime Minister to meet with the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham to discuss the benefits of the recent trade deals.
- Comes as we’ve nailed three trade deals in as many weeks to deliver growth that is a priority for the Plan for Change.
- The deals benefit the automotive sector that supports 15,000 jobs.
Trade deals with India, US and the EU that have seen tariffs on key industries slashed are set to help drive growth in Greater Manchester.

Reductions in tariffs on automobile exports have provided security for 15,000 workers.

Opens up the region to greater investment to grow the economy, raise living standards and put more money into working people’s pockets – priorities of our Plan for Change.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

The trade deals that we have closed delivers stability for the automotive sector in the region that employs 15,000 workers.

It also will create opportunities for more seamless trade, attracting inward investment that will grow the local economy and make a difference to people’s lives.

These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across Greater Manchester.

32,962 people employed in agriculture across the North West will also benefit from our trade deal with the EU. It will reduce checks and red tape, meaning produce grown and farmed in the region has easy access to the UK’s biggest trading partner.

British steel exports are also protected from new rules and restrictive tariffs from the EU, supporting 4,300 people working in the steel industry across the North West.

The Prime Minister will tell the English Mayors and the Leaders from the Devolved Governments at a meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in London today (Friday 23 May) that his trade deals with India, the United States and the EU will deliver economic growth that will improve people’s lives at home.

He will challenge those in attendance to drive economic growth in their local areas to deliver for working people.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

The three landmark deals secured this month with the US, India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need.

We are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year as part of our Plan for Change. For businesses in Manchester, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.

India is a significant marker for the Northwest where over 900 business exported goods worth £412 million last year.

Home to iconic car companies such as Jaguar Land Rover and Bentley, this sector will benefit from measures that reduce automative tariffs from over 100% to 10% under a quota.

This is in addition to the region welcoming investment from businesses in India with IndiGo, India’s biggest airline carrier choosing Manchester as its first ever European destination.

Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe said:

At Manchester Airport, our mission is to connect the North with the world, helping people visit new places, connecting businesses with key global markets, and welcoming tourists and investors to our region.

That is why I am proud that IndiGo – India’s biggest carrier – has chosen Manchester, alongside Amsterdam, as its first ever European destinations.

We know connectivity is a key enabler of trade and productivity. By providing direct access to the world’s fastest-growing major economy, this route will deliver a significant boost to the government’s economic growth mission and coincides perfectly with new of a new UK-India trade deal.

In the same week as the agreement with India, we negotiated the first of its kind deal with the US to reduce tariffs on car exports. Both of these arrangements secure greater certainty for the sector, the 15,000 workers and their families, while also enhancing opportunities for manufacturing in the region to grow.

Manchester will also benefit from access to India’s growing telecommunications market and the commitment in our US deal to increase digital trade and access for the world leading industries in the city.

Just this week, the Prime Minister confirmed a new agreement with the European Union that will deliver on his core mission to grow the economy, create more jobs in South Yorkshire, raising living standards and put more money in people’s pockets.

At today’s meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions the Prime Minister will also lead discussions about spreading AI to help working people access the services that they need in their local areas.
May 25, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : West Yorkshire to benefit from recent trade deals [May 2025]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 23 May 2025.

The three trade deals that we have struck in three weeks will benefit manufacturing that employs nearly 10% of all people in West Yorkshire.
- Prime Minister to meet with the Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin to discuss the benefits of his recent trade deals.
- Comes as we’ve nailed three trade deals in as many weeks to deliver growth that is a priority for the Plan for Change.
- The deals benefit local manufacturing which employs nearly 10% of people in the region.
The three trade deals that we have struck in three weeks will benefit manufacturing that employs nearly 10% of all people in West Yorkshire.

Reducing India’s tariffs on machinery, slashing tariffs on car exports in both deals and our agreement with the US to remove the 25% tariff on steel provides stability for the biggest employers in the region like Hitachi, Bombardier and Siemens.

This means greater job security for workers, stronger economic growth to create more jobs and higher living standards across West Yorkshire.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

The trade deals that we have closed delivers stability for manufacturing in West Yorkshire that employs 10% of people in the region.

It also will create opportunities for more seamless trade, attracting inward investment that will grow the local economy and make a difference to people’s lives.

