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NEWS STORY : Tory Leader Kemi Badenoch Says that Tories Can Work with Reform at a Local Level

STORY

In a statement made today, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has indicated that local Conservative councillors may consider forming coalitions with Reform UK following the upcoming local elections in England on 1 May. While she has consistently dismissed the possibility of a national alliance with Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, Badenoch acknowledged the pragmatic necessities at the local government level.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Badenoch remarked, “You don’t get to have a rerun of an election at local level, so what I’m telling local leaders across the country is they have to do what is right for the people in their local area.” She emphasised that any such coalitions should adhere to Conservative principles, including “sound money” and limited government intervention.

This development comes as the Conservative Party braces for challenging local elections, with expectations of significant losses in over 20 councils. The previous elections in these areas occurred during a period of heightened support for the Conservatives in 2021, following the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out. Given the anticipated shift, many councils are projected to enter a state of no overall control, increasing the likelihood of cross-party coalitions. The Labour Party has criticised the potential for Conservative-Reform alignments, suggesting they could perpetuate political instability. Despite some MPs advocating for a right-wing alliance, both the Conservative Party and Reform UK have publicly rejected the idea at the national level. Notably, over 60 Reform candidates in the upcoming elections are former Conservatives, indicating shifting dynamics within the right-wing political landscape.

April 10, 2025
NEWS STORY : Guardian Newspaper Claim Tory Peer Facilitated Ministerial Meeting for Canadian Firm Amid Funding Pursuit

STORY

Conservative peer Lord Ian Duncan of Springbank is under scrutiny for arranging a meeting between Canadian nuclear technology company Terrestrial Energy and UK nuclear minister Andrew Bowie while serving as an adviser to the firm. At the time, Terrestrial Energy was seeking government funding through the UK’s Nuclear Fuel Fund the Guardian newspaper has reported.

Duncan, a former junior climate minister and current deputy speaker in the House of Lords, joined Terrestrial Energy’s advisory board in 2020. Although unpaid, he received share options that could become lucrative following the company’s anticipated $1 billion public listing.

House of Lords regulations prohibit members from leveraging their positions for financial gain or engaging in lobbying activities. Ethics experts suggest Duncan’s actions may have breached these rules. He maintains that he merely facilitated contact and informally disclosed his financial interest. In July 2023, Terrestrial Energy and its partners were awarded £2.9 million, though there is no direct evidence linking the grant to the meeting.

This incident is part of a broader examination of conduct within the House of Lords which is being led by the Guardian newspaper, prompting calls for stricter regulations to prevent potential conflicts of interest.

April 10, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Clean Power for Growth roundtable – UK-Italy bilateral statement [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 April 2025.

The Clean Power for Growth roundtable took place at the Mattatoio in Rome on 9 April 2025.

The Rt Hon. David Lammy, UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, and the Italian Vice-President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, co-chaired a roundtable in Rome today focused on clean power for growth, in the presence of His Majesty The King and the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella.

Today, in the presence of His Majesty The King and of the President of the Italian Republic, we discussed the efforts of Italy and the UK to drive forward work on clean power for growth. We reiterated the commitments made in the Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Cooperation signed by the UK and Italy in April 2023, and the Joint Statement between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the President of the Council of Ministers Giorgia Meloni in September 2024. We emphasised the importance for affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, in supporting sustainable inclusive growth and development.

Energy security, accessibility, sustainability and affordability is important now and for future generations. We must embrace the opportunities we have to diversify energy systems, with all the benefits they bring. We recognise the important progress that Italy led during its G7 Presidency and through its Mattei Plan for Africa, and the UK’s new Global Clean Power Alliance. We will continue to promote this approach globally and through the International Energy Agency Summit on the Future of Energy Security in London.

