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  • PRESS RELEASE : Response to the Hong Kong Alliance leaders’ national security law verdict [August 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Response to the Hong Kong Alliance leaders’ national security law verdict [August 2026]

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

    FCDO Indo-Pacific Minister Baroness Winterton of Doncaster responds to the guilty verdict against Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung in Hong Kong.

    Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Indo-Pacific, Baroness Winterton of Doncaster, said:

    This verdict is a further demonstration that even peaceful acts of remembrance in Hong Kong are now treated by the authorities as threats to national security. The extensive use of Beijing’s National Security Law to punish and restrict peaceful expression undermines the commitments China made to Hong Kong under the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration. We reiterate our call for the National Security Law to be repealed, and for rights and freedoms to be respected in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

  • NEWS STORY : Break in reported at Beccles Caxton Football Club

    NEWS STORY : Break in reported at Beccles Caxton Football Club

    STORY

    Beccles Caxton Football Club has reported that its ground was broken into overnight, with locks forced and damage caused at the site. The club announced the incident on social media on Sunday, saying it was angry about what had happened at the football ground and appealing for information from anyone who may know anything about the break in.

    Beccles Caxton play at Caxton Meadow in Beccles and compete in Division One of the Anglian Combination for the 2026 to 2027 season. The club also operates a reserve side and is one of a number of longstanding community sports organisations in the town. The club has asked people with information about the incident to make contact.

  • PRESS RELEASE : First National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism marked [August 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : First National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism marked [August 2026]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 21 August 2026.

    The new National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism will be observed annually on on 21 August.

    The nation will come together today to mark the first ever National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism.

    The day will focus on remembering and recognising those impacted by terrorism, supporting victims and survivors to get access to the help they need to rebuild their lives, and amplifying their stories. 

    A ceremony, held in Central London later today to mark the day, will bring together hundreds of victims, survivors, bereaved families, emergency responders and government representatives.

    A 2-minute silence will be observed at the ceremony to remember those lost to and affected by terrorism. The National Day provides an opportunity for people across the country to reflect and commemorate those whose lives have been changed forever by terrorism.

    The new National Day, to be observed annually on 21 August, follows years of campaigning from victims and survivors for better recognition and to raise awareness of the impacts of terrorism. 

    Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, said:

    I am proud that we now have a national day to honour victims and survivors of terrorism.

    There is something remarkable about how we come together as a country in those darkest moments. As time passes, most people go back to their lives, but for those who lived through the trauma, there is no return to normality.

    Today matters because it says you are not alone. You have not been forgotten. This is a moment to remember the loved ones lost and anyone who has survived the very worst of humanity.

    Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said:

    I am proud to stand with victims and survivors of terrorism as we mark our first ever National Day.

    I know how much this day will mean to people across the country. I encourage everyone to join us by taking some time to reflect on the experiences of victims, survivors and all those whose lives have been changed forever by terrorism.

    We will never allow terrorism to divide us.

    Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor, said:

    Whenever I speak to survivors and victims of terrorism, I am reminded why our work is so important. It is their experiences, their trauma, that drives all of us at Counter Terrorism Policing in our mission to keep people safe.

    It is absolutely right that we now have a formal moment of reflection in the national calendar, but we must never forget that many survivors live with the impact of terrorism every day. They are remarkable people, who deserve to be recognised for their resilience and bravery shown in the face of unimaginable horror.

    Travis Frain OBE, survivor of the Westminster Bridge attack, said:

    I’m pleased to see this National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism come to fruition, after many hard years of campaigning. This should be a date when we come together as a country to remember those affected by terrorism and set our sights to the future, to understand how we can all play our part in preventing further radicalisation and defeating the spread of violent extremism. It is my hope that this event will be one that we can build on in the years to come, demonstrating clearly that the UK stands firm in the face of terrorism.

    M. Victoria Cummock, widow of John B. Cummock, killed in the bombing of Pan Am 103 in the skies over Lockerbie, said:

    We are profoundly grateful to the government for establishing this National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, recognising the experiences of those affected by terror attacks both recent and historic.

    Each year, it will enable people across the country to gather in solidarity and fraternity to give voice to the hundreds killed, remember their loved ones, and recognise the survivors and responders whose lives were forever changed.

    We take comfort knowing the Support Hub will provide community-wide trauma-informed care, empowering us on our road to healing and recovery. Together we can turn trauma into positive purpose and leave a legacy that teaches the world a lesson in humanity.

    This year’s commemorations come following 2 terrorist attacks in the past 12 months at Heaton Park Synagogue and Golders Green, and ahead of the 10th anniversaries of 5 terrorist attacks in 2017.

    The National Day builds on the government’s commitment to supporting those affected by terrorism, following the launch of its new Support Hub for victims and survivors of terrorism on 1 June. The Support Hub provides specialist, trauma-informed support for anyone affected by a terrorist incident, ensuring victims can access the help they need at any stage of their recovery.

    It has already begun to provide support to victims, survivors and those affected by terrorism, including people who have never previously received support.