These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve people’s lives across West Yorkshire.

Over 31,000 people employed in agriculture across the region will also benefit from our agreement with the EU. It will reduce checks and red tape, meaning regional specialties like crab, Yorkshire Pudding and cheeses will face easy access to the UK’s biggest trading market.

The agreement also protects British steel exports from new EU rules and restrictive, providing further security for 8,400 jobs in the steel industry across Yorkshire and the Humber.

The Prime Minister will tell the English Mayors and the Leaders from the Devolved Governments at a meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in London today (Friday 23 May) that his trade deals with India, the United States and the EU will deliver economic growth that will improve people’s lives at home.

He will challenge those in attendance to drive economic growth in their local areas to deliver for working people.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

The three landmark deals secured this month with the US, India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need.

We are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year as part of our Plan for Change. For businesses in West Yorkshire, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.

Our increased trade with India will unlock opportunities for every region in the UK to access the world’s fastest growing economy, including West Yorkshire. Aeroservices, a leading global player in the aviation industry headquartered in Leeds, has also praised the India trade deal, which will enable them to level up the office they opened in Bangalore back in 2022.

Under the Free Trade Deal that was concluded, India has agreed to reduce tariffs on products including machinery, enhancing the region’s renowned engineering sector.

Based on 2022 trade alone, India will cut tariffs worth over £400 million when the deal comes into force, which will more than double to around £900 million after 10 years.

Formed in 1824, Group Rhodes designs and manufactures advanced metal, heavy ceramic and composite forming machinery.

Mark Ridgway, CEO of Group Rhodes, said:

As a manufacturer of advanced metalforming machinery used in the forming and lightweighting of aircraft, India is a strong market for Group Rhodes and offers significant growth potential.

The recent UK-India trade deal not only sets the scene for reduced tariffs on machinery but also serves to both enhance our competitiveness as a UK exporter and reduce the complexity of trade with this fast-growing market.

In another win for a historic part of the West Yorkshire economy, India has committed to reducing tariffs on UK textiles – that will give local firms access to India’s booming middle class.

In the same week, we negotiated the first of its kind agreement with the US that will reduce tariffs on UK car exports and remove tariffs on steel, protecting two key industries in the region that employ thousands of people.

The US deal also contains provisions to streamline custom rules on textiles and clothes made in West Yorkshire, making it easier for small and medium sized businesses to enter the US market.

Just this week, the Prime Minister confirmed a new agreement with the European Union that will deliver on his core mission to grow the economy, create more jobs in West Yorkshire, raising living standards and put more money in people’s pockets.

At today’s meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions the Prime Minister will also lead discussions about spreading AI to help working people access the services that they need in their local areas.
May 25, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : More Teachers to benefit from flexible working [May 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 23 May 2025.

Government extend successful programme that supports teachers to plan lessons from home, job-share or work flexible hours.

More teachers are expected to benefit from flexible working thanks to a successful initiative that will help improve teacher retention and deliver high standards for pupils.

The government’s Flexible working ambassadors programme has been extended for a further year to support more schools across the country, enabling teachers to plan lessons from home, job-share or work flexible hours – so they have the time and energy to be at the front of the classroom, delivering high and rising standards for children.

As part of its Plan for Change, the government is committed to recruiting an additional 6,500 expert teachers over the course of this Parliament, so every young person has access to an excellent education. The quality of teaching is the single biggest driver of higher standards in schools.

Hundreds of millions of pounds are also being invested by government to offer tax free financial incentives and professional development to attract and keep the best and brightest teachers across the country, alongside targeted action to improve teachers’ workload and wellbeing.

This action is working, with 2,000 more secondary school teachers training this year than last, a 25% increase in the number of people accepting teacher training places in STEM subjects, and more teachers forecasted to stay in the profession.

The announcement today (22 May 2025) follows the government accepting the school teachers’ pay body recommendation which will give teachers a pay boost of 4% from this September, taking a major step towards re-establish teaching as an attractive, expert profession.

This builds on the work already underway to drive high and rising standards for all schools, including a stronger accountability system through reforms to Ofsted inspection, new regional improvement teams to tackle poorly performing schools, and a new, rich and broad curriculum so pupils are set up for life, work and the future.

