Blog

PRESS RELEASE : UK to step up military partnership with New Zealand as both countries drive forward defence and security agenda [April 2025]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 21 April 2025.

The UK is set to deepen defence and security ties with New Zealand as the Prime Minster strengthens alliances abroad to protect Britain’s national interest.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon set to step up support for Ukraine with new drone contract and extension to Operation Interflex
- Comes as leaders agree to deepen defence and security ties, with the Royal New Zealand Navy preparing to join the UK’s Carrier Strike Group as it heads to the Indo-Pacific
- Leaders also expected to discuss the importance of growth and free trade for economic and national security
The UK is set to deepen defence and security ties with New Zealand as the Prime Minster strengthens alliances abroad to protect Britain’s national interest.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer will host New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon this morning, with the leaders visiting the training of Ukrainian forces by the UK and New Zealand military as part of Operation Interflex. The visit follows the two leaders meeting at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa last year.

New Zealand trainers have worked alongside British counterparts to help train more than 54,000 soldiers on Operation Interflex, and New Zealand are expected to today confirm that they will extend their support for the initiative in the UK until the end of the year.

In addition to their support for training Ukrainian troops, military planners from the New Zealand Defence Force are contributing to the latest thinking and plans for post-conflict support for Ukraine through the Coalition of the Willing.

Prime Minister Starmer will also announce UK contracts worth £30m for drones produced by SYOS Aerospace, a New Zealand uncrewed vehicle manufacturer based in Hampshire to support Ukraine.

The contract has created 45 jobs at the manufacturing facility based in Fareham, Hampshire, and supports a further nine UK based companies with subcontracts – delivering on the government’s Plan for Change through both growth and security.

During the visit to see the training first hand, the leaders are expected to discuss plans to further step up defence and security cooperation, with defence ministers being instructed to work on a new joint defence partnership between both countries to ensure the relationship is fit for the twenty-first century.

The new arrangement, which will succeed the one signed in 2015, comes after both the UK and New Zealand increased defence spending to 2.5% and 2% of GDP respectively. It will also recognise the vital partnership between the UK and New Zealand in upholding stability and security across Europe, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific.

That includes through the involvement of Royal New Zealand Navy frigate, HMNZS Te Kaha, which will join the UK Carrier Strike Group, which leaves Portsmouth today, in the Indian Ocean.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

“Only by working with our friends and allies and protecting our national security will we be able to deliver on our Plan for Change, putting money back in the pockets of working people through highly skilled jobs – such as those we have announced today – a strong and resilient economy, and greater opportunity.

“From the beaches of Gallipoli, to the vital work we have been doing together on Operation Interflex and our support for Ukraine, the UK and New Zealand have stood shoulder-to-shoulder for generations in pursuit of peace and stability.

“As the world becomes an increasingly dangerous place, I am proud how much we are doing together to support our national and economic security – stepping up our defence spending, deploying our navies together in the Indo-Pacific, and continuing our work to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position to deter an increasingly aggressive Russia.”

Following the visit to Interflex training in the South West of England, the leaders will return to Downing Street to discuss how both countries can work together to drive growth, deliver on the government’s Plan for Change, and put money back in the pockets of working people.

That will include increasing ambition on free and open trade, including through the global Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership and New Zealand and the UK’s landmark Free Trade Agreement.

Total trade in goods and services between the UK and New Zealand was £3.6 billion in 12 months to September 2024 an increase of 5.3%, or £179 million in current prices, from 12 months leading up to September 2023.

It comes after Scottish firm Emergency One won a global competition to supply emergency vehicles to Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ). Through the ten-year contract, East Ayrshire based Emergency One will replace 186 vehicles for New Zealand’s first responders, supporting 25 new jobs in Scotland.

The UK and New Zealand are also deepening collaboration in the agriculture technology sector. A new Investor Partnership deal will see New Zealand investment in British small and medium enterprises to develop cutting edge equipment supporting growth, farming sustainability and food security.
April 22, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister Støre of Norway [April 2025]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 21 April 2025.

The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre this afternoon.

Reflecting on their shared priority of seeing peace in Ukraine, the leaders agreed there can be no let-up in their support for Ukraine. They also discussed the importance of keeping up economic pressure on Russia to ensure they engage seriously in talks.

On the topic of global trade, the Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to protecting UK interests through a cool and calm approach. The leaders agreed a trade war is in nobody’s interests.

They welcomed progress being made on the new bilateral defence agreement between their two countries and looked forward to discussing further soon.

April 22, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine [April 2025]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 21 April 2025.

The Prime Minister spoke to President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy this afternoon.

The Prime Minister reiterated his iron-clad support for Ukraine. He said that the UK supports Ukraine’s calls for Russia to commit to a full ceasefire and that now is the time for Putin to show he is serious about ending his brutal war.

