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  • PRESS RELEASE : Business Secretary wants UK to go ‘toe to toe’ with America on growth [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Business Secretary wants UK to go ‘toe to toe’ with America on growth [January 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 14 January 2026.

    In a speech to top business leaders the Business Secretary will lay out how the Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy will double down on the UK’s world-leading strengths in 2026 and not only scale up businesses, but keep them anchored in the UK.

    Business Secretary Peter Kyle will set out his ambition for the UK to go toe to toe on economic growth with the US economy to boost living standards today [Wednesday 14 January].

    In a speech to top business leaders including from Alphabet, Meta and Ford at Bloomberg’s London headquarters, he will lay out how the Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy will double down on the UK’s world-leading strengths in 2026 and not only scale up businesses, but keep them anchored in the UK.

    He is expected to say:

    We stood on a manifesto commitment to be the fastest growing economy in the G7. And we absolutely meant it.  

    Now, in the first three quarters of last year, the UK achieved the second highest growth of that group. That is cause for optimism. 

    But contrast it to the United States. The US achieved 4.3% annualised growth over the last quarter. 

    I want to fight tooth and nail with you to get that extra growth. To compete with America.  

    I say this because I know what it would mean for families. The impact it would have on people’s wages. On their disposable income. On their living standards.

    He is expected to welcome the strong progress the Government has made so far in delivering its Modern Industrial Strategy, with a new quarterly update confirming £79bn of investment commitments and 50,000 well-paid jobs secured in just the last quarter.

    He will also confirm the names of three new business leaders to join the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council: Amelia Gould (General Manager, Maritime at Helsing), Keith Anderson (CEO, Scottish Power) and Dana Strong (CEO, Sky).

    He is expected to say that whilst the Government has made important choices for the long term such as on rail, roads and runways, it must be just as bold at driving growth in the short term:

    That means injecting real urgency into delivering our Modern Industrial Strategy.  

    Taking risks. Placing the big bets on the industries that we know can win. And win big.

    Kyle will also set out the Government’s approach to regulation, such as accepting the findings of the Fingleton Review on nuclear and moving away from “pointless gold plating” of state projects.

    To help bring the UK into line with the US’s levels of growth, he will argue that British businesses need help in scaling up to encourage them to stay in Britain. This will include large new investments from the British Business Bank and more firepower for UK Export Finance.

    He is expected to say:

    Very soon, I will be setting out how we’ll go even further to reduce that regulatory burden and ensure our most promising start-ups don’t need to leave our shores to reach their full potential.

    Over the coming days and weeks, we will be doing more – a lot more – to move the dial. To go for growth at every opportunity.

    He will highlight the Government’s work to reduce burdens for business since his appointment, including a £230 million reduction in admin costs and energy price support such as the Supercharger and British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, slashing businesses’ energy costs.

    The reception comes ahead of the Business Secretary’s attendance at Davos next week where he will engage with business leaders and set out why the UK is truly the best place in the world to invest, with a culture of entrepreneurship, world-class education and certainty for business.

    Other attendees at the reception will include the Director Generals of the CBI and BCC, Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy, and executives from Heathrow, Blackrock, McKinsey, BP and AstraZeneca.

    Industrial Strategy Council Appointments:

    • Keith Anderson has been CEO of ScottishPower since 2018. Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive, Keith was CEO of ScottishPower Renewables and led Iberdrola’s international offshore business. Before joining ScottishPower, Keith worked with some major financial institutions including The Royal Bank of Scotland and Standard Life, as well as working as a management consultant with E&Y. Keith has an Honorary Degree from Strathclyde University and is an Honorary Fellow of the Energy Institute.
    • Amelia Gould CEng FIET is the General Manager, Maritime for Helsing and leads the Group’s work in the maritime domain. Amelia has over 20 years of strategic and operational delivery experience in the global defence sector. She began her career as a Royal Navy Engineering Officer where she served for 11 years before moving into enterprise architecture and then joining BAE Systems, where she held senior technical and leadership roles. She became Managing Director of Helsing UK in 2023, helping build Europe’s leading defence tech company, and is now General Manager Maritime. A Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the IET, she is committed to inspiring future talent through her STEM ambassador work and as Chair of Trustees for FirstUK. She was also a Non-Exec director at Maritime UK Solent for 5 years, promoting maritime innovation across the region.
    • Dana Strong is Group Chief Executive of Sky, one of Europe’s leading media and entertainment companies and part of Comcast Corporation, a global media and technology group. Dana has managed both cable and satellite businesses around the world and is recognised for her track record for accelerating growth. Before joining Sky, Dana led transformation and growth for many of the world’s largest media and telecommunication companies serving as President of Consumer Services for Comcast Cable, the largest broadband and PayTV operator in the United States; President and Chief Operating Officer of Virgin Media; and Chief Transformation Officer of Liberty Global.
  • NEWS STORY : Multi-billion-pound Northern Powerhouse Rail plan promises faster links across Yorkshire and better journeys to the North East