Schools Minister, Catherine McKinnell said:

My number one priority is making sure every child has an expert teacher at the front of their classroom, as we know high-quality teaching makes the biggest difference to education outcomes.

We highly value our brilliant teachers, and they deserve working conditions that recognise their professionalism and support their wellbeing.

I’ve seen first-hand how working flexibly can transform teachers’ lives for the better and drive high and rising high standards for their pupils. Our Flexible Working Ambassadors programme will help make sure we deliver on our pledge to recruit and retain more teachers.

The latest figures show that 46%of teachers had a flexible working arrangement in place in 2024, up by 6 percentage points since 2022. But with 47%of teaching staff who said they were considered leaving state education citing a lack of flexible working opportunities as one of the reasons, the government is going further and faster to ensure every school supports their staff’s working lives in modern, practical ways – delivering the best possible education for children and young people.

Evidence shows a high-quality teacher can make around half a GCSE grade difference per pupil per subject, showing the importance of allowing teachers to work flexibly, to retain the best teachers and help children achieve and thrive.

Research also found 82%of school leaders offering flexible working agreed that it had helped to retain teachers who might otherwise leave. 62%of parents said children being taught by 2 teachers in a job-share arrangement had no impact, or a positive impact, on their child

CEO of Reach Schools, Rebecca Cramer said:

Flexible working is imperative to keep great teachers in the classroom. Through the FWAMS programme we have supported schools to employ a culture of openness and communication around how teachers work.

Schools that think innovatively and embrace change around teachers’ work arrangements enhance teacher well-being and productivity and ultimately have a positive impact on the young people in our classrooms.

Director of Humanities and Social Sciences at Reach Academy Feltham, Sarah Corrigan said:

Flexible working has allowed me to stay in the classroom doing something that I love. Without the option of part-time work and some full-time flex, I would have struggled with my work life balance and would have left the teaching profession.

Reach has supported me to return from maternity leave on a part-time basis. Also, like all other teachers in our school, I have been encouraged to take advantage of flex to ensure that I don’t miss the big events in my and my family’s lives by using term time annual leave and compressed hours.

The programme is free to all schools and helps to drive the culture change needed, by offering a range of practical support and resources for schools and teachers.

The extension means more schools can get involved in every region of the country, with a focus on supporting schools in disadvantaged areas, as well as special and alternative provision schools where there can be additional challenges.

The government is also leading the way in modernising the education sector by harnessing the power of AI to free up teachers’ time and unlock more pupil interactions.

Using AI can reduce time spent on admin by several hours a week which is critical to retaining good teachers and bringing more people into the profession – so that teaching can once again be a profession that sparks joy, not burnout.

May 25, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Scottish shipbuilding security and economy boost as warship named [May 2025]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 23 May 2025.

Ceremony attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales. Smashing a whisky bottle against the hull for good luck, Her Royal Highness formally named HMS Glasgow.

Thousands of Scottish shipbuilders are delivering innovative warships that will protect Britain’s vital interests for decades to come, as HMS Glasgow was officially named in a ceremony at BAE Systems’ Glasgow shipyards (Thurs 22 May).

HMS Glasgow is the first of eight Type 26 frigates, representing a £7.9 billion investment in British shipbuilding, directly supporting 1,700 skilled jobs in Glasgow and a further 2,300 roles across the UK maritime supply chain until 2035.

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle said:

The Type 26 programme demonstrates how Scotland’s world-class shipbuilding expertise contributes to both our national security and economic prosperity, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change. With thousands of high-skilled jobs supported in Glasgow and beyond, this programme showcases Scotland’s vital role in UK defence manufacturing.

HMS Glasgow will provide critical protection for the UK’s continuous at-sea deterrent and Carrier Strike Group with unparalleled anti-submarine warfare capabilities, ensuring maritime security well into the 2060s.

The Type 26 programme has transformed into a 29-ship global endeavour after Australia and Canada selected the design for their future frigates, creating significant export opportunities for the UK supply chain.

