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PRESS RELEASE : HMRC interest rates for late payments will be revised following the Bank of England interest rate cut to 4.25% [May 2025]
The press release issued by HM Revenue and Customs on 8 May 2025.

The Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee announced on 8 May 2025 to reduce the Bank of England base rate to 4.25% from 4.50%.

HMRC interest rates are linked to the Bank of England base rate.

As a consequence of the change in the base rate, HMRC interest rates for late payment and repayment will reduce.

These changes will come into effect on:
- 19 May 2025 for quarterly instalment payments
- 28 May 2025 for non-quarterly instalments payments
Information on the interest rates for payments will be updated shortly.

How HMRC interest rates are set

HMRC interest rates are set in legislation and are linked to the Bank of England base rate.

Late payment interest is currently set at base rate plus 4.00%. Repayment interest is set at base rate minus 1%, with a lower limit – or ‘minimum floor’ – of 0.5%.

The differential between late payment interest and repayment interest is in line with the policy of other tax authorities worldwide and compares favourably with commercial practice for interest charged on loans or overdrafts and interest paid on deposits.

The rate of late payment interest encourages prompt payment and ensures fairness for those who pay their tax on time, while the rate of repayment interest fairly compensates taxpayers for loss of use of their money when they overpay.
May 8, 2025
NEWS STORY : UK Reaffirms Support for Moldova Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions

STORY

In a statement delivered at the OSCE Permanent Council, UK Ambassador Neil Holland reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, highlighting the UK’s continued support for the OSCE Mission’s efforts in the region. Ambassador Holland commended the OSCE Mission’s work in preventing escalation and facilitating dialogue between Chisinau and Tiraspol, particularly amid recent energy shortages affecting both sides of the Nistru River. He emphasised the importance of practical solutions to everyday challenges faced by citizens on both banks.

The UK expressed concern over Russia’s ongoing military presence in Moldova, calling for the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops and the resumption of efforts to remove and destroy ammunition stored at the Cobasna site. Ambassador Holland stated, “Russia must remove its forces without delay and present a considered proposal to resume the process of removal and destruction of ammunition from the Cobasna site.”

Highlighting the UK’s broader commitment to Moldova’s security, Ambassador Holland referenced the UK-Moldova Defence and Security Partnership signed last year and the recent UK-Moldova Strategic Dialogue. These initiatives aim to bolster Moldova’s resilience against cyber threats, disinformation, and other forms of malign interference. As Moldova approaches its parliamentary elections in September, the UK pledged continued support for the OSCE Mission’s mandate and efforts to ensure a peaceful and democratic process. Ambassador Holland concluded by expressing appreciation for Ambassador Keiderling’s dedication and leadership during his tenure as Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova.

May 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Report by the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova – UK statement [May 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 May 2025.

Ambassador Holland welcomes the work of the OSCE Mission towards preventing escalation and finding practical solutions to issues, amid the challenging backdrop of energy shortages during the reporting period.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

I would like to offer a warm welcome to Ambassador Keiderling for the final time at the Permanent Council as Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova. Thank you to you and your team for the Mission’s work over the last six months, and for the comprehensive presentation this morning.

The United Kingdom fully supports the work of the Mission towards preventing escalation, mitigating a deterioration of relations between Chisinau and Tiraspol and finding practical solutions to the challenges of everyday life for all citizens on both banks of the Nistru. We regret Russia’s continued instrumentalisation of the Mission’s mandate and reiterate our call for a return to a full 12-month directive to ensure the Mission has the stability and predictability it needs to fulfil its vital role.

The UK commends the Mission’s efforts across its three lines of action during the reporting period, amid the challenging backdrop of energy shortages on both banks. We appreciate the constructive engagement between Chisinau and Tiraspol and the Mission’s role in facilitating dialogue through the Chief Negotiators and Working Groups. We also welcome the engagement of Special Representative Thomas Lenk during this period.

The UK again notes the lack of progress Russia has made in withdrawing its illegally stationed troops from Moldovan sovereign territory, which runs in direct contradiction to other efforts. Russia must remove its forces without delay and present a considered proposal to resume the process of removal and destruction of ammunition from the Cobasna site.

