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  • PRESS RELEASE : UK reaffirms commitment to UN peacekeeping operations as Minister announces new funding for programmes [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK reaffirms commitment to UN peacekeeping operations as Minister announces new funding for programmes [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 15 May 2025.

    More than 250 personnel from the UK Armed Forces are deployed to locations such as Cyprus and Somalia, working to reduce the threat of violence.

    The UK has announced a raft of investment for international initiatives to support UN peacekeeping activity.

    As one of the largest financial contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, the UK has enduring deployments of around 250 military personnel to locations such as Cyprus, Somalia, and South Sudan, which see British troops working alongside peacekeepers from other countries, building their capability and enabling the UN to deliver its peacekeeping mandates.

    Attending the annual UN Peacekeeping Ministerial summit in Berlin today, the Minister for the Armed Forces confirmed more than a million pounds of additional investment in international programmes to make peacekeeping operations more effective, deliver training to partner armed forces around the world, and to enhance accountability.

    Pledges announced include:

    • £150,000 to support the roll-out of a UN reinforcement training package for commanders to help build skills to raise standards of conduct and discipline, while specifically aiming to strengthen leadership and accountability while combatting sexual exploitation and abuse.
    • £200,000 will fund monitoring and analysis of Action for Peacekeeping Plus – a key UN reform agenda – using data-driven insights to enhance and reform international peacekeeping with an evidence-based approach.
    • £500,000 to be invested in the Elsie Initiative Fund, which is co-chaired by the UK and UN Women, that aims to accelerate the pace of change in security institutions to enable more uniformed women to meaningfully deploy to and participate in peace operations.
    • £100,000 of investment will see the UK step up to co-host a peacekeeping course aimed at women alongside Austria and Kenya.
    • £125,000 will be spent on funding for the Peace Operations Training Institute, an NGO focused on delivering training to support peace operations and providing resources to counter disinformation and misinformation.

    Not only will these measures contribute to building effective UN peacekeeping missions, they will also support the UK to ensure its forces have experience working alongside key partners, building their skills, capability and operational effectiveness.

    Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard, said:

    With the threat of conflict rising around the world, it has never been more important for countries to come together to assess what more we can collectively do to support those who selflessly put their lives at risk in the name of peace.

    The UK has always been a staunch supporter of UN peacekeeping and the multilateral, and with hundreds of our personnel deployed on operations or supporting peace programmes in Europe and Africa, it was a pleasure to reaffirm our commitment today in Berlin to supporting peace processes and reducing the threat of conflict.

    65 UN peacekeepers were killed or lost their lives in the line-of-duty last year. Their determination and sacrifice will be honoured by our reaffirmed commitment to deepening our international partnerships to deliver peace and cease unnecessary conflict.

    Peacekeeping is essential to assisting countries transition from conflict to peace, helping to support stability in some of the most volatile regions the world, in turn positively affecting the UK’s own national security – which is the foundation of the government’s Plan for Change. It plays a critical role in preventing the outbreak of larger-scale violence and conflict which would otherwise require greater UK diplomatic, defence or development investment.

    The most prominent UK activity in support of UN peace operations is through Operation Tosca in Cyprus, a reoccurring deployment to maintain 50 years calm, which sees British troops patrolling and maintaining the integrity of the buffer zone that runs between the Republic of Cyprus to the south and the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to the north (which is not recognised by the UK as a sovereign territory). It has been one of the UK’s longest-running operations and continues to play an essential part in the peace process between the RoC and the so-called TRNC.

    Lord Collins of Highbury, FCDO Minister for Africa said:

    Peacekeepers are in harm’s way every day to keep the communities they serve safe through courage and determination. In an era of global instability, they need the support of the international community now more than ever.

    That’s why the UK is strengthening its commitment to UN peacekeeping operations through new funding and support, and why we must continue to strengthen our collective will to use peacekeeping effectively for peace and security.

    A small number of British personnel also support a UN peace mission in Somalia, which conducts vital work to reduce the threat from extremist groups, such as Al-Shabaab, by helping to prevent them establishing a foothold in the country.

    More broadly, the UK helps train and support the security forces of many African nations to enhance their peace operations, through the British Peace Support Team (Africa) which is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.

    BPST(A) conducts around a hundred activities a year across sub-Saharan Africa, working closely with the UN to develop and deliver capacity-building, especially in peacekeeping intelligence, senior leaders’ courses, training to help counter the threat of improvised explosive devices, and combat sexual exploitation and abuse.

