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  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with the President of France [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with the President of France [July 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 July 2026.

    The Prime Minister spoke to President Emmanuel Macron of France this evening.

    The Prime Minister began by setting out how he is looking forward to building on the strong UK-France relationship to deliver for people on both sides of the Channel.

    Turning to Ukraine, the two leaders discussed the need to work together to continue supporting Ukraine as it resists Russia’s full-scale invasion, including through co-chairing the Coalition of the Willing.

    On the Middle East, the two leaders agreed the need to continue efforts towards deescalation and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

    They also discussed continuing the UK and France’s close cooperation on energy and defence, and the Prime Minister paid tribute to President Macron for his efforts to bring the Bayeux Tapestry to the UK, which underlined the UK and France’s enduring friendship.

    The two leaders look forward to speaking again and the Prime Minister welcoming President Macron to the United Kingdom at the earliest opportunity.

  • Wes Streeting – 2026 Apology over Letting Prisoners out Early Comments

    Wes Streeting – 2026 Apology over Letting Prisoners out Early Comments

    The comments made by Wes Streeting on 21 July 2026.

    I hope everyone can see there was no ill intent behind this ribbing of the new Justice Secretary – it was a reference to an old May/Clarke joke.

    But I appreciate these are very serious issues and am sorry for any offence inadvertently caused by this moment of levity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with the President of the European Commission [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with the President of the European Commission [July 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 July 2026.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister thanked the President for her warm congratulations, adding that he was looking forward to working closely with President von der Leyen and her team.

    Building a closer and ambitious relationship was key to delivery in both the UK and Europe, the Prime Minister added.

    The leaders agreed their teams should work closely towards a UK-EU Summit later in the year.

    Turning to Ukraine, the Prime Minister underlined that the UK’s steadfast commitment to Ukraine would be ironclad under his government, and thanked President von der Leyen for her leadership on the conflict.

    The two leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

  • NEWS STORY : British Transport Police Ask for Help After Serious Incident in Ilford

    NEWS STORY : British Transport Police Ask for Help After Serious Incident in Ilford

    STORY

    British Transport Police have released an image of a woman they want to identify after a member of rail staff was assaulted at Ilford railway station in east London. Officers are investigating the incident and believe the woman shown in the images may have information which could assist their enquiries.

    The incident happened shortly before 5pm on 22 May, when a woman passed through the station’s ticket barriers without paying. British Transport Police said she was challenged and then responded by spitting in a member of rail staff’s face.

    The woman then quickly left the station. Officers have now issued the images as part of an appeal to the public for help identifying her.

    Anyone who recognises the woman is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40. The force has asked people to quote reference 530 of 22 May when providing information.

    Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. British Transport Police said the investigation remains ongoing.

  • NEWS STORY : Burnham tells Zelenskyy UK support for Ukraine will not change

    NEWS STORY : Burnham tells Zelenskyy UK support for Ukraine will not change

    STORY

    Prime Minister Andy Burnham has told President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the UK’s support for Ukraine will remain unchanged under his new Government. The two leaders spoke by phone on Monday afternoon, shortly after Burnham entered Downing Street as Prime Minister.

    Downing Street said Burnham reaffirmed his and the UK’s “resolute commitment” to the people of Ukraine. He also underlined that there would be no change in Britain’s approach, including continued pressure on Russia.

    The call was one of Burnham’s first international engagements as Prime Minister and was intended to signal continuity in UK foreign policy. Britain has been one of Ukraine’s most prominent European supporters since Russia’s full-scale invasion.

    The two leaders also discussed Burnham’s previous work with Ukrainian mayors during his time as Mayor of Greater Manchester. Downing Street said they spoke about the UNBROKEN Cities Network, which provides rehabilitation support to Ukraine.

    Burnham offered his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of Ukrainians killed in recent Russian attacks. The call came as Ukraine continues to face missile and drone strikes against civilian and infrastructure targets.

    The Prime Minister invited Zelenskyy to visit the UK at the earliest opportunity. Downing Street said Burnham looked forward to discussing how Britain and Ukraine could strengthen defence for both Ukraine and Europe as a whole.

    The invitation suggests that defence co-operation with Ukraine will remain an early priority for the new Government. Burnham has already indicated that support for Ukraine, NATO and European security will form a central part of his foreign policy approach.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine [July 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 July 2026.