Defence spending in Scotland currently totals £2.1 billion annually, supporting over 11,000 industry jobs and employing more than 14,000 military and civilian personnel across strategic sites including HMNB Clyde, RAF Lossiemouth and the Clyde shipbuilding centre.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said:

It was an honour to represent the UK Government at the naming of the first of the Royal Navy’s new Type 26 frigates, HMS Glasgow. Scotland is the beating heart of military shipbuilding, with eight Type 26 ships being built by BAE Systems in Glasgow and five Type 31 frigates by Babcock International in Rosyth.

Economic growth and national security are UK Government priorities and our multi-billion pound investment in Scotland’s best in world shipbuilding and wider defence sectors will play a crucial role in delivering our Plan for Change by supporting thousands of skilled jobs and investing in our communities for years to come. The skills, expertise and innovation in Scottish shipyards is clear to see and our new Brand Scotland campaign will build on that success and help the sector export its world-class technology internationally.

The eight City class frigates will form the backbone of the Royal Navy’s surface fleet once construction is completed by the mid-2030s, replacing the aging Type 23 ASW frigates with vessels equipped with sophisticated weapons systems, advanced sensors and state-of-the-art communications technology.

As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, the defence industry will continue to drive innovation and job creation across Scotland, supporting a broad range of economic benefits including apprenticeships, skills development and regional prosperity.

All eight Type 26 frigates will be based at HMNB Devonport in Plymouth following completion, with HMS Glasgow expected to be operational by 2028.

May 25, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : South Yorkshire to benefit from recent trade deals [May 2025]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 23 May 2025.

Trade deals with India, US and the EU that have seen tariffs on key industries slashed are set to help drive growth in South Yorkshire.
- Prime Minister to meet with the Mayor of South Yorkshire Oliver Coppard to discuss the benefits of his recent trade deals.
- Comes as we’ve nailed three trade deals in as many weeks to deliver growth that is a priority for the Plan for Change.
- Delivers job security for 5,000 workers in the region and will create more highly skilled jobs in communities.
Trade deals with India, US and the EU that have seen tariffs on key industries slashed are set to help drive growth in South Yorkshire.

Reductions in tariffs on auto exports have provided security for nearly 5,000 workers, their families and the biggest two employers in the region.

It also will deliver opportunities for major job creators like Rolls Royce and Mclaren based in Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District to grow – a priority of our Plan for Change

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

These trade deals deliver long term security for nearly 5,000 workers, their families and for steel and auto manufacturing in South Yorkshire.

It also will create opportunities for more seamless trade, attracting inward investment that will grow the local economy and make a difference to people’s lives.

These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across South Yorkshire.

Over 31,000 people employed in agriculture across the region will also benefit from our agreement with the EU, which reduces red tape and burdens on business, meaning regional specialties like Yorkshire Pudding and cheeses will face easy access to the UK’s biggest trading market.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

The three landmark deals secured this month with the US, India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need.

We are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year as part of our Plan for Change. For businesses in South Yorkshire, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.

The Prime Minister will tell the English Mayors and the Leaders from the Devolved Governments at a meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in London today (Friday 23 May) that his trade deals with India, the United States and the EU will deliver economic growth that will improve people’s lives at home.

He will challenge those in attendance to drive economic growth in their local areas to deliver for working people.

Liam Bates, President of Long Products, Marcegaglia said:

The intention to remove tariffs is a very positive step, which when implemented secures both our own production in USA as well as our customers.

Getting this deal across the line needs to be a priority, because supply chains are currently in a state of flux awaiting the details and the effective date.

Our increased trade with India will unlock opportunities for every region in the UK to access the world’s fastest growing economy, including South Yorkshire.

Under the Free Trade Deal that was concluded, tariffs on cars sold to India will come down from over 100% to 10% under a quota.

In the same week, we negotiated a first of its kind agreement with the US that reduces tariffs on car exports to 10% for the first 100,000 vehicles per year, almost the total number of UK vehicles exported to the country last year.

Both of these deals secure greater certainty for the sector, the 5,000 workers in South Yorkshire and their families, while also enhancing opportunities for manufacturing in the region to grow.

Just this week, the Prime Minister continued to act in Britain’s national interest by confirming a new agreement that will deliver on his core mission to grow the economy, creating more jobs in South Yorkshire, raising living standards and putting more money in people’s pockets.

