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  • Keir Starmer – 2026 Statement on the Situation in the Middle East

    Keir Starmer – 2026 Statement on the Situation in the Middle East

    The statement made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 12 April 2026.

    I know the consequences of the situation in the Middle East are being felt right across the country.

    It’s why throughout this conflict I’ve been clear that we must see a full de-escalation.

    The Iran war has been a warning to us. Britain must build up its resilience – both at home and with our allies in Europe.

    We should not be at the mercy of events abroad and we can’t manage this crisis by desperately trying to return to the status quo.

    That’s why we will build a Britain that is stronger, more secure and more resilient.

    That is what this moment demands and it’s my focus.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with President of the UAE [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with President of the UAE [April 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 9 April 2026.

    The Prime Minister met the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister expressed solidarity with the people of the UAE and his condolences for the lives lost as a result of Iran’s reckless bombardment. The leaders agreed that Iran’s targeting of civilian infrastructure in the region was indefensible. 

    The Prime Minister welcomed the ceasefire and urged that all sides work to ensure it is upheld and turned into lasting peace in the region. 

    Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the leaders discussed the need to push to restore the free flow of goods to support global supply chains.

    On wider bilateral issues, they agreed to continue to strengthen the UK-UAE relationship cross a range of areas, including innovation, trade and investment.

    The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with King and Prime Minister of Bahrain [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with King and Prime Minister of Bahrain [April 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 9 April 2026.

    The Prime Minister met with His Majesty the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa this evening in Manama. 

    The Prime Minister strongly condemned the Iranian attacks on Bahrain and reflected on his conversations so far with other leaders in the region. 

    He reiterated the importance of ensuring the ceasefire is upheld in order to pave the way for lasting peace. He said that the UK would continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Bahrain and other allies in the region.

    They underlined their commitment to restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the need to consider and pursue viable plans to deliver this. 

    The Prime Minister and Crown Prince also reflected on the long held strong links between their countries and the depth of the relationship, including the strong defence collaboration between the UK and Bahrain and their desire to work on this further.

    They looked forward to speaking again soon.

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

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

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 9 April 2026.

    The Prime Minister spoke to President Trump from Qatar this evening.

    The Prime Minister set out his discussions with Gulf leaders and military planners in the region on the need to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the UK’s efforts to convene partners to agree a viable plan.

    They agreed that now there is a ceasefire in place and agreement to open the Strait, we are at the next stage of finding a resolution.

    The leaders discussed the need for a practical plan to get shipping moving again as quickly as possible. They agreed to speak again soon.

  • NEWS STORY : Trump’s backing for Orbán deepens European tensions over Hungary and Ukraine

    NEWS STORY : Trump’s backing for Orbán deepens European tensions over Hungary and Ukraine

    STORY

    Donald Trump’s open support for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has intensified strains across Europe, with the row exposing sharp differences between Washington and many European capitals over Hungary’s direction, Russia and support for Ukraine. Trump has endorsed Orbán’s re election bid, while senior U.S. figures including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have publicly praised the Hungarian leader, even as Orbán remains at odds with Brussels over rule of law concerns, corruption and his approach to Moscow.

    The dispute comes at a delicate moment for Europe, with Orbán having blocked a major EU loan package for Ukraine and maintained closer ties with Russia than most other EU leaders. Reuters has reported that many in Europe see Hungary’s election as a test of the country’s future place in Europe, with Orbán uniquely endorsed by both Trump and the Kremlin.

  • PRESS RELEASE : We continue to call on Kosovo and Serbia to resolve outstanding disagreements through the EU-facilitated Dialogue: UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : We continue to call on Kosovo and Serbia to resolve outstanding disagreements through the EU-facilitated Dialogue: UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 April 2026.

    Statement by Jennifer MacNaughtan, UK Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on Kosovo.

    The UK remains committed to supporting Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic path and development as an inclusive and multi-ethnic democracy. 

    As one of the first countries to recognise Kosovo’s independence, we encourage those Member States who have not yet done so to join the majority. 

    As the International Court of Justice made clear in its 2010 Advisory Opinion, Kosovo’s declaration of independence was not a violation of international law. 

    Recognition is essential for long-term stability and for unlocking Kosovo’s full potential. 