    NEWS STORY : Multi-billion-pound Northern Powerhouse Rail plan promises faster links across Yorkshire and better journeys to the North East

    STORY

    A multi-billion-pound package of Northern Powerhouse Rail proposals has been launched with the government promising quicker commutes across Yorkshire, upgraded routes and a renewed push to improve rail connections to the North East, including progressing work on the business case for reopening the Leamside Line.

    Ministers said the first phase would prioritise upgrades and electrification on the Leeds–Sheffield, Leeds–York and Leeds–Bradford corridors, with delivery expected in the 2030s. The plans also include further development work at Leeds, Sheffield and York stations, while the government said it would press ahead with work on a new Bradford station intended to put the city “at the heart of the northern network”.

    The Department for Transport said £1.1 billion has been allocated to accelerate planning and development, and confirmed a £45 billion cap for the wider programme, describing it as a bid to avoid the cost overruns associated with major projects such as HS2. It also highlighted more than £11 million of local transport funding for South Yorkshire to develop a proposed Rotherham Gateway station.

    For the North East, ministers said NPR services would run onwards to Newcastle via Darlington and Durham, alongside work to advance the Leamside Line business case. The press release pointed to a recent £4 billion investment in the East Coast Main Line and said a new timetable has added 60,000 extra seats a week.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Multi-billion-pound drive to transform rail and growth across Yorkshire and North East [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Multi-billion-pound drive to transform rail and growth across Yorkshire and North East [January 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 14 January 2026.

    Northern Powerhouse Rail plans announced to grow productivity, with faster rail commutes across Yorkshire, better journeys to the North East and route upgrades.

    • government launches new growth plan for the North to unlock the region’s economic potential and boost living standards – growing the productivity of 5 largest cities to the national average would add up to £40 billion a year to the UK economy
    • faster frequent and reliable trains across Yorkshire, better journeys to the North East, and progressing Leamside Line proposals in plans to vastly improve travel and open up job opportunities
    • Northern Powerhouse Rail will see upgrades to lines between Leeds, York, Bradford and Sheffield first in the 2030s, with better connections to Manchester in later phases

    People across Yorkshire and the North East will benefit from faster commutes, greater job opportunities and increased investment as part of major Northern Powerhouse Rail plans launched today (14 January 2026).

    The new major government growth plans will boost economic potential and living standards across the North, with more reliable and more frequent trains across major cities in the regions. The Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) plans unveiled today will drastically improve how people travel for work, education and leisure – growing the productivity of 5 largest cities to the national average would add up to £40 billion a year to UK economy.

    The first phase will prioritise upgrades and electrification between Leeds-Sheffield, Leeds-York and Leeds-Bradford to transform commutes, set to be delivered in the 2030s. In the North East, work on the business case for the Leamside Line will be taken forward, as part of ensuring NPR services reach Newcastle.

    With £1.1 billion to progress planning and development work as soon as possible, plans include improvements for Leeds, Sheffield and York stations – supporting significant regeneration plans to unlock tens of thousands of homes and jobs. The plan also includes pressing forward with work on Bradford Station, putting a young, dynamic city of 500,000 people at the heart of the northern network.

    Over £11 million of local transport funding has now been agreed for South Yorkshire to develop a new Rotherham Gateway station, which spells an end to slow journeys to Leeds and support the ambitious regeneration plans for the town.   