We underline our commitment, in the context of a global effort, to accelerate the phase-out of unabated fossil fuels to achieve net zero in energy systems by 2050 at the latest, reaching Paris Agreement goals and COP28 Global Stocktake outcomes. We recognise that in a complex and changing geopolitical context, energy security, affordability and independence have become a priority. In this scenario, we underline that energy security is strongly linked to the energy transition and reiterate the need to take advantage of all decarbonisation solutions and technologies, while recognising different national pathways. We will work together to accelerate all opportunities offered by the transition to clean energy, including stimulating economic growth, unlocking new innovations, maximising clean alternatives and nature-based solutions, and creating new skills and jobs, to establish energy systems that are more resilient. This provides the most effective route to ensuring energy security and energy affordability, whilst also delivering long-term prosperity. We will demonstrate clean power leadership through the G7, G20, UN General Assembly, COP30 and beyond.

We are committed to working together on the challenges now and in the future around clean energy supply chain resilience and to promoting just, secure, sustainable and inclusive energy transitions. Both the UK and Italy are pushing economic growth opportunities through our vibrant clean energy industrial bases, recognising that new partnerships on clean power supply chains will be essential in supporting this. This is why Italy and the UK will work together on this agenda. We also recognise the need to support Africa’s ambitions and efforts to develop adequate clean energy infrastructure and supply chains, in a spirit of equitable and strategic partnerships. We welcome the partnerships forged between UK and Italian energy companies. We are committed to deepening these further.

April 10, 2025
NEWS STORY : UK and India Seal £400 Million Trade and Investment Package to Drive Joint Growth

STORY

The United Kingdom and India have announced a series of trade and investment agreements totalling £400 million, aiming to bolster economic growth and strengthen bilateral ties. This development emerged from the 13th UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD) held in London on April 9, 2025. Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman led the discussions, resulting in a joint statement that unlocks cooperation across various sectors, including defence, financial services, education, and development. The agreements comprise £128 million in new export deals and investments, supplemented by recent deals worth £271 million.

A notable highlight is Paytm, India’s largest digital payment app, announcing plans to invest in the UK to enhance access to affordable digital payments and credit for small businesses. Chancellor Reeves emphasised the importance of these agreements in the context of global economic challenges, stating, “In a changing world, it is imperative we go further and faster to kickstart economic growth.” She underscored the government’s commitment to negotiating trade deals that support British businesses and enhance economic security.

The EFD also facilitated discussions on advancing a Free Trade Agreement and a Bilateral Investment Treaty between the UK and India. Both nations expressed optimism about finalising these agreements, with approximately 90% of the Free Trade Agreement reportedly settled. Key areas of focus include reducing tariffs on UK exports such as whisky and automobiles, and improving market access for British professional services. Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds highlighted the significance of these developments, noting that they reflect a shared ambition to deepen cultural and trading ties. He emphasised that the agreements are expected to create new opportunities, support jobs, and attract investment in both countries.

April 10, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Now is the time to generate growth together with India [April 2025]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 9 April 2025.
- £400m of trade and investment wins set to boost the British economy and deliver economic growth and security for working people.
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces joint statement unlocking cooperation across a range of business sectors.
- Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Minister Sitharaman bring together key business leaders from both the UK and India to drive economic growth.
£400m of trade and investment wins are set to boost the British economy and deliver economic growth and security for working people as the government vows to back British business through uncertain global times.

Today (Wednesday 09 April), the Chancellor and Business and Trade Secretary took part in the 13th UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD), marking a significant moment in unlocking opportunities as the two countries look to strengthen economic ties and secure a Free Trade Agreement and Bilateral Investment Treaty.

Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said:

In a changing world, it is imperative we go further and faster to kickstart economic growth. We have listened to British businesses, which is why we’re negotiating trade deals with countries across the world, including India, so we can support them and put more money in people’s pockets as part of our Plan for Change.

Our relationship with India is longstanding and broad and I am delighted with the progress made throughout this dialogue to develop it further.

Today’s EFD was Chancellor Reeves’ first with India. It saw the signing of a joint statement unlocking cooperation across a range of business sectors, including defence, financial services, education and development, and strengthened governmental collaboration across growth, economic resilience and international financial issues.

The government is working to make Britain the best country in the world to do business, already bringing in more stability, offering an open trading economy and creating the right conditions for investment.

