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  • NEWS STORY : NHS Resident Doctors to Receive 5.4% Pay Rise and Swifter Implementation

    NEWS STORY : NHS Resident Doctors to Receive 5.4% Pay Rise and Swifter Implementation

    STORY

    In a move described as the largest public-sector award of the year, resident doctors in England are to receive an average pay uplift of 5.4% for 2025–26, comprising a 4% salary increase alongside a £750 consolidated payment. This latest award follows last year’s deal, which doctors overwhelmingly backed, and brings the total pay rise for the cohort to 28.9% over the past three years. Health Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed that full-time basic pay for resident doctors will average around £54,300 in the coming financial year. To ensure clinicians see the benefit sooner, the increase will be backdated to 1 April 2025 and reflected in August pay packets, two months earlier than the previous cycle. Officials also plan to kick-start next year’s pay negotiations in July, aiming for an even more prompt implementation in 2026–27.

    Funding for these awards will be secured entirely through efficiency savings and the elimination of low-value spending within the health service, including a reduction in NHS England headcount, with none of the extra cost coming at the expense of frontline care. Mr Streeting emphasised that “every penny saved is being redirected to invest in the frontline, including staff pay” underlining the government’s commitment to protecting patient services.

    Alongside the pay settlement, the Department of Health & Social Care is rolling out a suite of measures aimed at improving working conditions for trainee doctors. These include reforming exception reporting to streamline the logging of extra hours and safety concerns, reducing payroll errors, ensuring timely publication of rotas, and cutting down on repetitive mandatory training when rotating placements. A postgraduate training review, to be overseen by Sir Chris Whitty, will also launch this year, focusing on career progression and flexibility

  • Lisa Nandy – 2025 Speech at the National Day Official Ceremony at World Expo Osaka

    Lisa Nandy – 2025 Speech at the National Day Official Ceremony at World Expo Osaka

    The speech made by Lisa Nandy, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on 22 May 2025.

    Your Imperial Highness, your excellency and esteemed guests. It is a great honour to be hosting the UK’s National Day celebrations here at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai

    Let me start by offering my congratulations to the Government of Japan, the Expo Association and everyone involved in organising Expo 2025. In today’s world where many want to focus on differences and divisions, it is no mean feat to bring together over 150 countries with a shared goal of “designing future society for our lives.” I am very much looking forward to seeing more of this amazing Expo site in the course of today.

    Expo 2025 is very much about a global conversation, and within that global conversation, the UK and Japan have a particularly strong partnership. Our 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. As His Majesty the Emperor said on his State Visit to the UK in June last year, we are ‘friends like no other’.

    The UK has a long history with Expos – going back to 1851 when the first ever EXPO was held in London – and a long history with Japan, from the arrival of William Adams/Miura-Anjin in 1600 to the Choshu 5 travelling to Britain in the mid-19th century to learn about the Industrial Revolution which was transforming my country and the world.

    The Japanese pioneers who travelled to Britain learnt much about our industrial prowess, bringing that technology back to Japan helping to transform Japan into the thriving, technologically advanced nation it is today. It is especially pertinent to reflect that one of those pioneers who ventured as far as Manchester went on to found the Osaka Chamber of Commerce, giving rise to Osaka’s tremendous growth. So our links are long and very relevant to this region. I am personally delighted as someone who was born in Manchester to see those links between Manchester and Osaka grow ever stronger.

    It was the sharing of technology and ideas which drove the UK-Japan relationship then, and still drives it now. And it is that belief in the power of ideas to build the future that lies at the heart of the UK pavilion at Expo. The UK’s theme at Expo 2025 is Come Build The Future. It is about the power of small ideas to come together, as children do with building blocks, to create something magical and potentially world-changing.

    We are a country of ideas that thrives on diversity, on a special mix of tradition and modernity. Our ancient universities drive world leading research, our whiskies and gins are still made to centuries old recipes, produced using cutting edge technology by a new generation of female distillers, our historic playhouses showcase the newest creative talents; and our small island is home to people from every country on the globe and has a capital city where over 300 languages are spoken.

    Today our National Day offers a snapshot of that, underlining the message of partnership: the Edinburgh Military Tattoo will perform with taiko drummers, later today the BBC Planet Earth Live III concert will be performed by the Osaka based Century orchestra with a renowned UK conductor, and musicians from across the four nations of the UK will connect with new Japanese audiences.