    We commend the peaceful conduct of the municipal and legislative elections last year, including Kosovo-Serb participation, and welcome the formation of the government. 

    We encourage swift progress towards the election of a President, in line with Kosovo’s Constitution. 

    The return of Kosovo-Serb mayors to Serb-majority municipalities in northern Kosovo is another welcome step. 

    We encourage them to focus on practical governance, working constructively with central institutions, and responding to the needs of all their constituents. 

    We continue to call on Kosovo and Serbia to implement existing agreements and resolve outstanding disagreements through the EU-facilitated Dialogue. 

    We welcome the establishment of the Joint Commission on Missing Persons and the EU-facilitated agreement on implementation of the Law on Foreigners, as constructive steps towards building trust and supporting stability. 

    More than two years on from the Banjska attack, we reiterate our call on Serbia to play its part in reducing tensions and bringing those responsible to justice, including Milan Radoičić. 

    We also call for accountability for the attacks against KFOR and Kosovo Police personnel in May 2023. 

    Finally, with growing pressure on UN budgets, resources must be directed where they deliver the greatest impact. 

    Conditions on the ground in Kosovo are unrecognisable from 1999. 

    We welcome efforts to improve the balance and focus of UNMIK reporting, and we encourage continued clarity on the Mission’s core purpose, focusing on drivers of conflict and instability. 

    A strategic review of UNMIK’s role, responsibilities, and funding is overdue. 

    The proposed 8.6% budget reduction, recommended by the Civilian Staffing Review, must deliver real efficiencies and help ensure UNMIK is agile, efficient, and fit for purpose. 

    I would like to end by expressing the UK’s gratitude to the Special Representative, Peter Due, and all Mission staff who have contributed to UNMIK’s work.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Business Secretary champions flagship investment in UK’s largest gigafactory [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Business Secretary champions flagship investment in UK’s largest gigafactory [April 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 9 April 2026.

    Thanks to the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, 4,200 jobs have been secured following over £700 million of investment in the advanced manufacturing sector.

    The government has taken decisive action to ensure battery manufacturers, auto firms and SMEs rooted in communities across Britain benefit from major financial support – keeping the country a leading hub for business, investment, and jobs in a volatile global environment.

    Thanks to the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, 4,200 jobs have been secured following over £700 million of investment in the advanced manufacturing sector – showing that the government is supporting the industries of the future by helping to create a resilient economy that will boost growth and raise living standards for working people. 

    Business Secretary Peter Kyle announced the measures in a visit to Agratas in Somerset today [9 April], where a £380 million government grant was unveiled to support the firm in building one of the largest gigafactories in Europe – where the newly constructed factory frame was built using 100% British-steel. 

    Agratas’ project will strengthen economy security and reduce Britain’s reliance on imports by turbocharging domestic battery production and generating around £43 billion worth of economic growth over a 25-year period when the facility is in full operation.

    The site will not only support 4,200 direct jobs but thousands more in the supply chain, as well as unlock 300 apprenticeships – backed by a specialised battery manufacturing training unit to meet the skills needs of Agratas’ gigafactory and the wider battery sector.

    Business Secretary Peter Kyle said: 

    This government is backing the industries of the future by investing in auto firms, SMEs and battery manufacturers across the country – helping to boost economic growth and our resilience, secure jobs and put more money in people’s pockets.

    In an unstable world, our Modern Industrial Strategy is providing investors the stability and confidence they need to plan not just for the next year, but for the next 10 years and beyond. That is what sets us apart from the rest, and will help ensure advanced manufacturing remains a thriving sector in the UK for decades to come.

    Earl Wiggins, Vice President of Manufacturing Operations, UK for Agratas said:

    We welcome the UK Government’s investment as we build a battery manufacturing facility that will play a vital role in delivering net zero and strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in battery manufacturing.

    This funding will support the development of our Somerset facility, enabling us to produce battery cells for our anchor customer, JLR (Jaguar Land Rover). Over the next year we will have over 2,200 people working on the site, and that growth will continue over the coming years.

    The latest Quarterly Update reveals that since the launch of the Modern Industrial Strategy over £360 billion of private investment has been secured across its key sectors, supporting up to 120,000 jobs. Alongside this, the government is cutting electricity costs for energy-intensive manufacturers, reducing unnecessary planning delays and overhauling regulation that holds back our most ambitious businesses. 