    The new Support Hub operates 24/7, assigning each victim and survivor a single point of contact for tailored, trauma-informed support. Victims and survivors can access the Support Hub via the website or by phone, ensuring support is available quickly and simply when it is needed.

    The government is committed to continuing to support victims and survivors of terrorism and to developing the National Day in the years ahead.

  • PRESS RELEASE : British weapons jobs rise by more than 50% in a year as defence investment strengthens UK industry [August 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : British weapons jobs rise by more than 50% in a year as defence investment strengthens UK industry [August 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 20 August 2026.

    UK weapons and ammunition manufacturing jobs rose 51% in 2024/25, part of a wider 26,000 increase in defence-supported roles nationwide.

    • Jobs supported by defence expenditure in weapons and ammunition manufacturing rose by 51% in 2024/25.  
    • Overall year-on-year increase of 26,000 UK industry roles, including nearly 4,000 direct additional jobs in the North West, as investment reaches every corner of the country.  
    • Part of government’s work to rebuild the nation’s homegrown munitions manufacturing capability, boosting defence readiness and the re-industrialisation of Britain.

    Thousands more people across the UK are working in weapons and ammunition manufacturing, with new figures showing a 51% rise in defence-supported jobs in the sector in just 12 months.  

    The Ministry of Defence’s employment estimates, which cover the 2024/25 financial year, point to jobs boosts across the country backed by MOD expenditure, with the North West seeing nearly 4,000 additional roles year-on-year and the South East benefitting from more than 3,000 extra jobs over the same time period.  

    The figures show that UK defence now comprises 462,000 roles across the Armed Forces, industry, and the Civil Service. They demonstrate how the Government is making defence an engine for growth, with increased investment creating jobs and opportunities in communities across the country to raise living standards and put more money in working people’s pockets.    

    The 2,000 additional jobs, reaching 5,900 total, related to the manufacture of weapons, ammunition and military fighting vehicles also reflects the government’s drive to rebuild a sovereign, “always on” pipeline of munitions supply, so that critical capabilities, such as artillery and missiles, can be produced at greater scale in the UK.  

    Building this domestic capability is central to strengthening the UK’s warfighting readiness and deterring threats while creating skilled manufacturing jobs.  

    Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said:

    These figures show that a rising defence budget is creating more good jobs across the UK. Defence is an engine for growth and our investments are driving reindustrialisation. As we increase our military readiness and capabilities we are generating good well-paid jobs nationwide.

    The rise in weapons and ammunition jobs forms part of a wider picture of expansion in defence-related employment across the UK, which has seen a year-on-year increase of 26,000 roles, spanning both direct roles in manufacturing and indirect jobs in the wider supply chain. The increase underlines defence as an engine for growth and the move towards a resilient industrial base, proving that investment in the UK’s security is investment in the UK’s prosperity.  

    The news follows recent announcement of an £8.4 billion commitment to advance the UK’s next generation nuclear submarines, in a boost for the 47,000 jobs and over 6,000 suppliers across the UK supported by the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.  

    The growth in defence-supported roles is set to accelerate further under the Defence Investment Plan, which commits £298 billion to UK defence over the next four years. The plan will drive sustained investment in British industry, from munitions and shipbuilding to advanced technology, ensuring the UK’s defence sector remains a cornerstone of the country’s economic renewal.

  • NEWS STORY : Andy Burnham call with Prime Minister Takaichi of Japan

    NEWS STORY : Andy Burnham call with Prime Minister Takaichi of Japan

    STORY

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Japan, Sanae Takaichi, today. 

    The leaders discussed strengthening the UK-Japan partnership, including closer trade cooperation to drive growth and create opportunities in both countries.

    Turning to defence, the Prime Minister set out his ambition for the UK, Japan and Italy to continue to strengthen defence security through GCAP and both leaders welcomed Canada becoming the first observer.

    Moving to Ukraine, the Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Takaichi for Japan’s ongoing support against Russia’s illegal invasion on Ukraine, and outlined the need to apply further pressure on Russia.

    The leaders discussed challenges in the Indo-Pacific and the importance of the two nations to working together to support security and stability in the region.

    The Prime Minister praised the work done by the Japanese Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Hiroshi Suzuki for helping deepen the relationship between the United Kingdom and Japan.

    The two leaders looking forward to speaking again soon.

  • NEWS STORY : Five young men named after A66 wrong-way crash that killed two police officers

    NEWS STORY : Five young men named after A66 wrong-way crash that killed two police officers

    STORY

    The five people who died when a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way along the A66 near Middlesbrough collided with a police vehicle have been named. They were Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Cole Robert Worthy, 16, Jacob Matusiak, 23, and Makai Saddington, 18. All five occupants of the Passat died in the collision, which happened at around 3.39am on Saturday 22 August in South Bank.

    Two Cleveland Police officers travelling in the marked police vehicle were also killed. They were PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38. Police said their vehicle was travelling in the correct direction when it was struck head-on by the Passat. Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller described the officers as brave and said they had been protecting communities and serving residents when they died.