    The North East will also benefit from regular services onwards to Newcastle via Darlington and Durham. This follows recent investment of £4 billion in the East Coast Mainline which has seen 60,000 extra seats weekly through the new timetable.

    Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said:

    For too long, the North has been held back by underinvestment and years of dither and delay – but that ends now.

    This new era of investment will not just speed up journeys, it will mean new jobs and homes for people, making a real difference to millions of lives.   

    The exciting improved stations across Leeds, Sheffield, York and Bradford will reflect the prestigious place rail holds in the northern economy, and regenerate vibrant, bustling districts in these cities.

    The first phase of Northern Powerhouse Rail will prioritise upgrading rail connections across Yorkshire and progressing work on the business case for the Leamside Line as part of ensuring services reach Newcastle, improving opportunities across the region.

    Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council said:

    This is great news for Sheffield. Being included in the first phase of the Northern Powerhouse Rail plans means that the early stages of delivery will provide better, faster trains to Leeds and Manchester, upgrades to capacity at Sheffield station and an important commitment from government to work with us on our tram-train expansion.

    Outdated transport infrastructure has held Sheffield back for too long. Thanks to the Labour government this will change. This is a very positive announcement and a sign of the government’s commitment to the North.

    Faster, more reliable journeys will help businesses in Sheffield and give people access to more opportunities. The investment will help us unlock new opportunities for homes and jobs around Sheffield station and across our city.

    Sheffield or Bradford to Manchester can take up to 54 minutes, despite both cities being around 30 miles away – meanwhile Reading to London Paddington takes 22 minutes covering 35 miles. There also are only 2 fast trains an hour between Leeds and Manchester, which is a hugely popular route and suffers from severe overcrowding.

    It can take up to 1 hour 23 minutes to get to Manchester airport from Leeds or Sheffield, even though they are around 40 miles away.   

    The second phase of NPR will build a new route between Liverpool and Manchester, running via Manchester Airport and Warrington, following in the 2030s. The third phase will focus on improved connections between Manchester and Sheffield, Manchester and Leeds, and explore options for Manchester to Bradford.   

    This landmark upgrade to rail travel is one of the central building blocks of a plan for the North – to be published in the spring. This will include plans for a northern growth corridor from Liverpool to York via West and South Yorkshire and bespoke plans for the North-East to make the most of opportunities in clean energy, AI, innovation and city centre regeneration.

    Not only will plans improve travel connections, the redevelopment of stations and surrounding neighbourhoods will bring in new homes, jobs and local businesses. Regeneration of Leeds Station will include exciting plans for the South Bank, while development around the new Bradford Station and York Central will add new housing in the bustling city centres. The Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District spans 2,000 acres along the Don Valley corridor, linking Rotherham and Sheffield, with the potential to enable thousands of new homes and jobs.

    Lord Blunkett said:

    I am very pleased that as a consequence of the White Rose Agreement, signed last March, and the Rail Plan for Yorkshire – which I was pleased to chair – an essential first step is now to be taken to recognise the critical importance of the cities and towns east of the Pennines.

    It is essential that following the initial investment, the Spending Review in 2028 accelerates the development of a rail system to be proud of, and the connectivity of cities across the North to unlock the talent and the growth fundamental to future success.

    Yorkshire, with a population greater than Scotland, has long been neglected and this announcement starts the process of putting right years of neglect.

    The NPR plans build on the £11 billion Transpennine route upgrade, between York and Manchester, via Leeds and Huddersfield, which is already delivering more efficient journeys for people across the north.

    A funding cap of £45 billion will be set for the programme, including £1.1 billion over the Spending Review period allocated from existing budgets first. Learning lessons from HS2, the government will work closely with local partners to ensure planning processes are carried out efficiently, and approvals are streamlined to reduce delays and prevent projects from going over budget.    

    The city regions of the North have huge untapped economic potential. Leeds and West Yorkshire are emerging as the ‘Northern square mile’ for financial services, while Sheffield and South Yorkshire are at the cutting edge on defence and advanced manufacturing, York’s thriving and dynamic cultural and visitor economy, and Newcastle’s growing research and innovation sector.