At the London Stock Exchange today, the Chancellor and her Indian counterpart set out plans to generate growth, improve our Financial Services ties and deepen policy cooperation on the UK Industrial Strategy, tax, sustainable finance and illicit finance.

The total commercial package from this dialogue is made up of new announcements worth £128m in export deals and investments, as well as recent deals worth £271m. This includes:
- Paytm, India’s largest digital payment app, announced plans to invest in the UK to accelerate access to affordable digital payments and credit for small businesses.
- Barclays Bank PLC India announced on 18 March a further capital injection of over £210M into its Indian operations, affirming its long-term commitment to India. This capital investment will grow its businesses across the Investment and Private Banking in India.
- HSBC Bank will expand its presence from the current 14 cities to 34 cities in India. This significant expansion will enable the bank to cover approximately 95% of India’s wealth market, reinforcing their commitment to India.
- Standard Chartered Bank today announced that it has shifted to larger office premises at GIFT City, reinforcing its long-term commitment to India’s premier international financial services hub.
- Mphasis, an Indian tech business, are setting up a quantum centre of excellence in London and exploring an office in Nottingham which will support 100 jobs.
- British International Investment Plc (BII) is committing $10m to the agritech start up, Grow Indigo, to pilot an innovative carbon credit programme to promote regenerative agricultural practices in India.
- WNS, a global digital-led business transformation services company founded in India with a $2.7bn market cap, will expand their London HQ presence with a new office and open a state-of-the-art AI design hub to expand the UK’s AI and digital talent pool to drive growth and create jobs.
- Revolut announced that they are gearing up for launch in India later this year, following authorisation this week from Reserve Bank of India.
- UK firm Wise announces plans to open a new office in Hyderabad, India as part of broader mission to transform the trillion-pound international money movement market.
- Prudential’s announcement of launching their first fully owned global services hub in Bengaluru and third joint venture in India establishing a standalone health insurance business.
- British International Investment invest $15m investment in vehicle dedicated to investing in India based on inclusion-focused early-stage companies.
- The UK welcomes India paving the way to allow Indian companies to list internationally and exploring listing at the London Stock Exchange. The India-UK Financial Partnership published its report ‘Catalysing Bilateral Growth: Connecting India and the UK’s Equity Capital Markets report’. The report aims to lay the foundation for advancing capital account connectivity and strengthening confidence in both markets and will be presented following the EFD.
- Coventry University announced today that it is set to become the first English university to be granted a licence to open a campus in India, as UK universities are being granted licences to open a campus in India’s new GIFT city. And the London School of Economics announced that Tata Trusts is continuing its enduring partnership with LSE by awarding a Corpus Grant to support scholarships for Indian students at the School.
- Agreement for both sides to continue excellent collaboration as co-chairs of the G20’s Framework Working Group and to work closely together to promote discussion and build consensus around responses to risks to the global macroeconomic outlook.
- New ambitions set for joint investments in green enterprises, tech start-ups and climate adaptation building on the success of the UK-India Green Growth Equity Fund (GGEF).
Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds and Minister Sitharaman also today hosted a business roundtable, bringing together key leaders from the financial and professional business services sectors including Tide, HSBC, Aviva, Vodafone, WNS, and Mizuho International. Attendees recognised the strength of the economic relationship between the UK and India, as well as the opportunity for closer collaboration – including through an ambitious trade deal.

Areas for collaboration on defence were also identified, as both sides looked forward to the finalisation of the India-UK Defence Industrial Roadmap, set to strengthen ties between industrial sectors and integrate supply chains.

Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds said:

I was delighted to meet with Minister Sitharaman, hear from businesses, and discuss how we can strengthen the strong economic bonds between our two nations.

Both the UK and India are committed to delivering economic growth and giving businesses the confidence and stability they need to expand.

That is why we are continuing to negotiate towards an ambitious trade deal that unlocks opportunities both at home and abroad for British businesses and supports our Plan for Change.

The UK and India have strong economic, cultural, and education links, with India being a key trading partner for the UK with over £40bn worth of UK-India trade last year alone. The UK’s long-standing programme of EFDs with India is the critical forum to deliver continuous economic gains over time.