    The team delivers these activities primarily alongside the African Union’s Peace and Security Operations Division, with African Standby Forces ,and with training institutions across the continent – training more than 3,000 personnel a year all ranks, from junior soldier to senior mission leader, from police, civilian and military disciplines.

  • NEWS STORY : UK and EU Sign Landmark Post-Brexit “Reset” Deal in London Summit

    NEWS STORY : UK and EU Sign Landmark Post-Brexit “Reset” Deal in London Summit

    STORY

    The UK and the European Union are today expected to sign what leaders described as the most significant overhaul of their relationship since Brexit, securing agreements on defence, trade and fisheries at a summit in London. Under the deal, the UK will grant EU fishing vessels access to British waters for 12 years, up from a previously proposed five-year term, in a concession aimed at removing cumbersome border checks that have hampered UK food exporters since 2020. In return, the EU agreed to an open-ended veterinary accord that will ease sanitary inspections on UK-bound agricultural products, helping safeguard food and drink trade.

    A cornerstone of the reset is a new defence and security pact that opens the door for British firms to participate in a €150 billion European rearmament fund, reflecting London’s bid to bolster collective European security amid rising geopolitical tensions. The agreement also lays the groundwork for a limited youth mobility scheme and faster e-gate access for UK travellers at EU airports, though details of each programme will be negotiated in the coming months. Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the package as a “common-sense, practical solution” that will cut red tape and deliver economic and security benefits for British citizens, even as some critics warn the concessions amount to an erosion of sovereignty. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the reset demonstrated Brussels’ willingness to pragmatically cooperate with a close neighbour “while respecting each other’s autonomy.”

  • NEWS STORY : New 47-Mile Coastal Path Opens from Mablethorpe to Humber Bridge

    NEWS STORY : New 47-Mile Coastal Path Opens from Mablethorpe to Humber Bridge

    STORY

    Walkers can today set foot on a brand-new 47-mile (75 km) stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path, linking the traditional seaside resort of Mablethorpe all the way to the iconic Humber Bridge for the first time. This latest section takes ramblers through a rich tapestry of landscapes: from the golden sands and donkey-ride attractions of Mablethorpe, across expansive dune systems and nationally protected nature reserves, before threading past the industrial heritage of the Humber estuary. With this opening, almost 160 miles of continuous coastal walking are now available between Sutton Bridge and Easington, leaving only two short inland diversions at Gibraltar Point bridge and Immingham.

    Victoria Manton, Deputy Director for Natural England in the East Midlands, said:

    “This new stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path will give people from all over the country access to our beautiful local coastline, connecting them with nature and providing health and wellbeing benefits. The trail will also support the local economy—bringing walkers and visitors to the towns and villages for day trips, refreshments and places to stay.”

    Chris Miller, Head of Environment at Lincolnshire County Council, added:

    “With these latest additions to the King Charles III England Coast Path coming to fruition we can now provide one of the most spectacular walks anywhere in the country. This is the outcome of several agencies working together to give legal access to a unique part of the country for people to enjoy.”

    Along the route, visitors can spot around 2,000 grey seal pups each autumn at Donna Nook bombing range, then continue north to the resort of Cleethorpes and the fishing port of Grimsby, before eventually arriving at the engineering marvel of the Humber Bridge. When the final 41-mile link between Easington and Bridlington North Sands opens later this year, more than 450 miles of continuous cliff-top and sea-edge paths will span from Sutton Bridge all the way to the Scottish border—making the King Charles III England Coast Path the longest continuous coastal walking route in the UK.

  • NEWS STORY : Government Accepts TRA’s Call for Anti-Dumping Duties on Chinese Excavators to Protect UK Industry

    NEWS STORY : Government Accepts TRA’s Call for Anti-Dumping Duties on Chinese Excavators to Protect UK Industry

    STORY

    The Secretary of State for Business and Trade has formally accepted the Trade Remedies Authority’s (TRA) recommendation to impose definitive anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imports of Chinese excavators, in a bid to shield UK manufacturers from unfairly low-priced competition. Under the measures, anti-dumping duties will range between 18.81% for a sampled exporter and 40.08% for the residual rate, while countervailing duties to offset state subsidies will span from 0% up to 2.98%. The TRA estimates these tariffs could bolster domestic excavator producers by as much as £26 million annually.