    I said earlier that the UK-Japan partnership is stronger than ever. This is evident from our ever-deepening economic and trade ties, through CPTPP, our collaboration on the green agenda, in defence, security, and digital technologies. But today I want to draw attention to the powerful cultural and people-to-people connections between our countries which underpin that partnership. I want to salute the power of the creative industries, of our story-tellers, to bring people together to entertain and delight, and to cross divides of language and culture.

    Later today, as part of our National Day, we are bringing the Japanese premiere of BBC’s Planet Earth III Live in concert to the Expo Hall. The BBC will be well known to all of you – it has an average global reach of 450 million people across the world, bringing both independent news you can trust and award-winning television – both drama and documentary. Their BBC Earth natural world documentaries have been seen by a quarter of a billion people and have inspired positive environmental change across the world. Planet Earth, by transforming abstract climate data into personal, emotional experiences, has motivated viewers to care and take action to help shape a sustainable future.  Again, well aligned with our UK pavilion theme and that of Expo 2025.

    For a partnership to flourish you need to bring not only ideas but also people together. That is why later today I shall be announcing a new form of UK-Japan partnership which focuses on that very idea of connection, of bringing people together. The UK and Japan have been connecting for hundreds of years. We want to make sure we continue to do that into the future too. We hope young – and old – visiting Expo 2025 and our pavilion will be inspired to connect globally and to seek out new ideas and new partners.

    To make progress towards the SDGs and tackle the global challenges we all face, we need to come together to share our ideas, to use them as the building blocks of a better future. The UK is committed to doing that, to doing that in partnership with others and is delighted to be here at Expo 2025 to take that partnership still further.

  • NEWS STORY : Farage’s Reform UK Pledges to Restore Winter Fuel Payments and Scrap Two-Child Benefit Cap

    NEWS STORY : Farage’s Reform UK Pledges to Restore Winter Fuel Payments and Scrap Two-Child Benefit Cap

    STORY

    Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party has pledged to fully reinstate winter fuel payments for pensioners and to scrap the two-child benefit cap if it enters government, in a direct challenge to Labour’s current proposals. Announced ahead of a press conference next week, these commitments aim to seize the political initiative on two of the most sensitive welfare issues facing the next Government.

    Reform UK says the restoration of winter fuel payments would reverse cuts made last year, when eligibility was restricted to those receiving pension credit, leaving more than 10 million pensioners out of pocket on sums worth up to £300. Under the proposed policy, households with a pensioner under 80 would again receive a £200 lump sum, and those with a pensioner over 80 would receive £300 annually. Meanwhile, the party has vowed to abolish the two-child cap on means-tested benefits, a measure introduced by the Conservative government in April 2017 that currently affects around 1.5 million families by denying support for any third or subsequent child. Reform UK plans to fund both pledges by cutting net-zero environmental projects and cutting the foreign aid budget further.

  • Keir Starmer – 2025 Remarks at Press Conference on Diego Garcia

    Keir Starmer – 2025 Remarks at Press Conference on Diego Garcia

    The remarks made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, at the Permanent Joint HQ in Northwood on 22 May 2025.

    A few moments ago…

    I signed a deal…

    To secure the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia.

    This is absolutely vital…

    For our defence and intelligence…

    And therefore –

    For the safety and security of the British people.

    The full assessment of why this is so important is highly classified.

    But I want to speak as frankly as I can.

    The strategic location of this base is of the utmost significance to Britain.

    From deploying aircraft to defeat terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan…

    To anticipating threats in the Red Sea and the Indo-Pacific…

    The base is right at the foundation of our security and safety at home.

    It has helped us to…

    Disrupt threats to the UK…

    Support counter terror operations against Islamic State…

    And to reduce the risk to brave British and American servicemen and servicewomen.

    The base will help protect the safe passage of our Carrier Strike Group as it goes through the Middle East.

    It enables rapid deployment across the Middle East, East Africa, and South Asia…

    It helps combat some of the most challenging threats we face,

    Including from terrorism and hostile states…

    And its location creates real military advantage across the Indo-Pacific.

