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  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK remains committed to supporting a Haitian-led pathway to sustainable peace – UK statement at the UN Security Council [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK remains committed to supporting a Haitian-led pathway to sustainable peace – UK statement at the UN Security Council [July 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 July 2026.

    Statement by Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Haiti.

    I want to start by welcoming the Secretary-General’s recent visit to Haiti, which comes at a critical time for the Haitian people. 

    Nearly 1.5 million people are currently displaced, more than half the population is food insecure, and access to essential services is severely restricted. 

    Within the most recent reporting period, BINUH documented 853 survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, in which collective rape accounted for 84% of cases.

    I will outline three urgent priorities to help address these intersecting crises.

    First, we welcome the deployment of the Gang Suppression Force, whose success will be key to addressing instability in Haiti.

    It is vital that operations are fully compliant with the human rights framework set out in resolution 2793 and include robust child protection measures. 

    In this context, the UK has committed up to $7.5 million to the Human Rights Compliance Mechanism for the Gang Suppression Force, delivered by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

    This builds on our support for the human rights elements of the GSF’s predecessor, the MSS mission and reflects our firm conviction that accountability and civil protection are fundamental to restoring trust and stability in Haiti.

    Second, we remain deeply concerned by the high proportion of children recruited by gangs. We need to take action to break the cycle of violence and prevent future lost generations.

    We welcome the visit in May to Haiti of the SRSG for Children and Armed Conflict and the clear message that she has underlined today: that children associated with gangs must be treated as victims.

    We urge the Haitian authorities to implement the handover protocol for children associated with gangs without delay, including establishing the promised task force and framework.

    We also call on the Government to develop credible and resourced disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration programmes that tackle the drivers of instability and protect the most vulnerable.

    Thirdly, recent progress on Haiti’s electoral timetable is welcome. We encourage continued momentum towards holding credible elections, which are vital for Haiti’s transition.

    Madam President, listening today, many have referred to this being a critical moment, a window of opportunity. The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting a Haitian-led pathway to sustainable peace, where improved security is matched by strengthened rule of law and respect for human rights.

    We will continue to work with all Haitian stakeholders and our international partners to this end, for the benefit of all the people of Haiti.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Quadrilateral Joint Statement on Canada becoming an Observer to GCAP [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Quadrilateral Joint Statement on Canada becoming an Observer to GCAP [July 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 21 July 2026.

    On July 21, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, Japanese Defense Minister KOIZUMI Shinjirō, UK Secretary of State for Defence Wes Streeting, and Canadian Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty met in London to discuss Canada’s participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

    The Ministers of Italy, Japan and the UK welcomed Canada’s participation as an Observer, and all four Ministers welcomed the opportunities arising from this important development. This announcement marks an important step in strengthening cooperation among trusted, like-minded partners through the Programme.

    Observer status will provide Canada with enhanced insight into GCAP and an opportunity to deepen its understanding of the Programme’s governance, capabilities and industrial framework, as well as the related security requirements and wider partnering opportunities.

    For Italy, Japan and the UK, Canada’s involvement will also support greater alignment of strategic priorities and deepen mutual understanding of future combat air ambitions, thereby strengthening global security.

    Since the Programme’s inception, GCAP has been founded on the principle that international collaboration delivers significant benefits. In a complex global security environment, Italy, Japan, and the UK have remained committed to engaging with trusted allies and partners to strengthen the Programme and maximise its long-term strategic impact.

    As they begin this new phase of the Programme, the Ministers of Italy, Japan, and the UK reaffirmed their commitment to openness, collaboration with like-minded partners, and the delivery of a next-generation combat aircraft capable of meeting future security challenges.

  • Stephen Kinnock – 2026 Comments on Becoming Welsh Secretary

    Stephen Kinnock – 2026 Comments on Becoming Welsh Secretary

    The comments made by Stephen Kinnock on 22 July 2026 after becoming the new Secretary of State for Wales.

    It is the privilege of my life to be appointed Welsh Secretary, and to serve the people of Wales as part of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s new Cabinet. 

    Wales succeeds when we all pull in the same direction, and I will work across all levels of government to deliver the best possible outcomes for our communities as a dynamic and confident country in a dynamic and strong United Kingdom.

    As Welsh Secretary I will ensure that the Wales Office will continue to champion Wales within the UK Government and that the needs of the Welsh people are prioritised. 

    This is about building a strong Wales within a strong United Kingdom where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential with good growth in every Welsh postcode and where communities are in control and supported by government at every level.

    I am truly honoured to be taking on this role at such a pivotal time for Wales and for the UK, and I am clear that there is no limit to what we can achieve by working together.