As our Foreign Secretary stated during his visit to Moldova in November, the UK will not stand by as the Kremlin attempts to undermine democracy, stability and security across Europe. As shown by the signing last year of the UK-Moldova Defence and Security Partnership, the UK is strengthening its commitment to Moldova’s security. At the UK-Moldova Strategic Dialogue yesterday, our officials were proud to reaffirm UK support on cyber, counter-disinformation and judicial cooperation to help Moldova to defend its democratic institutions from malign interference.

To conclude, Ambassador Keiderling, the UK highly appreciates the energy and dedication that you have brought to the role and towards advancing a peaceful resolution. As we look ahead to parliamentary elections in September, the United Kingdom will continue to support the OSCE Mission in fulfilling its mandate, and to support peace and stability for the people of Moldova.

May 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State marks 80th anniversary of VE Day [May 2025]

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 8 May 2025.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn MP marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day by opening a special World War II exhibition at Antrim Castle Gardens.

VE Day is an occasion to remember the huge sacrifice made by that great generation so that we might live in peace and freedom.

That is the message from the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn, who has commemorated VE Day with a number of visits around Northern Ireland.
Today, (Thursday 8 May), marks 80 years since Victory in Europe Day when the Second World War came to an end in Europe. The long anticipated news resulted in millions celebrating the end of the war, with street parties, dancing and singing across the country.

Mr Benn marked VE day by officially opening a special World War II exhibition at Antrim Castle Gardens, hosted by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. He then travelled to the Ulster Aviation Society, where he met with Fred Jennings, a World War II Veteran.

The Secretary of State also took time to visit the NI War Memorial Museum, which focuses on Northern Ireland’s role in the Second World War and the impact that the war had on its people.

He finished his day of VE Day commemorations by attending a Service of Remembrance with Thanksgiving at St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral in Armagh.

At the end of his engagements, Mr Benn said:

VE Day 80 is our opportunity to remember and to honour the extraordinary courage of that great generation of World War Two veterans.

Today should remind us all that the cost of peace must never be forgotten. As we hear the stories of those who served and express our profound gratitude to them, let us remember that it was their sacrifice that enabled us to live in peace and freedom.

May 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK pledges support to strengthen Ukraine’s justice system [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 8 May 2025.

On the eve of Victory in Europe day Minister Sackman and Minister Suhak, Deputy Justice Minister of Ukraine, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in Kyiv.
- Memorandum of Cooperation signed by Minister Sackman in Kyiv
- Agreement made as Minister Sackman attends United for Justice conference in Kyiv to condemn Russian aggression on the eve of VE day
- Sharing of best practice to help develop modern justice systems
On the eve of Victory in Europe day, the UK has pledged greater assistance and expertise to strengthen Ukraine’s justice system to help it forge a bright future as a free and democratic state as part of an agreement signed by Minister Sackman and Minister Suhak, Deputy Justice Minister of Ukraine, in Kyiv.

The long-term agreement, which came as Minister Sackman attended the United for Justice Conference and Ministerial Dialogue Group in Kyiv to set out the international community’s continued support for Ukraine, will mean that the UK will provide its extensive expertise to help strengthen the rule of law.

The Memorandum of Cooperation will build on the already strong judicial co-operation that exists between the two countries – including the development of training programmes to help bolster the role of an independent, transparent and effective judiciary. It will also share best practice on ensuring vulnerable victims, especially women, are supported throughout the justice system.

The agreement comes after the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visited Kyiv in January to launch the 100 Year Partnership with Ukraine. This partnership will harness the innovation, strength and resilience that Ukraine has shown in its defence against Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion. It will foster long-term security and growth for both countries and shows the UK’s steadfast commitment to support its allies and the people of Ukraine.

Minister for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman KC, said:

I have heard first-hand testimonies of the devastation and pain caused by Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and the need to bring those responsible to account.

As our Ukrainian friends fight to secure their independence, their battlefield victories must be bolstered by support to rebuild – including a resilient justice system.

We will share best practice to advance vital justice reforms to help Ukraine strengthen its rule of law, underpin economic prosperity and safeguard its democracy.