    The base gives the UK and the US access to unique and vital capabilities – which benefit us directly.

    Many of these capabilities are secret, but they include…

    Airfield and deep-water port facilities…

    Facilities that support the worldwide operation of GPS…

    And the monitoring of objects in the earth’s orbit…

    And equipment to monitor the nuclear test ban treaty.

    The base is one of the most significant contributions we make to our security relationship with the United States –

    Which is critical for keeping Britain safe.

    Almost everything we do from the base is in partnership with the US.

    President Trump has welcomed the deal –

    Along with other allies.

    Because they see the strategic importance of this base –

    And that we cannot cede this ground to others who would seek to do us harm.

    And let me be clear –

    We had to act now…

    Because the base was under threat.

    The courts have already made decisions which undermine our position.

    And if Mauritius takes us to court again…

    The UK’s longstanding legal view…

    Is that we would not have a realistic prospect of success…

    And would likely face a Provisional Measures Order within a matter of weeks.

    But this is not just about international law.

    This is about the operation of the base.

    Even if we chose to ignore judgments made against us…

    International organisations and other countries would act on them.

    And that would undermine the operation of the base –

    Causing us to lose this unique capability.

    One example of this is the electromagnetic spectrum.

    Countries have the right to manage this spectrum as they wish within their borders…

    A right that’s recognised in regulations…

    And overseen in the International Telecommunication Union.

    The use of spectrum is key to understand and anticipate those who seek to do us harm.

    If our right to control it is put into doubt…

    We would lose the first line of defence against other countries who wish to interfere and disrupt this capability…

    Rendering it practically useless.

    In addition – if we do not agree this deal…

    The legal situation would mean that…

    We would not be able to prevent China…

    Or any other nation…

    Setting up their own bases on the outer islands,

    Or carrying out joint exercises near our base.

    We would have to explain to you – the British people –

    And to our allies…

    That we had lost control of this vital asset.

    No responsible government could let that happen.

    So there is no alternative –

    But to act –

    In Britain’s national interest.

    By agreeing to this deal now – on our terms –

    We are securing strong protections, including from malign influence…

    That will allow the base to operate well into the next century…

    Helping to keep us safe for generations to come.

    Other approaches to secure the base have been tried over the years –

    And they have failed.

    Now there is obviously a cost to maintaining such a valuable asset.

    We pay for our other military bases.

    Allies like the US and France do the same.

    This cost is part and parcel of using Britain’s global reach to keep us safe at home…

    And it will be less than cost of running one aircraft carrier for a year.

    Today’s agreement is the only way to maintain the base in the long term.

    There is no alternative.

    We will never gamble with national security.

    So we have acted –

    To secure our national interest…

    To strengthen our national security –

    And to protect the British people for many years to come.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : This Council should use the tools at its disposal to press parties to conflict to protect civilians – UK statement at the UN Security Council [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : This Council should use the tools at its disposal to press parties to conflict to protect civilians – UK statement at the UN Security Council [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 May 2025.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.

    The Secretary-General’s report is a chilling reflection of our collective failure to protect civilians around the world.

    Famine has returned to Sudan. Thousands of women and children have been killed in Gaza, and hostages are still held by Hamas following the appalling October 7 attacks. Civilian infrastructure has been further damaged in Ukraine.

    It does not need to be this way.

    This Council, and the international community, have the tools to protect civilians; we have an urgent duty to use them.

    President, I will focus on three points.

    First, in recent days, we have heard powerful accounts from senior UN officials of the gaps between the obligations of parties to conflict under international humanitarian law and their implementation.

    These gaps are where harms to civilians arise every day in conflicts on this Council’s agenda. But they are also where dangerous precedents are set, which risk fostering impunity.

    This Council should use the tools at its disposal to press all parties to conflict to comply with their obligations under International Humanitarian Law and applicable International Human Rights Law.

    Indiscriminate attacks and direct attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure need to stop.

    There must also be an end to impunity.

    The United Kingdom will continue to stand behind the International Criminal Court as the court of last resort for the most serious crimes of international concern.

    Second, as we have heard, 2024 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers. We call for the full implementation of resolution 2730 on the protection of humanitarian personnel, premises and assets. And we underscore the vital importance of ensuring safe and unhindered humanitarian access.