    The Prime Minister spoke to President Zelenskyy this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister began by reaffirming his and the UK’s resolute commitment to the people of Ukraine and underscored that there would be absolutely no change in the UK’s approach, including when it came to bearing down on Russia.

    Turning to the Prime Minister’s work with Ukrainian Mayors during his time as Mayor for Greater Manchester, the two leaders discussed the work that was achieved through the UNBROKEN Cities Network, which provides rehabilitation support to Ukraine.

    The Prime Minister also offered his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the Ukrainians who lost their lives in the recent Russian attacks.

    The Prime Minister invited President Zelenskyy to the UK at the earliest opportunity and looked forward to discussing how the two nations can strengthen defence for both Ukraine and Europe as a whole.

  • NEWS STORY : Burnham and Trump discuss defence and Middle East in first call

    NEWS STORY : Burnham and Trump discuss defence and Middle East in first call

    STORY

    Burnham and Trump discuss defence and Middle East in first call

    Prime Minister Andy Burnham has spoken to United States President Donald Trump shortly after taking office, in his first reported call with the American leader since entering Downing Street. The Prime Minister began by congratulating Trump on a successful World Cup and the two leaders agreed that England had had an excellent tournament.

    Burnham also said he hoped to show Trump what Manchester had to offer during a future visit. Downing Street said the new Prime Minister used the call to set out his vision for Government, including a focus on reindustrialisation across the country and delivering growth in every postcode.

    The Prime Minister also underlined his commitment to defence and security, saying the protection of the UK and its allies would be at the top of his agenda. The call came on Burnham’s first afternoon in office, following the formal transfer of power from Sir Keir Starmer.

    Trump updated Burnham on the situation in the Middle East. Burnham said the UK remained committed to securing the movement of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, which Downing Street linked to supporting global supply chains and helping to drive down costs for businesses and families.

    The call signals early continuity in the UK’s relationship with the United States under Burnham’s premiership, particularly on defence, allied security and international trade routes. Downing Street said the two leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with President Trump of the United States [July 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with President Trump of the United States [July 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 July 2026.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, shortly after taking office this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister began by congratulating the President on a successful World Cup and agreed that England had an excellent tournament. 

    The Prime Minister also hoped that he would be able to show the President what Manchester had to offer during a visit in the future.

    Setting out his vision as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the Prime Minister said he would be focused on ensuring reindustrialisation up and down the country to ensure good growth in every postcode. 

    The Prime Minister also underlined his commitment to defence and security and said ensuring the security of the UK and its Allies was at the top of his agenda.

    The President then updated on the situation in the Middle East, and the Prime Minister outlined the UK’s commitment to securing the movement of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz to support global supply chains and drive down costs for businesses and families across the country.

    They looked forward to speaking again soon.

  • NEWS STORY : John Healey appointed Chancellor in Burnham’s first major Cabinet move

    NEWS STORY : John Healey appointed Chancellor in Burnham’s first major Cabinet move

    STORY

    John Healey has been appointed Chancellor by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, in the first major appointment of the new Government following Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation. The appointment came as Burnham began reshaping the Cabinet on his first day in Downing Street, with several senior figures from the Starmer administration leaving Government as the new Prime Minister sought to establish his own political direction.

    Healey, who previously served as Defence Secretary and has held Treasury, housing and local Government roles during his long parliamentary career, will now take charge of the Government’s economic policy at a time of pressure over public spending, growth and living costs. His appointment was seen as a surprise by some in Westminster, with Shabana Mahmood and Ed Miliband among those previously discussed for the Treasury, but Burnham is expected to argue that Healey brings Cabinet experience and a grounding in domestic policy to one of the most sensitive posts in Government.

  • Hilary Benn – 2026 Resignation Comments

    Hilary Benn – 2026 Resignation Comments

    The comments made by Hilary Benn, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, on 20 July 2026.

    It has been a great privilege to serve as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and to work with the many wonderful people I have met over the last 2 years.

    I wish my successor all the very best in working with the Executive to protect stability, continuing to generate growth and investment and in taking forward the Troubles Bill which is so important for so many families.

    The Prime Minister will have my full support from the backbenches.