    The duties target imports of excavators weighing between 11 and 80 tonnes—machines for which the TRA found there is an established UK industry—while exempting larger models, as no home-grown production exists for excavators over 80 tonnes. The investigation, launched in November 2023 following an application by Staffordshire-based manufacturer JCB, concluded that Chinese exporters were leveraging artificially low production costs to undercut UK rivals on price.

    In February, Caterpillar (Xuzhou) Ltd. sought judicial review of the TRA’s provisional measures, challenging both the authority’s and the Department of Business and Trade’s decisions. On 9 May, the High Court dismissed the claims as “unarguable,” confirming the TRA acted lawfully, rationally and with procedural fairness—paving the way for the duties to come into effect without further delay. The TRA’s intervention sets a precedent for robust defence of UK heavy-machinery sectors against injurious dumping and unfair subsidy practices, and signals the government’s readiness to deploy trade remedies where domestic industries face significant risk.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New energy upgrades for public buildings to save taxpayers money [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New energy upgrades for public buildings to save taxpayers money [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 15 May 2025.

    Schools, community centres and care homes receive new awards to upgrade their buildings and save money off bills in the long term.

    • Local community buildings will benefit from cheaper energy bills in the years to come, thanks to funding allocated by the government
    • schools, community centres and care homes will benefit from upgrades, contributing to an estimated £650 million in savings for taxpayers per year on average to 2037

    Pupils at schools, residents at care homes, and users of community centres will all be given a boost today, as the government allocates funding to help cut energy bills for public buildings in the years to come.

    The social institutions that allow local communities to thrive, such as schools, hospitals, and care homes, will be given extra help to make energy saving upgrades and tackle costs, allowing more money to be spent on the services that people care about.

    More than £630 million has been awarded for measures including heat pumps, solar panels, insulation and double glazing, helping to make Britain energy secure as part of the Plan for Change while contributing to an estimated £650 million in savings for taxpayers per year on average over the next 12 years.

    The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has been awarded over £30 million to install heat pumps at Queens Park Leisure Centre, Birkenhead Central Library and Chase Heys Home for the Elderly, while the Northumbria NHS Foundation Trust will receive more than £14 million to replace fossil fuel heating at two sites, helping power these pillars of the local community with cleaner, homegrown energy.

    The Royal Air Force Museum Midlands will benefit from £1 million to install heat pumps and solar panels at one of its aircraft hangars, and Worcester City Council will receive £90,000 to upgrade the King George V Community Centre, which is used for employability training and youth activities, with new heat pumps, solar panels and double glazing.

    The University of York has been awarded £35 million to capture energy from beneath the Earth’s surface to help deliver low-carbon heat to buildings on campus, while the National Portrait Gallery has been awarded over £5 million to switch to heat pumps in its main public gallery and Orange Street building, which houses the historic archives of the library.

    Minister for Energy Consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh said:

    Today we are providing even more support for Britain’s buildings – from schools to museums and galleries – helping to rebuild vital public services as part of the Plan for Change.

    This investment will see local communities benefit from our sprint to clean power, with warm public buildings, run more affordably.

    An extra £102 million from the Green Heat Network Fund will help to develop new and existing heat networks in England, including the Hemiko South Westminster Area Network (SWAN), which could help to decarbonise iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament using waste heat from the River Thames.

    This follows Great British Energy’s first major project to put solar panels on around 200 schools and 200 NHS sites, helping them to reinvest savings on their energy bills in teaching and healthcare.

    Vice-Chancellor Professor at the University of York Charlie Jeffery said:

    Our geothermal project will be a powerful catalyst in our journey towards net zero, offering a significant reduction in carbon emissions and a greener future.

    Beyond its crucial environmental impact, the site will serve as a living laboratory that will drive research, educate our students and bring benefits beyond our campus.

    The support from the government is a vital catalyst for this transformative endeavour, which we believe will empower the next generation of sustainability leaders and deepen community understanding of renewable energy technologies.

    Policy Manager at Energy UK Louise Shooter said:

    High energy bills have been a big headache for schools, hospitals, leisure centres and other community facilities in recent years – so it’s great to see them being helped to install energy saving measures and other green technology that will cut energy costs permanently while also enabling them to do their bit to reduce emissions. Energy UK’s members have been helping schools and hospitals across the country do the same and save money which means more funding for the essential services they provide. It’s a very tangible example of the benefits that come from investing in the switch to cleaner energy.