    Third, we need to ensure the UN can play its critical part in supporting the protection of civilians, especially through peace operations.

    Peacekeepers must be properly trained and equipped to fulfil protection mandates, and those mandates must be respected by parties to conflict.

    President, the United Kingdom is taking practical steps to advance the protection of civilians, including through ICRC’s Global IHL initiative.

    And this month we published a practitioner’s handbook to support IHL compliance and better tackle conflict and hunger.

    In conclusion, the UK remains fully committed to working with international partners, including in this Council, to uphold our shared obligations to the protection of civilians and to bring an end to impunity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ministerial Appointment [22 May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ministerial Appointment [22 May 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 22 May 2025.

    The King has been pleased to approve the following appointment:

    • Baroness Curran as a Minister of State in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

    Lord Hunt of Kings Heath OBE has left the Government.

  • John Healey – 2025 Statement on the Chagos Islands Deal

    John Healey – 2025 Statement on the Chagos Islands Deal

    The statement made by John Healey, the Secretary of State for Defence, on 22 May 2025.

    Thank you, Prime Minister.

    As the world becomes more dangerous, the Diego Garcia military base becomes more important.

    But I want to underline the urgency and uncertainty over the future control of this UK base.

    Within weeks, we faced new legal rulings which would weaken the UK’s full operational sovereignty over this base, and within just a few years, this irreplaceable military and intelligence base would become inoperable.

    That’s why we have taken action today.

    That is why the Prime Minister has signed this treaty today, securing this base for the next 99 years and beyond.

    Our allied nations are right behind us and behind this deal – the US, Australia, New Zealand, India, Canada.

    Others want to see this base closed. They want to see this deal collapse – China, Russia, Iran.

    The value of this deal is beyond doubt.

    Full control of Diego Garcia for the next 99 years and beyond.

    Full control and protection of the electromagnetic spectrum that priceless intelligence; communications, sensors; radar; a strengthened buffer zone so we can control the seas and the skies immediately around Diego Garcia and wider islands up to 100 miles – an effective veto over any developments or hostile activities.

    And with the base in jeopardy, no action was no option, and anyone who would argue to abandon this deal would abandon this base.  So let me be clear, the British people and our British forces are safer today and into the future because of this deal.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New investment in regeneration boosts growth and jobs in Port Talbot [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New investment in regeneration boosts growth and jobs in Port Talbot [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Wales Office on 22 May 2025.

    More than £20 million in funding announced from the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board.

    • More than £20 million in funding from the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board for three local regeneration schemes.
    • This major investment will support more than 270 jobs in steel community.
    • Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board has announced more than £70m funding in past nine months.

    A new investment of £21.2 million for regeneration projects will support more than 270 jobs and see the creation of additional construction jobs in the Port Talbot area following the planned announcement today (22 May) of the latest release of funding from the Tata Steel /Port Talbot Transition Board.

    Pending endorsement by the Transition Board when it meets today, funding of £21.2 million will be allocated for three more regeneration projects in the Port Talbot area, which will bring an estimated £119 million in GVA benefits to the local economy.

    The three projects are:

    Creation of an Advanced Manufacturing Production Facility (AMPF) and National Net Zero Skills Centre of Excellence Harbourside, Port Talbot

    • £12.5 million to help create a £35 million production and training centre to drive forward low carbon and net zero skills training. The AMPF will make specialist equipment and test products, upscaling advanced manufacturing in the region and is also receiving funding from the Swansea Bay City Deal.
    • AMPF is one of three projects contributing to the establishment of an Innovation District in the Harbourside which will also include the previously announced South Wales Industrial Transition from Carbon Hub (SWITCH) project and the development of an Innovation Park.
    • AMPF, with the National Net Zero Centre of Excellence, will support 170 jobs and engage with 150 companies to generate a Gross Value Added (GVA) of £89.1 million. There will also be additional construction jobs created by this project.
    • The National Net Zero Skills Centre of Excellence will provide the facilities and capabilities to train and develop the workforce needed for the Celtic Freeport, Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) and other investment opportunities in the future.