The Memorandum of Cooperation will focus on a number of areas. This includes:
- Developing sustainable modern justice systems – including exchanging expertise on the effective management of courts and the use of online platforms and artificial intelligence.
- Sharing expertise on how to accommodate vulnerable people throughout the justice system including the use of legal aid and appropriate trauma-based support.
- Sharing best practice on how to manage prisons and probation services and effective procedures to inspect these services.
- Supporting the role of an independent, transparent and effective judiciary in Ukraine.
- Developing the availability of dispute resolution in Ukraine and best practice on the use of arbitration and mediation as alternatives to court hearings.
- Building collaboration between the UK and Ukrainian legal services sectors.
Alongside this agreement the United Kingdom continues to fund and support Ukraine. In total, £18 billion has been spent to support the Ukrainian people through the war with £13 billion provided in military assistance and close to £5 billion in humanitarian and non-military aid.

The agreement was signed in the week after Ukrainian troops joined an array of British, Commonwealth and NATO troops to mark VE Day in London. It served as a reminder of the need for continued global support for Ukraine and its people in their fight for freedom against Russia’s war of aggression.
May 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK and Norway accelerate clean energy opportunities [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 8 May 2025.

British workers and businesses will benefit from more investment in the UK’s clean energy future, with a new partnership signed with Norway.
- British workers and businesses to benefit from new Green Industrial Partnership with Norway, to unleash clean energy job opportunities
- partnership will support clean energy investment in the North Sea, including in green hydrogen and offshore wind, as Energy Secretary meets businesses to make the case for investment in UK
- government driving forward with mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower to deliver energy security and protect billpayers
On a visit to Oslo this week, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband secured a Green Industrial Partnership with Norwegian counterparts Ministers Terje Aasland and Cecilie Myrseth and met with Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The Energy Secretary also met a number of energy companies to deepen bilateral relationships and make the case for clean energy investment in Britain. Norway is a crucial ally in securing our energy security, which in turn will deliver clean, secure and cheaper power for British families, whilst securing new clean energy manufacturing jobs through the Plan for Change.

The ambitious partnership enhances the UK and Norway’s longstanding collaboration on energy and is one of the key deliverables of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s and Norwegian Prime Minister Støre’s over-arching Strategic Partnership.

It focuses on key areas that support the development of renewables. These include offshore wind and grid development, collaboration on the protection of UK and Norwegian offshore infrastructure and reducing barriers to develop a North Sea hub for the cross-border storage of carbon dioxide.

This builds on the government’s aim for the North Sea to be at the heart of Britain’s clean energy future and to drive economic growth.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

Energy security is national security – and only by working with key partners like Norway can we accelerate clean power that we control, getting us off the rollercoaster of fossil fuels in these unstable times.

Together we can invest in a clean energy future and take advantage of the opportunities ahead in the North Sea, with good clean energy jobs and export opportunities for British business – delivering growth through our Plan for Change.

Norway’s Minister of Energy Terje Aasland said:

Norway and the United Kingdom have a unique relationship in the energy sector, characterized by innovation and close cooperation across the North Sea. I am very pleased that today we are establishing a forward-looking partnership to promote the green transition and further strengthen the collaboration between our two countries.

Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth said:

This agreement is important for Norwegian industry, especially when it comes to securing value chains for raw materials and clean energy. By combining Norwegian and British strengths, we can create jobs, develop new industries, and enhance our competitiveness.

Minister of Climate and Environment, Andreas Bjelland Eriksen said:

A green transition is crucial if we are to meet our climate targets, while also creating new jobs. The partnership with the United Kingdom will strengthen our joint efforts to promote implementation of the Paris Agreement through international climate diplomacy. We will also further develop the close cooperation we have to halt and reverse the deforestation of the rainforest.

It is estimated that the UK’s seas have the potential to store up to 78 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide, which this partnership could help to unlock to support jobs and reduce emissions across Europe.

Research also suggests that closer cooperation on the clean energy transition in the North Seas could lower bills, create up to 51,000 jobs, and add up to £36 billion to the UK economy. By 2030, the North Sea could provide up to 120GW of offshore wind generation, which is enough to power over 120 million homes. This will contribute to the UK and Europe’s energy security in a volatile world, whilst creating significant export opportunities for British business.

Norway is a key energy partner for the UK, and the new partnership builds on decades of collaboration and a mutual commitment to support the development of the UK’s offshore sectors in the North Sea. By working with European partners to transform the North Sea basin into a low carbon and renewables powerhouse, the UK can accelerate the global energy transition and lead efforts to combat climate change on the world stage.