    Head of External Affairs at ADE: Heat Networks Pablo John said:

    Today’s investment in heat networks like the University of York’s geothermal project is a blueprint for Britain’s clean heat revolution. These networks capture every kilowatt of renewable energy and waste heat we produce, turning it into affordable warmth for consumers. York’s 78% cut in fossil fuels proves that when we back heat networks now – even outside of zones – we secure energy independence for good. Let’s build on this momentum by supporting heat network innovation everywhere and stop wasting the heat under our feet.

    Director of Content and Programmes at the RAF Museum Karen Whitting said:

    Warm thanks to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero for their investment through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. This will enable us to introduce new, low/no-carbon technologies to a historic 1938 Type-C aircraft hangar as part of our Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme. The re-developed hangar will be used as a Learning Centre and exhibition gallery which will welcome and inspire around 500,000 visitors a year, sharing the nationally important Royal Air Force story. The project will make a major contribution to the RAF Museum’s Strategy including our commitment to achieving Carbon Net Zero.

    Notes to editors

    Decarbonising the public sector with low carbon heating and energy efficiency measures will save the public sector an estimated £650 million per year on average to 2037. The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme is contributing towards delivering these savings for public sector organisations.

    Applications for Phase 4 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme opened in October 2024. Funding for this phase is worth approximately £940 million and will run until financial year 2027/2028. Some remaining funding awards will be issued in the coming weeks.

    As of May 2025, the regional breakdown for Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme Phase 4 funding is as follows:

    • North East: £65,191,456
    • Yorkshire and the Humber: £81,262,778
    • North West: £116,815,617
    • East Midlands: £73,405,602
    • West Midlands: £84,306,700
    • East of England: £29,149,553
    • South East: £35,720,404
    • South West: £30,002,246
    • Greater London: £113,914,685
    • Wales: £2,500,000
    • Across Regions: £1,325,000

    The Green Heat Network Fund supports new and existing heat networks in England to adopt low carbon technologies such as heat pumps, recovered heat, geothermal and energy from waste. A total of over £484 million in awards to 40 projects has been made public since the launch of the scheme in 2022.

    The projects included in this announcement, which have been awarded a total of over £102 million in grant funding are:

    • Derby Energy Network (Derby Energy Ltd): £23,240,000
    • Bristol City Centre (Bristol Heat Networks/Vattenfall): £21,300,000
    • SWAN (Hemiko): £21,000,000
    • Lincoln (Hemiko): £15,508,000
    • East London Energy (Bring Energy): £8,813,120
    • Trafford Civic Quarter Heat Networks (Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council): £5,750,000
    • West Bromwich Heat Network (Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council): £4,939,421
    • Mersey Biochar Heat Network (Severn Wye Energy Agency Ltd): £1,728,890
  • PRESS RELEASE : New 2,000 km “deep precision strike” weapon to be developed by UK and Germany as Trinity House Agreement delivers first major milestones [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New 2,000 km “deep precision strike” weapon to be developed by UK and Germany as Trinity House Agreement delivers first major milestones [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 15 May 2025.

    The UK and Germany will confirm for the first time that they will work together to develop a new long-range strike capability with a range of over 2,000 km.

    The United Kingdom and Germany will today (Thursday 15th May) confirm for the first time that they will work together to develop a new long-range strike capability with a range of over 2,000 km, as both countries step up on European security and drive economic growth at home.

    This comes following the signing of the landmark Trinity House Agreement on Defence Co-operation in October in London – the first-of-its-kind bilateral defence agreement between the UK and Germany.

    German Federal Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius, will host his counterpart Defence Secretary John Healey MP in the first Trinity House Defence Ministerial Council today in Berlin, where they will discuss how the agreement is already delivering real benefits, from deterring threats on NATO’s eastern flank, to creating skilled jobs and driving investment at home.

    The new 2,000 km precision deep strike capability will be among the most advanced systems ever designed by the UK, to safeguard the British public and reinforce NATO deterrence, while boosting the UK and European defence sectors.

    Discussions will focus on a joint procurement programme for Sting Ray torpedoes for P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, enhancing the UK and Germany’s ability to counter the latest underwater threats, boosting national security for both nations.

    A new commitment will also see Germany procure advanced British military bridges, delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change by supporting jobs in the North-west.

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    The UK and Germany have never been closer, and the Trinity House Agreement is already making a positive impact on our security and economy. This partnership is helping us make defence an engine for growth – creating jobs, boosting skills, and driving investment across the UK and Germany.

    In a more dangerous world, NATO and European allies stand united. Together with Germany, we’re leading the way in supporting Ukraine, defending NATO’s eastern flank, and jointly investing in next-generation capabilities.