    The government is working with mayors, other local leaders, and businesses to announce a wider plan this spring for taking advantage of these strengths, firing up productivity and prosperity across the North.

    This plan brings in existing work to unlock immediate benefits for residents, including work to help fill local skills gaps across the country, and will build on this with further policies to improve connectivity, revitalise cities and towns, support people with the skills to access new opportunities, and support businesses to innovate and grow.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Business Secretary bolsters advisory council to grow UK industry [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Business Secretary bolsters advisory council to grow UK industry [January 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 14 January 2026.

    The Business Secretary has appointed three new business leaders to the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council.

    Today [14 January], Business Secretary Peter Kyle has appointed three new business leaders with a wealth of experience to support key UK sectors, as the government looks to ramp up economic growth and opportunities for people across the country. 

    Amelia Gould, Keith Anderson and Dana Strong will join the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council – an independent body that advises the government on delivering the Industrial Strategy – to improve the Council’s range of perspectives and understanding of sectors across the UK.  

    This comes as the government looks to drive investment into key sectors and deliver the higher living standards and better public services the UK deserves. 

    Amelia Gould CEng FIET joins the Council with over 20 years’ experience in the global defence sector. A former Royal Navy Engineering Officer with 11 years’ service, she later moved into enterprise architecture and senior roles at BAE Systems. Amelia became Managing Director of Helsing UK in 2023 and is now General Manager, Maritime. 

    Keith Anderson has been CEO of ScottishPower since 2018. He previously led ScottishPower Renewables and Iberdrola’s international offshore business and earlier worked in financial services with RBS and Standard Life, as well as consulting with EY. 

    Dana Strong is Group CEO of Sky, one of Europe’s leading media and entertainment companies within Comcast. Previously, she held senior leadership roles driving growth and transformation at Comcast, Virgin Media, and Liberty Global. 

    Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said:

    Amelia, Keith, and Dana bring extensive business expertise to the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council, helping strengthen our efforts to drive economic growth and raise living standards for people across the country. 

    This Council plays a key role in delivering our modern Industrial Strategy, which is vital in creating the long-term stability and growth we need by hardwiring stability for businesses – giving them the confidence to plan not just for the next year, but for the next 10 years and beyond.

    The Government has also published the mandate letter setting out the Council’s work programme for 2026. The letter, issued jointly by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, commissions the Council to provide impactful advice and analysis on key delivery priorities over the year. These include driving dynamism in markets alongside boosting skills and access to high quality jobs. 

    Dame Clare Barclay DBE, Chair of the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council said:

    I’m delighted to welcome Dana, Keith and Amelia to the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council. Their leadership across creative industries, energy and defence will strengthen our work. Their expertise will be invaluable as we drive forward an industrial strategy focused on growth, innovation and supporting businesses to scale, start and compete.

    Dana Strong, CEO of Sky Group said: 

    The UK has strong foundations for growth across the whole economy, and I am passionate about supporting UK businesses to scale, innovate and compete internationally. Creating the right conditions for long-term growth and productivity will be central to future prosperity, and I look forward to supporting the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council to help secure the UK’s long-term competitiveness.

    Keith Anderson, CEO of ScottishPower said:

    The UK’s industrial strategy is critical to unlocking investment, pushing productivity, and driving growth.  The Advisory Council has a vital role to play in helping realise that potential and make a long and lasting difference for people the length and breadth of the country. Working together, government and business can turbocharge economic growth and build a better future that offers opportunity, security and prosperity right across the country.

    Amelia Gould, General Manager Maritime at Helsing said: 

    I’m delighted to join the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council and draw on my experience across defence, engineering and advanced technology to support the Government’s growth mission. I look forward to supporting the UK’s industrial capability and long‑term resilience

    Notes to Editors:

    • You can read the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council Mandate letter here.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of British High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea – Paul Eastwood [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of British High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea – Paul Eastwood [January 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 January 2026.

    Mr Paul Eastwood has been appointed British High Commissioner to The Independent State of Papua New Guinea in succession to Ms Anne Macro. Mr Eastwood will take up his appointment during February 2026.