UK and Norwegian companies are already playing an important role in driving the energy transition forward. This includes firms such as Norwegian energy major Equinor which has invested in UK offshore wind, carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) and hydrogen, as well as Europe’s biggest renewables generator, Statkraft, a major developer in the UK alongside other Norwegian companies Fred Olsen and Vårgrønn.

This agreement forms part of the UK-Norway Strategic Partnership, covering defence, security, energy and the green transition.
May 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Latest data on listeriosis [May 2025]
The press release issued by the UK Health Security Agency on 8 May 2025.

The infection can cause severe illnesses in the elderly, immunocompromised or those with underlying chronic conditions.

There were 179 cases of listeriosis reported in England and Wales in 2024, according to new data published today by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Listeriosis is caused by Listeria bacteria and is usually contracted by eating contaminated raw, chilled, or ready-to-eat foods. Most people with listeriosis won’t have any symptoms or will have mild gastroenteritis. However, the infection can cause severe illnesses in the elderly, immunocompromised or those with underlying chronic conditions. Infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth, or severe infections in newborn babies.

The 179 cases reported in 2024 are comparable to the previous year’s figures (177 cases in 2023), and to levels seen in the years preceding the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest data show that while listeriosis can affect people of all ages, it poses a significantly greater risk to vulnerable groups, with the highest numbers seen in people aged 80 and over. Of the 28 deaths reported among 142 non-pregnancy cases, 12 were aged 80 years and over. Among pregnancy-associated infections, which accounted for approximately one-fifth of all cases, 43.7% resulted in stillbirth or miscarriage where outcomes were known.

In England, London had the highest levels of listeriosis (0.39 cases per 100,000 population), whilst the East of England had the lowest (0.23 cases per 100,000 population).

Vanessa Wong, UKHSA Consultant in gastrointestinal infections, said:

Listeriosis is a rare infection and most people only experience mild symptoms of gastroenteritis that usually pass within a few days without the need for treatment. However, severe listeriosis is more likely to affect the elderly, very young babies, pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system. The best way to prevent listeriosis is to practise good food hygiene and avoid high-risk foods if you are in a vulnerable group. Foods that carry a greater risk of Listeria include: soft cheeses, pâté, smoked fish, chilled sliced meats and other chilled ready-to-eat products.

Those at higher risk from severe Listeria infection include:
- elderly people (risk increases with age)
- those with malignancies or undergoing immunosuppressive or cytotoxic treatments
- pregnant women and their unborn or newborn infants
- organ transplant recipients
- people with chronic kidney and liver diseases
- those with uncontrolled diabetes, HIV, alcohol dependency or iron overload
In most people, listeriosis has no symptoms or only causes mild symptoms for a few days, such as:
- high temperature
- aches and pains
- chills
- feeling or being sick
- diarrhoea
If you’re pregnant, you may also have a stomach ache or notice your baby moving less than usual.

For advice on avoiding listeriosis during pregnancy or if you are in a high-risk group, please visit the NHS website at Listeriosis – NHS

In 2024, UKHSA investigated 7 listeriosis outbreaks across England and Wales, linked to various food products including smoked fish, chocolate and strawberry mousse, garlic sausage and pre-packed sandwiches.
May 8, 2025
Keir Starmer – 2025 Speech at the London Defence Conference

The speech made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 8 May 2025.

It is a real privilege to be able to speak to you here today on VE Day.

80 years to the day…

Since an expectant nation turned on the wireless – as of course it was then…

To hear Churchill announce victory in our war against Nazi Germany.

Just imagine it.

Beacons lit across the country…

Bunting up…

People raising their glasses and thanking the bravery of our armed forces…

As we will do today.

And then they came to the streets.

The late Queen Elizabeth II – who was then a young princess of just 19 –

Remembering going unnoticed in the crowds, swept up in a ‘tide of happiness and relief’.

A celebration of defiance…

Of sacrifice…

The courage of that lion-hearted generation…

The greatest victory in the history of this great nation.

A victory not just for Britain.

But for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil…

For the light of our values – in a world that tried to put them out.

And, as you know…

There are people who would happily do likewise today.