The EFD follows a recent visit to Delhi by Jonathan Reynolds, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, which relaunched UK-India trade negotiations.

Keshav R. Murugesh, Group CEO, WNS said:

The UK and India stand as natural partners, and this re-energized trade and investment relationship marks a pivotal stride in our already strong alliance. The potential before us is immense. By formalizing our collaboration in pioneering fields like AI, we will not only fuel innovation and generate high-skilled jobs in both our nations, but also solidify our joint leadership in this transformative era. This is indeed a thrilling chapter for the UK-India partnership.

Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive, Standard Chartered said:

In the face of global developments, it is imperative that we think creatively and act in partnership. The UK and India’s focus on strengthening financial ties and deepening cooperation between our governments, regulators, industry leaders and experts, plays an important role in driving economic progress, setting global benchmarks for stability and innovation and paving the way for greater trade and investment in both countries.

The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Alastair King,

We had a highly constructive discussion with Hon. Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and The Rt. Hon. Jonathan Reynolds, joined by leaders from across the financial services sector. There is a strong, shared commitment to deepen our economic partnership and drive greater prosperity—particularly in key areas such as green finance, infrastructure investment, and fintech.

Global trade is entering a new era, where strategic alliances and trade agreements are more crucial than ever. As we look ahead to the UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue and continue FTA negotiations, our focus remains on sustaining momentum and delivering tangible outcomes in the months to come.”

David Schwimmer, CEO, LSEG said:

LSEG is honoured to host the 13th UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue at the London Stock Exchange as part of our continued support for initiatives that promote collaboration and connectivity between UK and Indian financial markets. Through deepened partnership, the governments and regulators from both countries can help to build an environment which delivers real benefits to their financial markets and economies.
April 10, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary David Lammy hosts energy firms and banks to discuss climate change [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 April 2025.

Government, industry, international organisations and institutions met in the Mattatoio, Rome, to discuss the global shift to clean power.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy joined forces with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to spearhead discussions with top British and Italian energy businesses, banks and international organisations in Rome today.

The Clean Power for Growth Roundtable took place against the historic backdrop of the Mattatoio in Rome, to galvanize global leadership and foster international cooperation on a clean energy transition, while unlocking clean growth, job opportunities and build robust clean energy supply chains, including for critical minerals.

Today’s meeting is supporting the government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower, protecting households from unstable fossil fuel markets and helping keep bills down for good, while at the same time unlocking job opportunities in the UK’s clean energy sector.

The high-profile event focused on the immense potential within the energy and financial sector to tackle climate change for the greater good of all and emphasise the urgent need for innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.

Senior representatives from the energy industry, finance, international organisations, and institutions from the UK and Italy attended the roundtable, including Centrica, Octopus Energy, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Kings Trust International, the International Energy Agency, United Nations Development Programme, Barclays, Italian energy company Eni Plenitude and Milan based cable manufacturers Prysmian.

Today’s talks, moderated by the UK’s Special Representative for Climate, Rachel Kyte, addressed three core themes:
- the need for responsible global clean power leadership
- unlocking clean growth and jobs, particularly for young people in Africa
- and action to build resilient clean power supply chains
Foreign Secretary Lammy emphasised that a successful global clean power transition requires strong political leadership, international partnerships that deliver, a skilled workforce, and a robust supply chain.

The roundtable also highlighted the UK-Italy partnership on climate and energy, support for Italy’s G7 Energy for Growth in Africa Initiative and the UK’s leadership of the Global Clean Power Alliance. This collaboration aims to drive economic growth and jobs, create new business opportunities within the clean energy sector and establish energy systems that are more resilient.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

The UK and Italy are strengthening our partnership to unlock growth opportunities, create jobs and accelerate the global transition to clean, secure, affordable energy, as part of our government’s Plan for Change.