    Redevelopment of Metal Box and Sandfields Business Centre (Briton Ferry and Port Talbot)

    • These two projects will convert and expand two existing buildings to provide high quality accommodation to enable tenants to expand and improve access to new business units, encouraging and supporting start-up businesses and those seeking to grow. There is significant demand for business space in Neath Port Talbot which this funding will help address.
    • A total of £8.7m in Transition Board funding will fully fund the projects, £6.9 million for Metal Box and £1.8 million for Sandfields Business Centre.
    • Together, it is estimated that the redevelopments will support 101 jobs and create a net additional GVA of £29.9m by 2035.

    The £21.2 million investment announced today is the latest from the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board, chaired by Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens and including representatives from the UK and Welsh Governments, local authorities, unions and business.

    Since its first release of funding in August 2024, it has announced more than £70 million to fund skills training for workers and regeneration projects as Tata Steel carries out its transition to electric arc steelmaking.

    Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

    We said we would back the steelworkers of Port Talbot, their families and businesses dependent on Tata Steel.

    This latest investment means more than £70 million has been announced by the Transition Board in just nine months, delivering on our promise to the community.

    The plans for the Celtic Freeport, development of floating offshore wind, preservation of steelmaking in the town and significant funding for regeneration all mean there is a bright future for Port Talbot.

    Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans MS said:

    We remain committed to ensuring those who have been impacted by the Tata transition, including the workforce, supply chain and local community are supported not only in the short term but well into the future.

    I am pleased this latest investment of Tata Transition funding will complement City Deal funding and unlock valuable job opportunities, particularly those linked to renewable energy and high value manufacturing.

    Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, Cllr Steve Hunt said:

    As we work closely together in meeting the challenges of decarbonisation, it is vital that we also support local people and businesses to maximise the opportunities it offers.

    The investment announced today will provide a significant boost to our ongoing work with partners to promote economic growth and to provide people with the skills needed for the industries of the future.

    In the coming months, there will be millions more in funding allocated to growth and regeneration projects in Port Talbot, ensuring that secure well-paid jobs are available in the local area following Tata Steel’s Transition to greener steelmaking.

    The UK Government has committed £2.5 billion of investment to rebuild the UK’s steel industry for decades to come as it decarbonises.

    This is in addition to the £500 million allocated to Tata Steel in Port Talbot for an electric arc furnace, which recently received planning approval.

  • PRESS RELEASE : HMS Glasgow naming ceremony marks milestone for UK security and economy [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : HMS Glasgow naming ceremony marks milestone for UK security and economy [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 22 May 2025.

    The people and city of Glasgow have been honoured today (22 May) as the Royal Navy’s most advanced anti-submarine warfare warship is officially named HMS Glasgow.

    The naming ceremony at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Glasgow was attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales.  Smashing a bottle of whisky against the hull for good luck, Her Royal Highness formally named HMS Glasgow and declared the time-honoured words:

    I name this ship Glasgow. May God bless her and all who serve in her.

    The Type 26 frigate is the first of eight to enter service and will provide critical protection for the UK’s nuclear deterrent and aircraft carriers.

    The Type 26 programme represents a £7.9 billion investment in British shipbuilding. It directly supports 2,000 jobs in Scotland, including apprenticeships, at BAE Systems’ Govan and Scotstoun shipyards in Glasgow, with a further 4,000 roles sustained across the wider UK supply chain until 2035.

    This long-term commitment shows how defence is an engine for growth, supporting the Government’s Plan for Change to grow the economy, particularly in Scotland.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

    HMS Glasgow represents the best of British engineering and shipbuilding. The warship will serve as a formidable defender of our national security and a powerful asset for NATO in an increasingly dangerous world.

    The shipbuilding programme supports thousands of highly-skilled jobs in Scotland and across the UK, supporting the government’s Plan for Change and reinforcing the role of defence as a powerful engine for growth.

    Equipped with sophisticated weapons systems, advanced sensors and state-of-the-art communications technology, HMS Glasgow will ensure our Royal Navy makes Britain secure at home and strong abroad.

    Delivering on the government’s Plan for Change, the programme directly supports 1,700 skilled jobs at BAE Systems’ Govan and Scotstoun shipyards in Glasgow, with a further 2,300 roles sustained across the wider UK maritime supply chain until 2035. More than 120 UK suppliers have been contracted for the programme, with BAE Systems committing to invest £1.2 billion in UK manufacturing through sub-contracts.