    Curriculum Vitae

    Full name: Paul David Eastwood

    YearRole
    2024 to 2025Ofgem, Deputy Director and Head of Energy System Planning
    2022 to 2024FCDO, Lead Energy Adviser
    2021 to 2022ScottishPower Renewables, Senior Environment Manager
    2020 to 2021FCDO, Head of Climate and Environment Profession
    2016 to 2020Jakarta, DFID, Lead Adviser for Sustainable Commodities and Trade
    2015 to 2016Dhaka, DFID, Head of Climate, Humanitarian, and Disaster Resilience
    2012 to 2015DFID, Head of Environment and Forestry
    2009 to 2012Wellington, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Principal Climate Advisor
    2007 to 2009Suva, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Regional Oceans Coordinator
    2003 to 2007UK Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Senior Marine Scientist
    1998 to 2002Masters and Doctoral Research
    1995 to 1997Kiribati, Marine Resource Development Adviser, Voluntary Service Overseas
  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with President Karol Nawrocki of Poland [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with President Karol Nawrocki of Poland [January 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 13 January 2026.

    The Prime Minister welcomed the President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, for his first visit to Downing Street today.

    The leaders began by reflecting on the strength of the relationship between the UK and Poland. They agreed that both countries would deepen that relationship even further, from defence and security, to trade, commerce and education.

    The increasingly close cooperation on the defence projects was good for both the bilateral relationship and European security, the Prime Minister added.

    Thanking the President for hosting a UK squadron as part of forward land forces in Poland, the Prime Minister welcomed the agreement for Polish helicopter pilots to begin world-class helicopter training in the UK in the next few months, integrating the British and Polish Armed Forces even further.

    Turning to Ukraine, the leaders agreed on the importance of securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, and that President Putin could not be trusted.

    The Prime Minister thanked President Nawrocki for Poland’s ongoing involvement in the Coalition of the Willing and discussions around security guarantees.

    The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

  • NEWS STORY : UK and Poland strike new deal on missile defence and helicopter training

    NEWS STORY : UK and Poland strike new deal on missile defence and helicopter training

    STORY

    The UK and Poland have agreed to deepen cooperation on air and missile defence, with plans to explore new capabilities to counter airborne threats and encourage fresh manufacturing capacity in Europe, the Ministry of Defence has announced.

    The agreement includes expanded joint training in virtual environments aimed at improving coordination between the two countries’ air defences without the cost and risks associated with live exercises. The training will be delivered through a UK-led NATO initiative known as DIAMOND, designed to strengthen integrated air and missile operational defences across the alliance.

    Alongside the missile defence element, both countries have also signed up to enhanced helicopter training cooperation. From this summer, eight Polish military helicopter pilots are set to begin training in the UK under the NATO Flight Training Europe programme, joined by two experienced Polish instructors who will be stationed at RAF Shawbury for a rotational tour.

    The announcement was made as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hosted Polish President Karol Nawrocki in Downing Street, with Defence Secretary John Healey describing Poland as a crucial ally on NATO’s eastern flank at a time of rising security threats.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and Poland agree enhanced missile defence and helicopter training cooperation [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and Poland agree enhanced missile defence and helicopter training cooperation [January 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 13 January 2026.

    The UK and Poland’s ability to shoot down air and missile threats will be strengthened by deepened cooperation between the two countries.

    • UK and Poland to enhance joint training to improve both countries’ ability to shoot down air and missile threats.
    • Polish helicopter pilots and instructors to begin training in the UK this summer as part of deepening cooperation.
    • Agreement comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomes Polish President Karol Nawrocki to Downing Street.

    The UK and Poland’s ability to shoot down air and missile threats will be strengthened by deepened cooperation between the two countries.

    The allies have agreed to explore the development and procurement of new capabilities to counter a range of air threats, as well as how to encourage the establishment of new manufacturing capacity in Europe.

    Under the agreement, the British and Polish militaries will train together in virtual environments to improve air defence coordination without the cost and danger of live exercises.

    The enhanced training will boost Euro-Atlantic security and will be delivered as part of the UK-led NATO initiative known as Delivering Integrated Air and Missile Operational Networked Defences (DIAMOND).