  • NEWS STORY : New Controversy for Angela Rayner as she refuses to repay £16,876 severance payment

    NEWS STORY : New Controversy for Angela Rayner as she refuses to repay £16,876 severance payment

    STORY

    Angela Rayner has refused to return the £16,876 ministerial severance payment she received after resigning as Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary over the controversy surrounding unpaid stamp duty on her Hove property. The Labour MP has now returned to the Cabinet as Housing Secretary under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, prompting accusations that she is benefiting from arrangements she previously criticised when Conservative ministers received similar payments.

    Asked on BBC Radio 5 Live whether she would repay the money, Rayner said she would not, arguing that she had worked in Government for a substantial period and then remained outside it for almost a year. She contrasted her position with Conservative ministers who returned to office within weeks of receiving severance payments. Rayner previously said it showed a “staggering lack of shame” for former Conservative ministers to accept large payouts after leaving office, while Labour later backed proposals requiring some returning ministers to repay the corresponding portion of their severance

  • NEWS STORY : Burnham and Carney discuss defence investment and trade

    NEWS STORY : Burnham and Carney discuss defence investment and trade

    STORY

    Prime Minister Andy Burnham has spoken with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who congratulated him on his appointment. Downing Street said the two leaders discussed cost-of-living announcements made during Burnham’s first days in office.

    They also discussed the UK-Canada relationship and Canada’s decision to join the Global Combat Air Programme as an observer. The call covered defence collaboration on strategic projects.

    The leaders discussed the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank and the Multilateral Defence Mechanism. Downing Street said they also touched on the growing trade relationship between the two countries.

  • NEWS STORY : EU Council agrees migration and border funding mandate

    NEWS STORY : EU Council agrees migration and border funding mandate

    STORY

    The Council of the EU has agreed its partial negotiating position on financial support for migration, border management, visas and internal security for 2028 to 2034. The three regulations form part of the EU’s next long-term budget package.

    The Council said the funds would support implementation of the pact on migration and asylum, management of external borders and visa processing, and action against internal security threats. The mandate excludes financial envelopes and horizontal issues still being discussed in broader budget talks.

    The position will be used in negotiations with the European Parliament. The Council said support in these areas would be delivered through national and regional partnership plans prepared by member states.

  • NEWS STORY : Healey sets out five priorities at Treasury

    NEWS STORY : Healey sets out five priorities at Treasury

    STORY

    Chancellor John Healey has addressed Treasury staff after taking office under Prime Minister Andy Burnham. He used the speech to set out five priorities for the department and paid tribute to former Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

    Healey said his priorities were fiscal discipline, growth in every postcode, backing British industry and apprenticeships, wealth creation, and affordability for households. He said the Treasury would meet the Government’s fiscal rules.

    The speech followed Burnham’s Cabinet appointments earlier in the week. Healey has taken charge of the Treasury after previously serving as Defence Secretary.

  • NEWS STORY : Planning minister intervenes in Basildon local plan

    NEWS STORY : Planning minister intervenes in Basildon local plan

    STORY

    Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook has directed Basildon Council to make progress on its local plan after Government concerns about the age of the authority’s planning framework. Basildon has not adopted a local plan since 1998.

    The minister’s intervention letter requires the council to begin Regulation 19 consultation by 10 August. The council has also been directed to submit the plan for examination by 31 December 2026.

    Basildon councillors have criticised the intervention and backed a motion calling for the Government to revoke its housing target for the area. The council also sought a commitment that new housing should be matched by infrastructure and public services.

  • NEWS STORY : Burnham visits Scotland for first meetings with devolved leaders

    NEWS STORY : Burnham visits Scotland for first meetings with devolved leaders

    STORY

    Prime Minister Andy Burnham is visiting Scotland today for meetings with Scottish First Minister John Swinney and Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth. Downing Street said the visit forms part of the Prime Minister’s first week in office.

    The meetings are taking place in Glasgow before Burnham attends the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. He is expected to discuss devolution, economic growth and the cost of living with the devolved leaders.

    Downing Street said Burnham is also expected to visit Northern Ireland in August. The Government said he will meet the First Minister and deputy First Minister during the wider UK tour.

  • NEWS STORY : Single bus fares to be capped at £2 next year

    NEWS STORY : Single bus fares to be capped at £2 next year

    STORY

    Single bus fares in England outside London will be capped at £2 from 1 January 2027 under a Government announcement made during Burnham’s first week as Prime Minister. The Government said the cap would apply for the rest of 2027 and would cut maximum fares by a third.

    The measure is backed by £400 million in additional funding. Ministers said the funding would support everyday travel for work, education, healthcare, childcare and leisure.

    Current single fares outside London remain capped at £3 until the end of March 2027. The Government said the new £2 cap would prevent fares rising next spring and would give local authorities more time to plan services.