    The warship’s flexible design allows for future upgrades throughout its service life, ensuring it remains at the forefront of naval technology for decades to come.  The Type-26 design has also achieved international success, having been selected by both Australia and Canada for their future frigate programmes.

    This has transformed the programme into a 29-ship global endeavour across three independent national programmes, creating significant long-term opportunities for the UK supply chain and enhancing naval interoperability with key allies. This includes up to six Australian Hunter Class Frigates and up to fifteen Canadian River Class Destroyers alongside the UK’s eight City class ships.

    Acting 1SL and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell added:

    HMS Glasgow represents a step-change in anti-submarine warfare capability for the Royal Navy. As threats beneath the waves become more sophisticated, these warships will ensure we maintain our underwater advantage and protect our most critical strategic assets for decades to come.

    With HMS Glasgow expected to be operational by 2028, construction of all eight City class frigates is scheduled to be completed by the mid-2030s. They will be based at HMNB Devonport in Plymouth, forming the backbone of the Royal Navy’s surface fleet.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Landmark government partnership signed with North Macedonia [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Landmark government partnership signed with North Macedonia [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 May 2025.

    The new Government Partnership will drive economic growth across both countries through increased collaboration on infrastructure projects.

    Today marks a new era for UK-North Macedonia relations, following the signing of a Government-to-Government Partnership (G2G) which will boost trade and drive economic growth. This Partnership supports the delivery of critical infrastructure projects across various sectors, including transport, health, energy, and technology. It will be able to draw on a wide range of support, including technical assistance programmes and up to £5 billion in UK Export Finance support available for projects in North Macedonia.

    The formal signing ceremony took place at the historic Old Admiralty Building in London on Thursday 22nd May 2025, with the UK Minister for Exports, Gareth Thomas MP, and the Deputy Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Aleksandar Nikoloski, in attendance.

    This G2G underscores the commitment of both nations to collaborate on critical infrastructure projects that deliver social, economic, and environmental benefits. By leveraging the expertise and innovation of both countries, this Partnership will drive the development of resilient infrastructure that fosters growth and prosperity.

    The exchange of knowledge and best practice between our two countries will be central to this G2G, drawing from the expertise of both nation’s respective infrastructure fields. This means the UK Government and British businesses working in partnership with the government of North Macedonia and their local supply chain to deliver infrastructure projects across North Macedonia. This approach will generate mutual benefits for both nations through the sharing of innovation to deliver resilient infrastructure that drives growth.

    Minister of Exports, Gareth Thomas MP expressed his enthusiasm:

    This partnership opens up a new chapter in our bilateral relationship with North Macedonia.

    The UK has a wealth of experience in delivering high-quality infrastructure across the world and I am delighted to be kicking off this new partnership that will help more British businesses export to North Macedonia.

    The UK Ambassador to North Macedonia, Matthew Lawson said:

    We have achieved a significant milestone in the UK – North Macedonia relations with the signing of the Government-to-Government Partnership by UK Minister for Exports, Gareth Thomas MP, and the Deputy Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Aleksandar Nikoloski.

    The G2G will further strengthen the already excellent trade ties between our countries and support the delivery of critical infrastructure projects in different sectors, including transport, health, energy, and technology in North Macedonia. As the British Ambassador I am proud that our governments have reached this landmark partnership that will benefit the citizens of both countries. We stand strong and united together.

    This G2G builds on a strong existing bilateral relationship between the UK and North Macedonia. Recently, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski welcomed a new Strategic Partnership at the European Political Community Summit in Tirana on the 16th May 2025. This G2G represents the start of our enhanced trade and infrastructure collaboration.

    Chris Barton, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Europe also expressed his support:

    I am delighted that this G2G will support stronger collaboration across our governments and businesses to deliver economic growth for both our nations and good-quality infrastructure for the citizens of North Macedonia.

    Notes to editors:

    • government to government (G2G) partnerships are formal arrangements under which we agree to provide another government is provided with access to UK public and private expertise for specific projects or programmes that create commercial benefits
    • total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and North Macedonia was £1.7 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2024
    • the UK is North Macedonia’s second largest trading partner in the 4 quarters to the end of Q3 2024