Our values and security are confronted on a daily basis.

And we have to rise to this moment.

80 years ago, just round the corner from here, Churchill said…

“We must begin the task of rebuilding…

Do our utmost to make this country a land in which all have a chance…

And in which all have a duty to our countrymen”.

The post-war generation took on that task on with relish.

And we must use this moment…

To do the same.

Deepening our partnerships with allies old and new –

From across Europe to meet the defence challenges of our age…

To the United States…

an indispensable ally for our economic and national security…

As you know, talks with the US have been ongoing – and you’ll hear more about that later today.

But make no mistake – I will always act in our national interest…

For workers, businesses and families…

To deliver security and renewal for our country.

Because the world has changed, decisively.

I mean, I remember – as some of you will also too…

The day the Berlin Wall came down in 1989.

A landmark moment for my generation.

A sense of freedom, of possibility, of peace.

European countries finally free to choose their own future.

I didn’t think then that in my lifetime I would see Russian tanks entering a European country again.

Yet here we are.

And here we stand resolutely…

With the people of Ukraine.

Together with our allies…

Showing the strength of our values…

As well as the value of our strength.

A few weeks ago, I was with the Prime Minister of New Zealand…

To visit our forces delivering Operation INTERFLEX in Wiltshire.

This is a multinational military operation…

That has trained more than 50,000 Ukrainian troops for the frontline.

Men and women who are not soldiers by trade…

Far from it.

They are accountants, they are builders, businesspeople, you name it.

Who stepped up from their lives…

Stepped away from their families…

And, as veterans did eighty years ago…

Answered the call to defend freedom and liberty in their homeland.

And as these brave men and women leave their training in Britain…

And head to the frontline of freedom…

They are applauded by their British trainers.

I’ve seen this a couple of times now – it’s a really humbling sight.

A sign of our support and solidary in their struggle…

Pride and admiration at their courage.

Because in this country we know – this isn’t just a fight for freedom and democracy in Ukraine.

No – it is a new, more dangerous era of history.

A period of global instability…

That fuels insecurity for working people here at home.

The British people have already paid a price for Putin’s aggression in Ukraine, with rising bills and prices.

Russia already menaces our security…

They’ve launched cyber-attacks on our NHS.

Spread disinformation online…

And we cannot forget, just a few years ago – a chemical weapons attack on our streets in Salisbury.

In broad daylight, in the heart of England.

No – the battle lines in Ukraine are the front line for Western values.

And the argument that defines this age is simple…

National security is economic security.

And that is why we are boosting defence spending, with the largest sustained increase since the Cold War…

An increase of £13.4bn year on year compared with where we are today.

Not just meeting our commitment to spend 2.5% of our GDP on defence…

But bringing it forward to 2027.

And, alongside that, a new ambition for defence spending to rise to 3% of GDP in the next Parliament.

But look, I do want to be clear – this investment has two objectives.

Yes of course, the first goal is always the safety and security of the United Kingdom.

But the second is to create jobs, wealth and opportunity in every corner of our country.

Secure at home, strong abroad.

You know – at times like this there is a lot of talk about the end of the peace dividend.

Well, our task now is to seize the defence dividend.

Felt directly in the pockets of working people.

Rebuilding our industrial base.

Creating the jobs of the future.

The skills for the next generation…

From the shipyards in Scotland…

To the missile systems built in Stevenage and Belfast….

The artillery barrels made at Sheffield forgemasters…

And the land vehicle development in Wales…

Mark my words – the British defence industry will be the engine of national renewal.

Because this isn’t just about increasing our defence spending…

It’s also about reform and rebuilding.

And in the coming weeks, we will publish a first-of-its kind, root and branch strategic defence review…

It will scrutinise every aspect of defence – to determine how we can best meet the threats of today…

And return Britain to warfighting readiness.

Alongside our National Security Strategy and our defence industrial strategy…

We will set out a major overhaul of the British Armed Services…

Starting by treating our Armed Forces with the respect that they deserve –

delivering the largest pay rise for over 20 years…

And good homes for service personnel and their families.

But also – the biggest shift in mindset in my lifetime –

To see security and defence…

Not as one priority amongst many others…

But as the central organising principle of government –

The first thought in the morning – the last at night…

The pillar on which everything else stands or falls.