    The UK and Poland also agreed at today’s meeting in Downing Street between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Polish President Karol Nawrocki to enhance their helicopter training cooperation.

    From this summer, the first of eight Polish military helicopter pilots will begin training in the UK under the NATO Flight Training Europe (NFTE) programme. They will be joined by two experienced Polish helicopter instructors who will be permanently stationed in RAF Shawbury for a full rotational tour.  

    The pilots will undertake world-class helicopter training at RAF Shawbury, including advanced training to prepare them for their future roles flying attack helicopters.

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    The UK and Poland’s defence relationship has never been stronger. Standing strong on NATO’s eastern flank, Poland is a crucial ally for the UK in this era of rising threats.

    This new cooperation we have announced today will see more joint training and integration between our two militaries.

    It is another example of how the UK and Poland are stepping up to defend Europe and face down the threat from Putin.

    It comes as the UK defence budget is rising to record levels, with the biggest boost to defence spending since the Cold War, totalling £270bn this parliament alone.

    Poland is one of the UK’s strongest allies with over 350 British personnel currently deployed across Poland, and with British and Polish pilots flying together as part of NATO’s Eastern Sentry mission to protect Polish and NATO airspace.

    UK-Polish defence industrial collaboration is deepening rapidly – worth around £8 billion to the UK over the past three years, showcasing how defence is an engine for growth.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Regulator investigates Titchfield Festival Theatre over governance concerns [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Regulator investigates Titchfield Festival Theatre over governance concerns [January 2026]

    The press release issued by the Charity Commission on 13 January 2026.

    The charity is based in Fareham and has charitable purposes including the advancement of the dramatic arts.  

    The Commission engaged with the charity in May 2024 to assess a complaint about the charity’s activities.  

    During the course of this engagement, further concerns came to the regulator’s attention relating to its accounting information, outstanding accounts and potential unmanaged conflicts of interest. As a result, the Commission has escalated its engagement with the charity to a statutory inquiry.  

    The inquiry, which opened on 27 November 2025, will examine the administration, governance, and management of the charity and in particular: 

    • the trustees’ compliance with their statutory accounting and reporting responsibilities 
    • the financial controls and financial management of the charity 
    • the trustees’ decision making including their management of potential conflicts of interest in relation to related party transactions 
    • whether there has been any unauthorised private benefit to the trustees and/or connected parties 
    • the trustees’ oversight and management of the charity’s relationships with connected entities. 

    The Commission may extend the scope of the inquiry if additional regulatory issues emerge.   

    It is the Commission’s policy, after it has concluded an inquiry, to publish a report detailing the issues examined, any action taken, and the inquiry’s outcomes.   

    ENDS 

    Notes for Editors: 

    • The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its ambition is to be an expert regulator that is fair, balanced, and independent so that charity can thrive. The Commission has a wide range of regulatory powers which it can use to support charities and protect charitable assets. Further information about the Charity Commission and its work is available at The Charity Commission – GOV.UK. 
    • On 27 November 2025 the Charity Commission opened a statutory inquiry into the charity under section 46 of the Charities Act 2011 as a result of its regulatory concerns that there is or has been misconduct and/ or mismanagement in the administration of the charity. 
    • A statutory inquiry is a legal power enabling the Commission to formally investigate matters of regulatory concern within a charity and to use protective powers for the benefit of the charity and its beneficiaries, assets, or reputation.
  • NEWS STORY : Jo Lomas appointed as UK ambassador to Estonia

    NEWS STORY : Jo Lomas appointed as UK ambassador to Estonia

    STORY

    Jo Lomas has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Estonia, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has announced. Lomas will succeed Ross Allen, who is moving to another Diplomatic Service role, with the FCDO saying she is due to take up the appointment during July 2026.

    She is currently Deputy Director in the FCDO’s Europe Directorate, a role she has held since 2025. Her previous senior postings include serving as British High Commissioner in Kigali (2018 to 2021) and Windhoek (2015 to 2017), alongside earlier diplomatic roles including Deputy Head of Mission in Sarajevo and a posting in Geneva focused on World Trade Organisation work.