    It follows the Prime Minister’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, recognising the critical importance of military readiness in an era of heightened global uncertainty.

    Since the Trinity House Agreement was signed in October, German crews have joined RAF personnel in two flights on UK P-8 Poseidon aircraft. The UK’s Poseidon fleet play a crucial role tracking Russian vessels near UK waters.

    The Defence Ministers will meet again tomorrow (Friday 16th May) alongside their Polish, Italian and French counterparts in a meeting of the European Group of Five (E5) Defence ministers in Rome.

    The UK and Germany will meet again in June alongside more than 50 nations and partners, when they jointly host the next meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group. Since the UK took the chair, nearly £23bn has been pledged in military support for Ukraine.

    The Trinity House Agreement is delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change by stepping up national security whilst strengthening our industrial base and boosting skilled jobs at home.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Environment Agency starts sampling Devon and Cornwall’s beaches [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Environment Agency starts sampling Devon and Cornwall’s beaches [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 15 May 2025.

    Environment Agency sampling of Devon and Cornwall’s 155 monitored beaches has started and will run through until the end of September.

    A beach or river on England’s list of designated bathing waters means water quality is routinely tested. Water samples will be taken at consistent points at these locations and sent to the lab for testing. Scientists will look for elevated levels of E. Coli and intestinal enterococci – bad bacteria found in sewage and other waste.

    The results of these samples will inform a dedicated group of scientists and officers who are on standby 24/7 to respond to any reports of problems found at beaches and other bathing waters. The results will also be catalogued on the Swimfo website which also contains a lot more information about each bathing water – its history, a description of the surrounding area as well as several years of results.

    The results, taken over four years, give the Environment Agency great confidence when deciding upon what classification a beach will be given later in the year. Any classification from ‘Sufficient’ and above means the water quality is safe to swim in. Out of 155 monitored bathing waters, there are only 2 beaches in Devon and Cornwall – Coastguards Beach on the Erme Estuary and Porthluney – with results tipping them into the ‘Poor’ classification. This doesn’t mean they are dirty. A ‘Poor’ classification means that very high standards are not consistently met, and the Environment Agency is actively investigating why.

    Bruce Newport of the Environment Agency said:

    Over a third of England’s bathing waters can be found in Devon and Cornwall and over 98 per cent of them meet the very high levels of water quality expected for safe swimming.

    We also publish a daily water quality forecast on many of our beaches which can be found on our Swimfo website. This service is a great asset, especially after heavy rainfall which can temporarily cause a dip in water quality.

    Throughout the season, which runs from 15 May until the end of September, the Environment Agency will be taking more than 7000 samples at 451 designated bathing waters across England.

    Today also marks the re-opening of applications for new bathing waters which have been closed since October 2023. Since then, the government has announced significant reforms to the Bathing Water Regulations to better reflect public use of iconic swimming spots. Successful sites will be announced next year.

    Background

    • Bathing waters are officially designated outdoor swimming sites. England has 451 designated bathing waters, which are monitored and classified by the Environment Agency.
    • Applicants are encouraged to use the bathing water season to gather evidence for their applications. Prospective sites will be assessed for their suitability as a designated bathing water. Applications for the 2026 season will close on 31 October 2025.
    • The Environment Agency has driven £2.5 billion of investment and facilitated partnerships to dramatically improve our bathing waters.
    • Last year, nearly 92% of bathing waters in England met the minimum water quality standards. More information on 2024 bathing water classifications is available here.
    • The UK Health Security Agency and Environment Agency also offer advice in their ‘swim healthy’ guidance, which is available to read before making any decision on swimming.
    • Bathing waters are stretches of water throughout England which we monitor for two types of bacteria: E.coli and intestinal enterococci. We monitor for these two bacteria because they indicate that there are germs in the water which can make you ill.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK welcomes talks in Istanbul and calls on Kremlin to end the bloodshed – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK welcomes talks in Istanbul and calls on Kremlin to end the bloodshed – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 May 2025.

    Ambassador Holland welcomes talks in Istanbul and urges Russia to end the bloodshed in Ukraine and show it is serious about peace or face further sanctions.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

    Ukraine has agreed, in-principle, to a full and unconditional ceasefire. Because only when missiles and drones stop, and the deaths of innocent civilians end, can discussions towards a just and lasting peace begin.

    Last weekend the UK, the US and our European partners reiterated our call on Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire now, as Ukraine has done, and create the space for talks.