At today’s meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions the Prime Minister will also lead discussions about spreading AI to help working people access the services that they need in their local areas.
May 25, 2025
NEWS STORY : South Western Rail Nationalised as Government Admits it Cannot Lower Fares

STORY

South Western Railway has today been nationalised as Heidi Alexander, the Secretary of State for Transport, conceded that the Government couldn’t reduce fares. Alexander said that under her department’s control the operator would now meet “rigorous, bespoke performance standards on things like punctuality, cancellation and passenger experience”, piling pressure on the new Great British Railways to significantly improve performance. Alexander committed to tangible improvements, noting:

“We have a generational opportunity to restore national pride in our railways and I will not waste it.”

May 25, 2025
Lisa Nandy – 2025 Speech at the Evening Reception of UK National Day at World Expo Osaka
The speech made by Lisa Nandy, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on 22 May 2025.

Good evening everyone. Konbanwa .

It’s a pleasure to welcome you all to the UK’s Pavilion to celebrate our National Day at the Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai. I would especially like to extend a warm welcome to Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko of Mikasa and former Prime Minister Kishida, both good friends of the United Kingdom.

The UK and Japan bilateral relationship is the strongest it has been in decades, underpinned by our common values, shared view of the world and our close people-to-people links. From security to economic growth and working together to tackle global challenges, our partnership is going from strength to strength. This step-up in collaboration was launched under the 2023 Hiroshima Accord – with thanks to former Prime Minister Kishida – and last year Prime Ministers Starmer and Ishiba agreed to build on it even further. The State Visit to the UK by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan in June last year celebrated the depth and breadth of our partnership – as His Majesty the Emperor said, ‘we are friends like no other’.

I have seen this partnership first-hand here in Japan. And if you have had a chance to go through our visitor experience today, you will have seen the power of UK and Japanese collaboration. We can achieve so much more when we harness our shared creativity and innovation. In this spirit, the National Ballet of Japan makes their European debut at the Royal Opera House in London with their production of “Giselle” in July, under the artistic direction of Yoshida Miyako, who made her career as the first Japanese Principal ballerina in the UK’s Royal Ballet.

Ours is a partnership that is more relevant than ever. With growing uncertainty and instability around the world, there is so much that the UK and Japan can do together to ‘design future society for our lives’. This is, I believe, the defining challenge of our lives – to empower people the world over to build a world that works for us, and us for it.

So, I am delighted to be launching Musubi: a flagship new initiative that will foster meaningful people-to-people connections between the UK and Japan and build the shared leadership to tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead of us.

That includes championing our young people and building a pool of international talent. And today we are announcing:
- A new Musubi Scholarship with University College London, supported by Amano Enzyme Inc.;
- A Youth Offshore Wind Scholarship Programme with SSE Pacifico to foster future talent in this dynamic sector; and * The Robert Walters career development programme to help our brightest young people reach their full potential.
- It includes drawing on the power of sport to build connections and enrich lives. Where:
- 2025 Premier League winners Liverpool Football Club’s International Academy in Kawasaki is developing young players and providing opportunities to build leadership qualities.
- And the UK Ekiden – inspired of course by Japan’s famous relay race – is bringing teams together in a celebration of teamwork, connection and friendship.
And it includes building the leadership of the future. Later this summer at this Pavilion the UK and Japan will host an event focused on promoting female leadership in business, building on the fact that our agreement with Japan was the first UK trade agreement to include a chapter on women’s economic empowerment.

All of this will be championed by our Musubi Friendship Ambassador – Hello Kitty, presented by Sanrio.

This is the most ambitious initiative of its kind between the UK and Japan – but it is also just the beginning. Over the years to come, this initiative will continue to grow – building a lasting legacy of connections and opportunity for our countries. Thank you to all our Pioneer Partners – and I hope to see many other companies and organisations joining us on this journey! I am now delighted to introduce a congratulatory message from The Princess Royal in her capacity as Chancellor of the University of London.

Finally, this event and indeed our pavilion itself would not have been possible without our key sponsors and contributors: I would especially like to thank AstraZeneca, Aston Martin, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Diageo’s Johnnie Walker, Robert Walters, Liberty, the governments of Scotland and Wales, Ampetronic, Brompton and last but certainly not least, BBC Studios.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone here this evening – I’m delighted that we have been able to gather so many of the UK’s closest friends in Japan, and I know with your support the UK-Japan partnership will continue to flourish. Arigato gozaimasu!
May 25, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Joint Communique – UK-Mauritius Strategic Partnership Framework [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 May 2025.