Because – as in 1945…

This has to be a collective endeavour.

A national effort.

A time for the state, business and society to join hands…

In pursuit of the security of the nation…

And the prosperity of its people.

So whether you’re a world-renowned business…

Or a smaller, family-run firm…

You have a vital part to play in boosting Britain’s defences.

That is why we have launched a new unit – to help SMEs get their foot in the door of the defence supply chain.

Because I am clear – the future belongs to the innovators.

Take the announcement made just last week…

StormShroud drones…

Flying as uncrewed guardians to RAF pilots and crew…

Now, for the first time, made in Britain.

An investment that supports hundreds of highly skilled jobs…

Boosting our capabilities for the modern age of drone-based warfare.

Possible – only because of industry and military working together.

Or take the submarines that we’re building in Barrow.

This one is personal for me.

Not just because I was there in Barrow at the keel laying in March –

Not just because I met the workers and the apprentices and saw for myself what it means for them…

And of course the 42,000 jobs it supports up and down the country…

It’s also personal for me because just a few days before that visit…

I went up to the Firth of Clyde, as another boat made in Barrow –

A Vanguard-class submarine…

Was coming in off a record-breaking patrol.

We boarded the sub and met the crew – who had been at sea for months on end.

And meeting those remarkable men and women is something I’ll never forget.

There is no greater duty than the one that they carry –

No task more vital.

Our security…

Nato’s security…

Depends on them.

They are the quiet custodians of the nation’s greatest capability…

Part of an unbroken watch that has been maintained for 55 years.

And in this moment – it’s time for the rest of us to step up and rebuild our country…

Leading the world in the opportunities of the future.

Recently, I visited the Carrier Strike Group off the coast of Cornwall…

And stayed aboard HMS Prince of Wales…

It was frankly humbling to see F35s taking off with just 100metres of deck to take off – and then returning and hovering to land on a sixpence

So imagine how I felt later the very same day when I went to see the apprentices at Rolls Royce…Who had made the engines for those very F35s.

And we need to keep those apprentices busy…

And mark my words – we are going to do that.

With the most ambitious programme of work to secure and rebuild our country since 1945.

Take an example: today, I can announce a £563 million contract to maintain Britain’s fleet of Typhoon fighter jets.

The backbone of Britain’s air defence…

Proudly part of the flypast for VE Day that you may have seen on Monday.

All 130 Typhoons will have their engines maintained by Rolls-Royce…

Supporting hundreds of jobs in Bristol and beyond…

Defending British airspace.

Helping a new generation of service come of age.

And just imagine – what this means for a young apprentice, aged about 18.

Entering into the work force with a good job.

The pride of that work – as a proud I understand from my dad…

Of knowing that what you do, what you make matters.

The pride of following in the footsteps of local families…

Who have been the backbone of their communities for generations.

The grandchildren of the young men who fought on the beaches of Normandy…

Now the submariners on a Vanguard-class submarine.

The descendants of the code breakers at Bletchley…

Now learning the skills to build a new generation of nuclear submarines in Barrow.

And the pride of stepping into our national story…

So those who follow us can say…

We also rose to meet the moment.

We also stood firm against tyranny and oppression.

We also rebuilt Britain – so it serves everyone that serves our country.

Because on VE day 80 years ago…

Politicians of all parties and stripes understood that a people who had sacrificed so much were owed a great debt.

And the truth is – people today are too.

After years of being buffeted about by insecurity and uncertainty…

They are owed the same security…

the same prosperity and peace of mind…

A good home to live in…

A well-paid job with strong rights at work…

An NHS that is there for them when they need it…

all underpinned by the foundation of national security.

A defence dividend – that will be felt in the pockets of working people and the prosperity of the country.

An investment in peace…

But also an investment in British pride and the British people…

To build a nation that, once again, lives up to the promises made to that generation…

Who fought for our values, our freedom and our security.

Thank you very much indeed.