    Government is injecting £47 million worth of support for key R&D battery projects through the Battery Innovation Programme, helping to create skilled jobs, a stronger supply chain and position the UK as a globally competitive destination for battery manufacturing.

    Auto businesses will also benefit from a £190 million boost to ensure the automotive industry remains ahead of the competition on the global stage. Startups and well-established firms including Nissan and Jaguar Land Rover have been awarded £90 million in DRIVE35 funding to ramp up innovative prototype and cutting-edge projects – strengthening firms’ technological capabilities and improving the affordability of EVs for customers. 

    Meanwhile, suppliers in the North East and West Midlands can also capitalise on £100 million worth of DRIVE35 grant funding to help transition towards EV manufacturing, which will strengthen supply chain resilience and put Britain on track to become a clean energy superpower.

    Additional support for the advanced manufacturing sector includes:

    • Up to £16.44 million from the Made Smarter Innovation Programme for digital technologies like AI and robotics to boost productivity for SMEs.
    • Up to £99 million from the Made Smarter Adoption Programme to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies for manufacturing SMEs.
    • £1.4 million for projects exploring autonomous freight and self-driving passenger services in key ports and institutions across the UK.
    • Implementing £182 million engineering skills package which includes £47 million of Adult Skills Funding to train up the next generation of engineers and inventors; £8 million for clean energy engineering courses delivered by higher education providers and £1.8 million to expand engineering and construction T Level provision.

    Over the last two years, UK Export Finance has backed over £6.6 billion of advanced manufacturing investment and in the summer will announce plans to help UK companies tap into the power of international markets further.

    More widely, the British Business Bank is deploying £4 billion from the Industrial Strategy Growth Capital into firms across the eight growth sectors, showcasing a step-change in how government backs UK industry – with stronger public finance institutions supporting businesses looking to grow. 

    Today’s investment announcement sets the stage to crowd in future private investment into key growth sectors like advanced manufacturing – building on the £360 billion already secured and 120,000 jobs supported across the country.

    Julian Hetherington, Automotive Transformation Director at the APC, said:

    This globally significant investment by Agratas reinforces the UK’s accelerating position in pursuit of road transport decarbonisation through the production of vital high-performance batteries for electrified vehicles.

    I’m delighted that the ATF has been able to support Agratas in their investment in new facilities, creating secure and highly skilled jobs in this area and across the supply chain.

    Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said:

    Recent global events have highlighted the need for resilient supply chains, making this new investment in the sector both timely and important. The UK has a highly skilled and innovative automotive industry, but long‑term competitiveness depends on a policy framework that encourages investment.

    The modern Industrial Strategy provides that forward‑looking support, and today’s announcement demonstrates strong government backing for one of the UK’s most vital industries.

    Notes to editors

    • The Industrial Strategy Third Quarterly Update will be published on Thursday at 6pm on GOV.UK.
    • The government can confirm that Clare Barclay will continue to chair the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council for a further term. 
    • DRIVE35 is built to anchor future vehicle production, scale up battery manufacturing, grow the UK’s most innovative tech companies and onshore the supply chain capabilities that make British automotive genuinely resilient. It is designed to deliver over 50,000 direct jobs, cut millions of tonnes of CO2 emissions and unlock up to £7.46 billion in private investment by 2035. The funding award from the Department for Business and Trade is facilitated via the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) in partnership with Innovate UK. 
    • The APC collaborates with UK Government, the automotive industry, and academia to facilitate driving research and investment in zero-emission vehicle manufacturing. Established in 2013 and jointly funded by the DBT and the automotive industry, the APC accelerates the technologies that support the transition to zero-emission vehicle manufacturing. 
    • The Battery Innovation Programme is the UK’s largest single commitment to research, innovation and skills to deliver a globally competitive, high tech, high-value battery supply chain in the UK.   

    Project winners of the DRIVE35 R&D competitions are as follows:

    Collaborate: Grants fund projects where companies, and academic institutions, form a consortium to take a product or process to commercial readiness. Please note, these are the lead partners only – there are several partners in each consortium. 