Communiqué on the establishment of a Strategic Partnership Framework between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Mauritius.

Today, with the conclusion of the agreement on the exercise of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, relations between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Mauritius enter a new era. In recognition of this, we – the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs for the United Kingdom, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade for Mauritius – agree to a new Strategic Partnership Framework, to cement and boost our flourishing relationship for the benefit of both nations.

The United Kingdom and Mauritius enjoy deep historical ties and strong partnerships across a full range of shared strategic interests including economic growth, security, and climate change. We are both Commonwealth democracies, committed to upholding human rights, the rule of law, and the rules-based international system.

Our new governments will work together to deliver the clear mandates for reform we were given in our elections last year, to support the change our people want to see. In agreeing to this partnership, we also demonstrate our continued shared commitment to the pursuit of a free and rules-based Indo-Pacific that delivers security and prosperity for all.

From 2025, the United Kingdom and Mauritius will strengthen our cooperation, addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities of our time, with a particular focus on: boosting mutual economic growth and trade, strengthening the international rules-based system, reinforcing maritime security, and tackling climate change.

Building on our vibrant bilateral trade relationship currently worth £1.2 billion annually, we will increase mutual trade and investment to boost long-term growth for both our countries, supporting Mauritius’s aim to transition to a high income country and putting more money into hardworking people’s pockets. This will include:
- deepening our existing trade relationship under the United Kingdom-Eastern and Southern Africa Economic Partnership Agreement
- maximising growth and development by cooperating on competitive financing through UK Export Finance, with at least £5 billion in market risk appetite, to deliver British business opportunities and growth and jobs in Mauritius
- new government-to-government initiatives on digital trade and health, and a United Kingdom/Mauritius Business Forum
- delivering a set of formal partnerships with Mauritian and British institutions across priority sectors, including hospitals, the civil and public service, universities, and City of London financial institutions
We also commit to work together to strengthen the international rules-based system and in particular to build resilience against corruption and illicit finance, including by enhancing Mauritius’s status as a regional financial hub and instilling further confidence in Mauritius as an investment destination. This will include:
- developing a bilateral Economic Security Partnership to counter corruption and illicit finance, including measures to support Mauritius’s next Financial Action Taskforce review
- expanding law enforcement cooperation, in particular cyber training and investigations, to reduce crime
- identifying opportunities for Mauritian judicial reform and support
We will explore ways to strengthen our democracies and shared values by forging deeper connections between our Parliaments and increasing our collaboration in international and multilateral fora such as the Commonwealth and regional Indian Ocean organisations.

On maritime security and irregular migration, we will deepen our cooperation to fight the scourges of irregular migration, drugs trafficking, piracy, and illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, supporting safer streets in our countries and protecting mutual prosperity. This will include:
- cooperation agreements and capacity building to secure Mauritius’s Exclusive Economic Zone
- consideration of patrolling capability across the Chagos Archipelago to support a secure maritime domain
- cooperation to counter and manage irregular migration
- provision of training and institutional partnerships to boost Mauritian maritime security capability and strengthen fisheries protection
We further commit to tackle one of the defining global challenges of our time together: climate change. Our shared objectives are to deliver Mauritius’s transition to energy independence through sustainable renewable energy, to protect biodiversity including rare indigenous species, and to increase Mauritius’s long-term climate resilience. This will include:
- a £12 million Access to Climate Finance programme, to unlock hundreds of millions of pounds through private sector partnerships and international green funds
- mitigation and adaptation projects to tackle the immediate effects of climate change including coral restoration, coastal erosion and indigenous species conservation
- technical expertise to develop and manage the Chagos Archipelago Marine Protected Area, pursuant to the agreement on the exercise of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago
The new UK-Mauritius Strategic Partnership Framework will provide a comprehensive mechanism for delivering, together, for our countries. Our Ministers will meet in the coming months to finalise the partnership and will then meet in an Annual Strategic Dialogue to review and keep evolving it as necessary to support the security and prosperity of our countries into the future.
May 25, 2025