The shift to clean energy is a global challenge that requires us all – governments, energy businesses and the financial sector – to work together. Our talks in Rome are a key moment to unlock clean growth and build robust clean energy supply chains, including for critical minerals – for the benefit of us all.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said:

Energy is a key driver of growth for our businesses, our economies and our societies. Italy and the United Kingdom share common objectives with regard to the energy transition, which are also clearly outlined in our 2023 Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Cooperation: technological neutrality, achieving net zero emissions by 2050, phasing out coal for energy production and increasing the role of renewables and new technologies for the production of clean energy.

We actively cooperated for the success of the CoP 26 in Glasgow, launching a major project at the 2021 pre-CoP in Milan for the involvement of young people committed to the fight against climate change. We also share the vision that inspired many initiatives promoted by Italy during its presidency of the G7, especially with regard to access to energy in Africa, where we are actively engaged also through the Mattei Plan.

His Majesty The King and Italian President Mattarella attended the end of the session and were briefed on the roundtable discussion on global progress towards clean power.

Today’s roundtable comes ahead of the UK hosting the International Energy Agency Summit on the Future of Energy Security in London on 24 and April, bringing together energy Ministers from across the world, and further highlighting the UK’s commitment to lead global efforts to put the energy transition at the heart of our approach to energy security.
April 10, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK Government announces landmark NI Troubles archives projects [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 9 April 2025.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, has today (9 April) set out the details of two landmark archival projects relating to the Troubles.
- Two archival projects seek to provide greater accessibility, transparency and understanding of UK Government policy during the Troubles.
- The announcement follows the appointment of an independent expert advisory panel to make recommendations on key details of the archival research project.
- As part of the Government’s commitment to support efforts to address the legacy of the Troubles, these projects will now be taken forward to the implementation stage.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, has today set out the details of two landmark archival projects relating to the Troubles.

The first is a project to digitise and publish open UK Government records relating to the NI Troubles in collaboration with The National Archives. This will broaden access by publishing digital copies of paper records that have previously only been available by visiting The National Archives at Kew, making them free to view online.

The second is an archival research project, which will see official historians appointed, following a transparent and independent recruitment process, to research UK Government policy towards Northern Ireland during the Troubles. They will be given full access to UK state archives.

These projects will provide a unique resource for anyone interested in the history of the Troubles and government policy. They will seek to build public confidence through greater accessibility and transparency, and provide a deeper understanding of UK Government policy and decision making on Northern Ireland during the Troubles.

Speaking during a visit to The National Archives at Kew, the Secretary of State said:

I am pleased to support work by The National Archives to digitise and publish key records relating to this complex period in our history. I have seen today examples of the records digitisation process and look forward to the first records in this project being published in the autumn.

I am also grateful to members of the academic advisory panel for lending their expertise to the important archival research project, and I have every confidence that they will ensure it is conducted to the highest academic standards. Their first task will be to identify highly qualified and independently-minded historians via open competition, and I would encourage anyone interested in this project to find out more on their website.

Taken together, these projects will provide an invaluable resource for the public, journalists, educational institutions, researchers, and academics, making information about this period in Northern Ireland’s history more accessible, and so making government decision-making more transparent.

Saul Nassé, Chief Executive of The National Archives, said:

The National Archives’ documents provide a valuable perspective on the Troubles.

This project will mean the widest possible audience will be able to view the records online to grow their understanding of this significant period in modern history.

Co-chairs of the independent advisory panel, Professor Caoimhe Nic Dháibhéid and Lord Bew, said:

We welcome the Government’s strong commitment to increasing access to state archives, which has been an important part of dealing with the past in many other countries.

The Government has rightly recognised the need for work of this nature to be conducted transparently and independently, and as co-chairs of the expert advisory panel we look forward to engaging with colleagues across the academic community as we collectively seek to further understanding of this important period in our history.