    • HyProMag Limited 
    • Maeving Limited 
    • Jaguar Land Rover Limited 
    • Elm Mobility Limited 
    • Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Limited   

    Demonstrate: Grants are for companies that are earlier in their product or process development or need a short, sharp sprint to get where they want to be. Please note that these are the lead partners. 

    • FluoRok Limited
    • Cummins Electrified Power Europe Limited 
    • Innervated Vehicle Engineering Limited 
    • Jaguar Land Rover Limited 
    • Electrified Automation Limited 
    • Breathe Battery Technologies Limited 
    • Domin Limited 
    • Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials
    • Cummins Limited 
    • Vector Photonics Limited 
    • KleanDrive Limited 
    • Riversimple Movement Limited 
    • RAM Innovations Limited 
    • Cellmine Limited 
    • SMR Automotive Mirrors UK limited 
    • Altilium Metals Limited 
    • TaiSan Motors Limited 
    • HiSpeed Limited 

    Feasibility: Grants are to support detailed feasibility studies into the deployment of UK based manufacturing facilities for zero emission vehicle technologies. Please note, these are the lead partners only. 

    • Ford Motor Company Limited 
    • Botanic Energy Limited 
    • FluoRok Limited 
    • Integrals Power Limited 
    • Weardale Lithium Limited 
    • Avocet Battery Materials Limited 
    • Brim Chargers Limited 
    • Anaphite Limited 
    • Sunswap Limited 
    • Gaussion Limited 
    • Nyobolt Limited 
    • RAM Innovations Limited 
    • Tribol Braking Limited 
    • Ionetic Limited 
    • Sention Technologies Limited 
    • Northern Lithium Limited 
    • API Capacitors Limited 
    • CNC Robotics Limited 
    • iCOMAT
    • Sarginsons Industries Limited 
    • Ryse 3D Limited 
    • Volklec Limited 
    • Zircotec Limited 
    • Geothermal Engineering Limited 
    • Electric Aviation Group Limited 
    • Pareta Innovations Limited 
    • Altilium Metals Limited 
    • Covailent Limited 
    • HyProMag Limited 

    Scale up fund: R&D funding to fast-track the commercialisation of innovative zero-emission vehicle technologies. 

    • Altilium Metals Limited 
    • Surface Transforms Public Limited Company 

    CAM Pathfinder awards: Supporting companies in R&D and the supply chain development of self-driving vehicles, commercial services, and enabling technologies. 

    • International Centre for Digital Trade and Innovation C.I.C 
    • Wellcome Genome Campus Property Limited 
    • The North East Automotive Alliance Limited 
    • Fusion Processing Limited 
    • Moonbility Limited 
    • Odysse Limited 
    • BCA Automotive Limited 
    • Bamford Bus Company Limited 

    Battery Innovation Programme awards:

    Collaborative R&D grants fund  projects  where companies  and  research and technology  organisations form a consortium to take a product or process to commercial readiness. Please note, these are the lead partners only – there are several partners in each consortium. 

    • Denchi Power Limited 
    • Altilium Metals Limited 
    • Inition Energy Ltd
    • Watercycle Technologies Limited 
    • Gelion Europe Limited 
    • European Metal Recycling Limited 
    • Williams Grand Prix Technologies Limited 
    • Hixal Limited 
    • Ricardo UK Limited 
    • About:Energy 
    • McMurtry Automotive Limited
  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman[April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman[April 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 8 April 2026.

    The Prime Minister met His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, in Jeddah today.

    The Prime Minister began by welcoming the ceasefire and set out how efforts must now be focused on upholding it and turning it into a lasting peace. 

    He was clear that it was vital now to continue work to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and discussed the UK’s ongoing efforts to convene partners to agree and plan the practical steps required to give shipping the confidence to transit the Strait. 

    Reflecting on the defensive operations which have taken place in the region since the conflict began, the Prime Minister thanked His Royal Highness for Saudi Arabia’s efforts to protect British nationals in the country. 

    The Prime Minister committed to continue to support Saudi Arabia as a steadfast ally including through the recent deployment of the Sky Sabre air defence system, having met UK personnel deployed to operate it earlier today. 

    The leaders then discussed how the UK and Saudi Arabia could further deepen their defence industrial cooperation to boost capability and mutual security for the long term, as well as continuing to grow their thriving trade and investment relationship.