May 8, 2025
NEWS STORY : UK Launches £10 Million Genomics Initiative to Combat Animal and Plant Diseases

STORY

The UK government has announced a £10 million investment in advanced genomic technologies to enhance the nation’s biosecurity and protect its agriculture, environment, and economy from the escalating threats of animal and plant diseases. The funding will support the Genomics for Animal and Plant Disease Consortium (GAP-DC), led by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). This initiative aims to implement cutting-edge genome sequencing techniques to detect, identify, and monitor pathogens across animal, plant, and aquatic environments. By reading the complete genetic code of organisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and animals, scientists can trace disease outbreaks with greater precision and speed.

Dr. Jenny Stewart, APHA’s Interim Chief Executive, emphasized the significance of this development: “Disease presents a significant risk to our farmers, global trade, and human health. This vital funding and collaboration with world-leading experts will help APHA identify and tackle disease risk more effectively.”

The UK faces substantial economic threats from pests and diseases. Invasive species alone are estimated to cost the economy £4 billion annually, while plant pathogens and pests contribute to significant crop losses. Ash dieback, a disease affecting ash trees, is projected to cost the UK £15 billion over the coming decades. Additionally, livestock diseases such as avian influenza have had devastating impacts, with the poultry meat sector incurring losses exceeding £100 million over a two-year period.

The GAP-DC project will focus on several key areas:

– Enhancing the speed of pathogen detection at UK borders.

– Addressing new and re-emerging disease outbreaks.

– Developing strategies to control and mitigate endemic diseases.

– Investigating disease spillover from wild animals and plants, such as the transmission of viruses between species.

This initiative involves collaboration with seven expert partners and is part of the government’s broader Plan for Change, aiming to bolster the UK’s resilience against biological threats. The announcement coincides with National Plant Health Week (5–12 May 2025), underscoring the government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s natural resources

May 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : President Putin’s transparently cynical pauses do not create the conditions for talks on a lasting peace – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 May 2025.

Ambassador Holland urges Russia to respond substantively to the Moscow Mechanism recommendations and prove they are serious about peace by agreeing to a full and unconditional ceasefire.

Thank you, Mister Chair. Minister Betsa, thank you for your address today. What an excellent exposé of what is at stake. Thank you being here and for reminding us once again.

We welcome Ukraine’s continued commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace, as you have reaffirmed in your statement.

President Zelenskyy has shown his commitment to peace by agreeing in principle to a full and unconditional ceasefire. By contrast, President Putin has not only refused to agree to that but has further stepped-up attacks on Ukrainian cities with drones and missiles. In April Russia intensified strikes on Ukrainian cities, killing at least 151 civilians. And just yesterday, as Russia spoke of yet another artificial ceasefire, Moscow launched a ballistic missile and drone attack on a residential area of Kyiv, killing at least 2 people and injury 8, including 4 children.

If President Putin were serious about peace, Russia would agree to a full and immediate ceasefire, as Ukraine has done. His 72-hour Victory Day proposal is another transparently cynical pause which does not create the necessary conditions for talks aimed at achieving a lasting peace. It cannot be taken seriously, particularly given Ukraine’s experience of President Putin’s so-called truce over Easter: the UK’s Defence Intelligence found no indication that a ceasefire on the frontline was observed by Russia, despite President Putin’s promises.

We will judge President Putin by his actions not his words, and his actions suggest he has no interest in peace. To prove he is serious about peace he must agree to the full and unconditional ceasefire offered by Ukraine and supported by the United States.

Mister Chair, earlier this week the Human Rights Centre Zmina organised a side event in the margins of the Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting on the issue of civil society resistance and losses during Russia’s war against Ukraine. It placed a spotlight on the vital work of Ukraine’s brave civil society members and the high price that too many of them have tragically paid for their work amid Russia’s war.

Russia continues to arbitrarily detain thousands of Ukrainian civilians, including human rights defenders and journalists. This was established by a mission of independent experts who, a little over a year ago, reported to the Permanent Council following the invocation of the Moscow Mechanism.

The Mission found that detainees had been subjected to torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, sexual violence and other forms of serious mistreatment. The Mission also recorded cases of extrajudicial killings of arbitrarily detained Ukrainian civilians.

The expert mission made a range of recommendations to the Russian Federation. A year later, these remain unanswered; just like those from the other four Moscow Mechanism reports. We urge the Russian Federation to respond substantively to all these recommendations and release, without delay, all Ukrainian civilians who continue to be held arbitrarily.

Thank you, Mister Chair.

May 8, 2025