They discussed the latest developments on the Coalition of the Willing, and looked forward to further progress towards a just and lasting peace.

April 22, 2025
NEWS STORY : UK Condemns Escalating Violence in Haiti, Calls for International Support

STORY

At a United Nations Security Council meeting on April 21, the United Kingdom expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in Haiti, where over 2,600 individuals, including nearly 400 women and children, have been killed in the past three months. UK Minister Counsellor Fergus Eckersley highlighted reports of coordinated attacks by criminal gangs aimed at destabilising Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council.

The UK firmly rejected all acts designed to destabilise Haiti and emphasised the need for full implementation of UN sanctions and the arms embargo. Eckersley underscored the importance of supporting Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council and Prime Minister Fils-Aimé in their efforts to restore security and prepare for elections scheduled for February 2026. The UK also acknowledged Kenya’s leadership in the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission and paid tribute to those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of restoring security in Haiti. The UK called for adequate support for the MSS mission and Haitian security forces to re-establish control over all areas of Port-au-Prince.

April 22, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : The UK firmly rejects all acts designed to destabilise Haiti – UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 April 2025.

Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Minister Counsellor, at the UN Security Council meeting on Haiti.

The UK is extremely concerned by the significant escalation of violence in Haiti.

Over 2,600 Haitians have been murdered over the past three months, including nearly 400 women and children.

We continue to hear horrifying accounts of sexual and gender-based violence targeting women, girls and boys.

One third of cases of sexual violence against children in Haiti in 2024 were gang rapes.

Through coordinated attacks on civilian communities, including the deliberate destruction of schools, churches and businesses, gangs continue to target the innocent and inflict horror on the people of Haiti.

Mr President, there are troubling reports of coordination between criminal gangs in order to destabilise Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council as they try to ensure security across the country.

We firmly reject all acts designed to destabilise Haiti.

The UK is committed to maintaining pressure via the implementation of sanctions on those who seek to destabilise Haiti, and we call for the full implementation of the UN sanctions regime and the arms embargo in Haiti.

The UK supports the efforts of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, Prime Minister Fils-Aimé and all stakeholders to work towards a secure and stable Haiti.

But now is the time for even greater action to restore security and to allow for elections to enable a transfer of power to an elected successor in February 2026.

This includes an urgent need for the Haitian National Police, supported by the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, to re-establish control over all areas of Port-au-Prince.

The UK thanks Kenya for its continued leadership of the MSS mission and pays tribute to those, both Kenyan and Haitian, who have lost their lives in the pursuit of restoring security for the Haitian people.

In light of the deteriorating security situation, it is clear that the MSS mission and the Haitian security forces need to be adequately supported to fulfil their mission.

This Council needs urgently to consider the recommendations of the Secretary General and agree how we can support the enhanced UN security support to Haiti.

Collectively, we must find a way to deliver stability and lasting peace for the people of Haiti.

April 22, 2025
Keir Starmer – 2025 Statement on the Death of Pope Francis

The statement made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 21 April 2025.

I join millions around the world in grieving the death of His Holiness Pope Francis.

His leadership in a complex and challenging time for the world and the church was courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility.

Pope Francis was a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten. He was close to the realities of human fragility, meeting Christians around the world facing war, famine, persecution and poverty. Yet he never lost hope of a better world.

That hope was as the heart of his papacy. His determination to visibly live out his faith inspired people across the world to see afresh the church’s teachings of mercy and charity.

With his death, we are reminded once more of his call to care for one another across different faiths, backgrounds, nations and beliefs.

My thoughts are with Catholics across the world, and the Roman Catholic church. May His Holiness Rest in Peace.

April 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Half-masting of flags following the death of His Holiness Pope Francis [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 21 April 2025.

It is with great regret that we learn of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis,

Flags will be flown at half mast on UK Government Buildings today until 20.00hrs on Tuesday 22nd of April 2025.

Other organisations and local authorities may follow suit.

April 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : List of dangerous products notified in Commission’s Safety Gate 2024 sets the path for increased consumer protection [April 2025]

The press release issued by the European Commission on 19 April 2025.

Today, the European Commission has unveiled its annual report on Safety Gate, the European Rapid Alert System for dangerous non-food products. The report presents an overview of dangerous products notified in the Safety Gate in 2024. 4,137 alerts were notified last year – the highest ever recorded amount of alerts since the launch of the system in 2003. This increase in alerts demonstrates the growing effectiveness and trust in the Safety Gate system, as authorities are using the platform more often to report and address potential threats to consumer safety. The report also outlines the follow-up actions taken by national authorities of the EU Member States, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein to prevent harm to consumers and stop the sale of hazardous products.

Main findings

Last year, cosmetics (36%) remained the most frequently reported products posing health risks, followed by toys (15%), electrical appliances (10%), motor vehicles (9%) and chemical products (6%).