    The Prime Minister said he was pleased that the UK and Saudi Arabia would soon be marking 100 years of friendship under the Treaty of Jeddah and they looked forward to speaking again soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : We must honour the dedication of humanitarian and UN personnel on the front lines through action to protect them – UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : We must honour the dedication of humanitarian and UN personnel on the front lines through action to protect them – UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 April 2026.

    Statement by Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict.

    In conflict and crises around the world, humanitarian and UN personnel are often the first to arrive and the last to leave, risking their lives to save others. 

    2024 was the deadliest year on record, with 383 aid workers killed. 

    In 2025, over 320 were killed. And, already, in 2026, the devastation continues with aid workers killed across the Middle East, the DRC, and Sudan. 

    This cannot continue.

    The United Kingdom was proud to co-sponsor Resolution 2730 in May 2024. 

    We hoped it would mark a turning point. 

    Instead, threats to humanitarian personnel have intensified. 

    We must act urgently.

    Resolution 2730 must be implemented fully, without delay. 

    In all humanitarian crises, local personnel bear the greatest risk. 

    In Yemen, local humanitarian personnel remain arbitrarily detained. 

    We reiterate calls for their immediate and unconditional release. 

    In Sudan, local aid workers continue to sustain the response amid relentless insecurity, obstruction, and violence. 

    And in Gaza, the overwhelming majority of the more than 589 aid workers killed since 7 October 2023 were local staff, including 391 UNRWA staff. 

    Behind every aid worker killed is a family and a community left grieving.

    President, implementation of resolution 2730 requires sustained investment in practical protection to keep humanitarian workers safe. 

    This includes civil-military coordination, robust security and duty of care, and consistent support to frontline agencies. 

    The UK supports global platforms such as INSO, the Global Interagency Security Forum and the Aid Worker Security Database, alongside our support to frontline agencies, and we urge others to do the same. 

    We must also address emerging risks. 

    The growing use of Uncrewed Aerial Systems by those not acting within the confines of international humanitarian law is making fragile environments even more dangerous. 

    This has had fatal consequences in the DRC, Sudan, and Ukraine. 

    Disinformation further erodes trust and shrinks humanitarian space. 

    We must call out disinformation and counter false narratives that endanger those delivering lifesaving assistance.

    Finally, International humanitarian law must be upheld by all parties to armed conflict. 

    The UK is proud to co-chair a workstream under the ICRC’s Global International Humanitarian Law Initiative and to have co-launched, with Australia, the Political Declaration on the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel. 

    We call for full compliance with IHL and for transparent, timely investigations when aid workers are harmed. 

    Two years since the World Central Kitchen strike in Gaza, in which three British nationals were killed, we are still waiting for Israel to conclude and publish its findings into this attack. 

    Israel has a responsibility to provide answers as to how and why this happened. 

    President, we must honour the dedication of those on the front lines by showing the same level of commitment in our actions. 

    Resolution 2730 must be more than a paper promise; it must be a practical priority and implemented fully by all.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement on the conflict in the Middle East [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement on the conflict in the Middle East [April 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 8 April 2026.

    Statement by President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, Chancellor Merz, Prime Minister Starmer, Prime Minister Albanese, Prime Minister Carney, President Dan, acting Prime Minister Frederiksen, Prime Minister Frostadóttir Prime Minister Jetten, Prime Minister Kristersson, Prime Minister Michal, Prime Minister Mitsotakis, Prime Minister Montenegro, Prime Minister Sanchez, Prime Minister Siliņa, Prime Minister Støre, President Stubb, Prime Minister Takaichi, President of the European Commission von der Leyen, President of the European Council.

    We welcome the two-week ceasefire concluded between the United States and Iran today. 

    We thank Pakistan and all partners involved for facilitating this important agreement.

    The goal must now be to negotiate a swift and lasting end to the war within the coming days. This can only be achieved through diplomatic means.

    We strongly encourage quick progress towards a substantive negotiated settlement. 

    This will be crucial to protect the civilian population of Iran and ensure security in the region. It can avert a severe global energy crisis.

    We support these diplomatic efforts. To this end, we are in close contact with the United States and other partners.

    We call upon all sides to implement the ceasefire, including in Lebanon.

    Our Governments will contribute to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.