Notes to Editors:
1. The previous Government originally announced these two non-legislative Northern Ireland Legacy initiatives – an Official History granting independent historians privileged access to state archives and a Digitisation Project, making open Government records relating to the Northern Ireland Troubles readily available to all, virtually and free of charge.
2. An initial phase of the digitisation project took place in May 2023 with the launch of a stand-alone digital resource hosted on the The National Archives website, which brought together a selection of key documents from the Major and Blair Governments to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
3. As part of the Government’s commitment to support efforts to address the legacy of the Troubles, these projects will now be taken forward to the implementation stage. Further updates on both projects will be provided as they progress. There will be a phased approach to the digitisation project, and we expect the first tranche of records to be available on The National Archives’ website by autumn 2025.
4. The Government’s Official History series began in 1908, and involves independent historians appointed by the Prime Minister granted privileged access to closed files beyond the normal provisions of the Public Records Act. Previous examples of official histories include the Official History of the Falklands Campaign (published in 2007) and the Official History of the Royal Navy in World War II (published in volumes between 1954 and 1961).
5. In 2008, the previous Labour Government commissioned Sir Joseph Pilling to review the Official History series. Sir Joseph made a number of recommendations to increase the transparency and relevance of the programme, and the report is published here.
6. The Government has appointed an independent expert advisory panel to make recommendations on key details of this project. The panel consists of Lord Paul Bew (Emeritus Professor of Politics at Queen’s University Belfast); Professor Caoimhe Nic Dháibhéid (Senior Lecturer in Modern History at University of Sheffield); Professor Henry Patterson (Emeritus Professor of Politics at the University of Ulster); Dr Edward Burke (Assistant Professor in the History of War, University College Dublin); Professor Richard Bourke (Professor of the History of Political Thought, University of Cambridge); Professor Helen Parr (Professor of Modern and Contemporary History, Keele University); Professor Ian McBride (Foster Professor of Irish History, Oxford University).
7. A website with further information about the project is at www.niofficialhistory.org.uk. The advisory panel is overseeing an independent recruitment process for up to five official historians. The panel is currently seeking expressions of interest for these posts, and further information can be found here.
April 10, 2025
NEWS STORY : UK Government Steps Up Crackdown on Child Sexual Abuse with New Measures and Arrest Record
STORY

In a recent address to Parliament, Home Office Minister Jess Phillips outlined the UK government’s intensified efforts to combat child sexual abuse and exploitation. Emphasising the gravity of these crimes, Phillips highlighted that an estimated 500,000 children are sexually abused annually. In 2023 alone, there were 115,000 recorded cases of child sexual abuse, with 4,228 identified as group-based offences.

Phillips reported significant progress by the Grooming Gangs Taskforce, which contributed to 550 arrests in its first year up to March 2024. Notably, in the subsequent nine months of 2024, the Taskforce achieved 597 arrests, surpassing its previous annual performance. Data for early 2025 is forthcoming, but these figures indicate a positive trend in law enforcement’s response.

To further strengthen child protection, the government is implementing several measures:
- Child Sexual Abuse Police Performance Framework: Introducing new standards focused on public protection, child abuse, and exploitation.
- Legislation Targeting Online Offending: Addressing abuse and grooming facilitated by emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
- Enhanced Border Force Powers: Enabling the detection of digitally held child sexual abuse material at UK borders.
- Restrictions on Registered Sex Offenders: Preventing offenders from changing their names to evade detection.
- Increased Investment in Law Enforcement: Bolstering capabilities through the Police Uplift Programme.
These initiatives build upon previous commitments, such as the introduction of mandatory reporting laws for child sexual abuse and the establishment of a victims and survivors panel to guide policy implementation. The government’s comprehensive approach aims to ensure perpetrators are apprehended and that victims receive the justice and support they deserve.
April 10, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Leisure travel tops charts for reasons people choose rail [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 9 April 2025.

The railway network connects people across the country, fuelling business, growth and opportunity.
- new research from the Department for Transport shows that leisure is the most common reason for travelling by train
- post-pandemic trends continue as results show the most common days to commute by train are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
- whether its visiting friends and family, going on holiday or the usual commute, our railway provides vital connections across the country, boosting growth and fuelling our economy as part of the Plan for Change
Passengers are more likely to take the train for leisure travel while commuters would rather take the train midweek are the key takeaways from a new research report published today (9 April 2025) by the Department for Transport (DfT).