Chemical ingredients were the main cause of risk in almost half of the alerts. Dangerous chemicals detected included cadmium, nickel and lead in jewellery, as well as allergenic fragrances in body oils, and synthetic chemicals used to soften the plastic, for example in some clothing. 97% of the cosmetics notified were reported to contain BMHCA, a banned synthetic fragrance, which can harm the reproductive system and cause skin irritation.

Alerts registered in the Safety Gate system triggered a robust response from market surveillance authorities with over 4,200 follow-up actions taken to stop the sale of these products or even take them off the market.

Next steps

The Commission is working closely with national market surveillance authorities to prepare the first ever product safety sweep. A ‘sweep’ is a set of checks carried out on websites simultaneously to identify breaches of EU consumer law in a particular sector. The aim of the product safety sweep will be to check the products sold on online marketplaces on their compliance with the new General Product Safety Regulation to ultimately enhance the safety of products offered for sale online.

Background

The Safety Gate Rapid Alert System enables national market surveillance authorities from the EU and European Economic Area (EEA) to report and take action against dangerous non-food products, warning other authorities to take swift action. Safety Gate alerts cover risks to human health and safety, such as choking, strangulation and damage to hearing or sight, as well as risks to the environment, energy resources and property.

Following the entry into application of the General Product Safety Regulation in December 2024, a modernised future-proof framework is now in place to ensure the safety of products on the EU market. The Regulation clarifies that all products sold in the EU online or offline, must be safe, regardless of their origin. It guarantees a better enforcement of the rules, improves the effectiveness of recalls of dangerous products and provides for the obligation by businesses to offer consumers remedies when recalling unsafe products and a new tool for consumers to report safety issues, such as the Consumer Safety Gateway.

With the e-Commerce Communication, presented in February 2025, the Commission proposed new joint actions to address concerns arising from the surge of unsafe or illicit products entering the Single Market from third countries. The e-Commerce Communication foresees targeted measures, among others, in the areas of customs and trade, such as launching customs controls, consumer protection and the Digital Services and Digital Markets Acts.

On 10 April 2025 the European Parliament and the Council reached a political agreement on the new toy safety rules. The new Regulation proposed by the Commission will ban the use of harmful chemicals, such as PFAS, endocrine disruptors and bisphenols, in toys. All toys will have a Digital Product Passport to prevent unsafe toys sold online and offline from entering the EU. The Regulation sets stricter rules on online sales and gives inspectors greater powers to remove dangerous toys from the market. This will ensure that imported toys are as safe for consumers as toys manufactured in the EU.

Since 2022, the eSurveillance ‘webcrawler’ application has supported national market surveillance enforcement authorities by detecting online offers of dangerous products signalled in Safety Gate. Each day, the application scans the internet in all official EU/EEA languages to identify reported dangerous products offered for sale to European consumers. The detected offers are automatically shared with the Member Sates’ enforcement authorities, enabling them to quickly trace the sellers and order the effective withdrawal of these listings. This contributes to harmonised enforcement actions and addresses the challenges of monitoring the online sale of dangerous products. In the past year, the eSurveillance webcrawler has processed nearly 4000 Safety Gate alerts, analysed almost 1.6 million websites, and identified about 5300 web shops potentially offering reported products.

April 21, 2025
NEWS STORY : Second ‘Signalgate’ Scandal as US Defence Secretary Hegseth Alleged to Have Leaked Sensitive Military Information via Signal

STORY

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing renewed scrutiny following revelations that he shared sensitive military information in a second Signal chat group, intensifying concerns over national security protocols within the Trump administration. The newly uncovered chat, named “Defense | Team Huddle” reportedly included Hegseth’s wife, brother, personal lawyer and senior staff members. In this group, Hegseth allegedly disseminated detailed flight plans for military strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, raising alarms about the potential exposure of classified information to individuals without proper security clearances.

This incident follows a prior controversy where Hegseth inadvertently shared similar sensitive details in another Signal chat that mistakenly included a journalist. The recurrence of such lapses has led to bipartisan calls for accountability. Senator Mark Warner, Vice Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has demanded the resignations of Hegseth and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, criticising their failure to adhere to basic security protocols.

The Trump administration has downplayed the severity of the leaks, with officials asserting that no classified information was compromised. However, the Pentagon’s Inspector General has initiated a review into the use of Signal for official communications and legal experts have raised concerns about potential violations of federal laws governing the handling of sensitive information. Hegseth is expected to make a statement on the matter as concerns grow about the leadership of the US military.

April 21, 2025
NEWS STORY : Pope Francis has Died at the Age of 88

STORY

The death of Pope Francis has been confirmed, passing at the age of 88 on Easter Mondays. In a statement, Cardinal Kevin Farrell said:

“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis”.

April 21, 2025