    Rather than seize this opportunity, Russia continues to stall. Instead of an unconditional ceasefire, they have again moved the goal posts, calling for talks to resolve the conflict’s so-called ‘root causes’. This is code for maximalist demands which would deny Ukraine its sovereignty and territorial integrity and do not meaningfully shift the dial.

    We welcome today’s talks and thank Türkiye for agreeing to host them. We call on Russia to engage in good faith in the US-led peace efforts. In keeping with his commitment to ending this war, President Zelenskyy has agreed to direct talks with President Putin, an offer which we now know has been rebuffed. We commend President Zelenskyy for this decision.

    Mr Chair, last week we saw another supposed three-day ‘ceasefire’ from Russia. Just like the truce at Easter, this was a smokescreen intended to portray Russia as the party of peace.

    In reality, Russia’s death and destruction continued. According to the Ukrainian authorities, there were over 700 Russian violations between midnight and midday last Thursday alone. Aerial bombings killed at least three civilians in Kherson, Zaporizhzhia and Sumy.

    And Russia ramped up its attacks in the days after this ‘ceasefire’ just as it did at Easter. At least six civilians have been killed and dozens more injured. Civilian infrastructure has been destroyed in Odesa and elsewhere in Ukraine.

    The gulf between the Russian state’s words and its actions could not be wider. But the urgency is real. April was the deadliest month in Ukraine for child casualties since June 2022. Normal lives, homes and families destroyed.

    We will not stand by while the Kremlin delays and denies. The UK and our allies are prepared to impose further sanctions if Russia fails to demonstrate that it is serious about peace. And we will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

    Now, more than ever, Russia must heed the world’s call and agree to end the bloodshed.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of a Canon of Windsor [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of a Canon of Windsor [May 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 15 May 2025.

    The King has approved the nomination of The Reverend Canon Dr Nicholas Brown, Precentor and Sub-Dean of Lincoln Cathedral, to the College of St George, Windsor, in succession to The Reverend Dr Mark Powell following his retirement.

    Background

    Nick Brown was educated at Royal Holloway University of London, and the University of Durham, obtaining a BMus, an MA and a PhD, and trained for Ministry at Ripon College, Cuddesdon.  Ordained in 2009, he served his title as Assistant Curate in the Parish of Warminster St. Denys and St. Mary Upton Scudamore in the Diocese of Salisbury.  From 2013 he served as Rector of the Parish of Louth.  From 2019 he served additionally as Acting Archdeacon of Lincoln.  In 2020, he took up his current role as Precentor of Lincoln and as Sub-Dean of Lincoln Cathedral in 2021.

  • PRESS RELEASE : General Sir Gwyn Jenkins KCB OBE RM has been appointed as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, and Aide-de-Camp to His Majesty [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : General Sir Gwyn Jenkins KCB OBE RM has been appointed as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, and Aide-de-Camp to His Majesty [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 15 May 2025.

    Defence Secretary John Healey has confirmed that His Majesty The King has approved the new appointment of First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff. General Sir Gwyn Jenkins KCB OBE RM is to be appointed as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, and Aide-de-Camp to His Majesty.

    Defence Secretary John Healey, said:

    I warmly congratulate General Sir Gwyn Jenkins on his selection as the next First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff. As the first Royal Marine appointed to the role, this is a hugely significant moment for the Royal Navy.

    General Jenkins is a proven leader with a distinguished career in both the military and at the core of government. I know he will deliver in this pivotal role, making Britain secure at home and strong abroad.

    Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said:

    I am very pleased to welcome General Jenkins as the next First Sea Lord.

    As one of the outstanding Royal Marines of his generation, he brings with him a wealth of operational and organisational expertise. His appointment reflects a Corps which is bound even more tightly to the way the Royal Navy thinks, operates and fights.

    In a more dangerous and demanding world, General Jenkins has the instincts and ambition needed to continue the modernisation of the Royal Navy, ensuring it can meet future threats and continue to safeguard our nation’s security and prosperity.

    General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, said:

    It is an honour to be selected as the next First Sea Lord.

    I feel extremely privileged to lead the exceptional sailors and marines of the Royal Navy at this pivotal time for UK Defence.

    Throughout my career, I have always been motivated by the vital role the Royal Navy has in keeping our nation safe. To do that now, we need to accelerate our return to a war fighting force that is ready for conflict, expand our modernisation efforts and deliver the Royal Navy our nation needs.