The railway connects communities across the country, moving people to get to work, education, healthcare and leisure. It provides vital infrastructure essential for delivering growth, providing opportunity and raising living standards as part of the Plan for Change.

The government is undertaking a once in a generation overhaul of the rail network, bringing train operating companies into public ownership and setting up Great British Railways (GBR), bringing track and train together to put passengers first.

In order to better understand how passengers use the railway and deliver a network that works for their needs, DfT did an investigation into the reasons passengers take the train. The report found that:
- 54% respondents said they were travelling for leisure
- 30% were commuting for work or education
- 15% were travelling for business
- 61% said they travelled by rail for leisure at least once a month
- 41% said they used the railway for commuting at least once a week, with Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday being the most popular days
This shows a return to midweek office working, demonstrating how essential the railway is for connecting people to get to work, providing a path for opportunity and catalysing economic growth.

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said:

Our railway is the backbone of our economy, connecting people across the country and fuelling business, growth and opportunity, supporting the Plan for Change.

This research shows thousands of passengers choose the train for their leisure travel. To go and see family and friends, go on holiday or go to big events whether its concerts, festivals or a football match, the train is the best way to get there.

Resetting industrial relations has meant there have been no national strikes since 9 May 2024, which has protected passengers from significant disruption and delays, avoiding further impacts to the hospitality industry and wider economy. This has meant the network has been able to start getting its financial footing back, with green shoots appearing in rail revenue with an increase of 8% from the latest quarter (October to December 2024) compared to the same quarter in 2023. Public ownership will turn the page on fragmentation and mean every penny can be spent for the benefit of passengers rather than private shareholders.

A key barrier to more people taking the train is still a lack of consistency in reliable services as delays and cancellations mean people miss days of work, hospital appointments or social events. The latest passenger data shows cancellations in the latest quarter (October to December 2024) was 5.1%, with 70,000 fully cancelled trains across the network.

The government is determined to drive up performance, and the Rail Minister is meeting with all train operators to address concerns and demand immediate action. On top of this, last month the Transport Secretary announced a new era of rail accountability, making performance information available at over 1,700 stations showing the punctuality and reliability of trains visiting those stations.

This year’s rail sale was the biggest one yet, encouraging more people to take the train with over one million tickets sold and top destinations including Manchester, York and London Bridge. Great British Railways will have a relentless focus on putting passengers at the centre of every journey, encouraging more people to take the train by improving standards and driving up performance.
April 10, 2025
NEWS STORY : UK Reaffirms Commitment to UN Peacekeeping at Security Council Meeting

STORY

On 7 April 2025, Fergus Eckersley, the United Kingdom’s Minister Counsellor, addressed the United Nations Security Council, emphasising the UK’s unwavering support for UN peacekeeping operations as essential instruments for global peace and security.

Key Points from the Address

Eckersley underscored the pivotal role UN peacekeeping missions play in implementing and monitoring ceasefires, citing historical examples in Cyprus and the Golan Heights. He highlighted the importance of evaluating each mandate individually to ensure effective deployment of peacekeeping forces.

Focus on Lebanon and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Addressing specific regions, Eckersley welcomed the United States’ initiative to facilitate talks between Lebanon and Israel, viewing it as a significant step toward lasting peace. He commended the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for its efforts in de-escalating tensions and supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces in southern Lebanon, in line with Resolution 1701.

Regarding the DRC, Eckersley advocated for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue through the East African Community and Southern African Development Community processes, as outlined in Resolution 2773. He suggested that the United Nations Organisation Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) could effectively monitor a ceasefire once established but stressed the necessity of restoring MONUSCO’s freedom of movement, condemning ongoing restrictions that hinder its mandated tasks, including civilian protection and aid facilitation.

Emphasis on Peacekeeper Safety

Eckersley concluded by emphasising the critical importance of ensuring the safety and security of UN peacekeepers, asserting that their well-being is fundamental to the successful monitoring of ceasefire agreements. He strongly condemned all attacks on UN peacekeepers, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to supporting those who work toward international peace and stability.

April 10, 2025