    The Independent Office for Police Conduct has opened an investigation following a mandatory referral from Cleveland Police. The watchdog said officers had earlier identified the Volkswagen as a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began before it travelled onto the A66. The circumstances leading up to the collision, including police actions before the crash, are now being independently investigated. Cleveland Police has asked people to avoid speculation while enquiries continue and the families of those who died are being supported.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Fly-tippers forced to pay up for the streets they trashed [August 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Fly-tippers forced to pay up for the streets they trashed [August 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment on 20 August 2026.

    Fly-tippers will be forced to clean up our communities and pay the costs of clearing up their mess under government plans for ‘clean up squads’, launched for consultation today (20 August 2026).

    The proposals would give councils stronger powers to issue conditional cautions requiring offenders to complete up to 20 hours of unpaid clean-up work. Councils will also be able to recover the costs of the clean-up directly from offenders, ensuring taxpayers are not left to foot the bill.

    The proposals aim to speed up enforcement so that criminals face justice quicker without lengthy court proceedings, while restoring streets and public spaces.

    Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle said:

    If you fly-tip it, you should be the one cleaning it up and paying for it. It’s that simple.

    Fly-tippers show a blatant disregard for our communities, leaving residents to live with the mess they create.

    I want to give councils new powers to make offenders take responsibility for their actions, by helping to clear up the communities they have harmed and covering the cost of putting things right.

    The ‘clean-up squads’ are the latest measure to bolster local authorities and give them the tools they need to tackle fly-tipping.

    The measures build on action announced in July to increase the maximum on-the-spot fines for fly-tipping to £5,000, a 400% uplift from the previous level of £1,000.

    Local authorities have also been given clear instructions on identifying and seizing vehicles involved in fly-tipping with new government guidance. The guidance includes advice on taking cases to court and securing convictions against vehicle owners.  

    Further measures announced today in the fight against waste crime include a new Tackling Waste Crime Alliance to unite government, regulators, police, councils, and the waste management sector, against waste criminals, and a review into raising the level of Fixed Penalty Notices issued by the Environment Agency for waste crime offences.

    This consultation will run for 8 weeks and end on 23:59 16 October 2026.

  • NEWS STORY : Government convenes local partners in Bedford to maximise benefits of landmark Universal United Kingdom Resort across the region

    NEWS STORY : Government convenes local partners in Bedford to maximise benefits of landmark Universal United Kingdom Resort across the region

    STORY

    Minister for Tourism and Place brings together leaders across eight local authorities to understand local perspectives on new theme park and resort development.

    • Leaders discussed the range of opportunities across jobs and skills, education and training, creative industries, culture, heritage, tourism and local transport connectivity 
    • The project is expected to create 28,000 jobs between construction and employment and generate nearly £50 billion for the UK economy, bringing new jobs, skills and investment to Bedford and the surrounding region 
    • Demonstrates government’s commitment to devolution to empower local leaders and deliver for their communities

    Following the announcement in June of the transformational investment in a new theme park and resort in Bedford, Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock held the first meeting of regional leaders to understand local priorities and discuss how the benefits of the development will be spread across the region. 

    Minister Peacock chaired the roundtable at The Swan Hotel in Bedford, bringing together government, Universal Destinations and Experiences and eight local authorities to discuss how they can work together to maximise the benefits of the landmark Universal United Kingdom Resort for Bedford and the wider region.  

    Attendees at the roundtable were council leaders and CEOs from Bedford Borough Council, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, Central Bedfordshire Council, Huntingdonshire District Council, Luton Borough Council, Milton Keynes City Council, North Northamptonshire Council, and West Northamptonshire Council; as well as the MPs for Bedford and Mid Bedfordshire, and a senior representative from Universal.  

    At the roundtable, leaders discussed the opportunities the Universal United Kingdom Resort will provide, and the importance of working together in a coordinated way to take advantage of them. Opportunities discussed included how to drive local regeneration and boost the local economy by attracting tourists across the region and making sure local businesses can be involved in supplying the park and resort. Attendees also considered how to make sure young people across the region have a chance to gain skills, qualifications, and paths to employment to leave a lasting legacy for the region.  

    To deliver this work partners are being brought together in a series of themed groups. Working groups covering the Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage, and the Visitor Economy, are aiming to ensure the transformative impact of the development supports local priorities and contributes to growth across the region. A Socio-Economic Taskforce will help make sure the local workforce is prepared to take advantage of the opportunities the theme park and resort will bring. This includes working towards providing world-class training opportunities, in a variety of industries, for the next generation of the Universal workforce, including through a range of apprenticeships and internships for young people and those early in their careers. 

    Benefits from this work are expected to be felt across the region as young people gain valuable skills. This aligns with the Government’s ongoing work to unleash the potential of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor and lay the foundations for Bedford to become an innovation hub.  

    Set to become the UK’s most popular tourist attraction, the Universal United Kingdom Resort will bolster Bedfordshire’s existing visitor offering, which boasts a range of attractions including Wrest Park, the 18th-century mansion set in 90 acres of gardens, and Whipsnade Zoo – the largest zoo in the UK.   

    Minister for Tourism and Place Stephanie Peacock said: 

    For the people of Bedford, the Universal United Kingdom Resort is more than just the thrill of a new theme park on their doorstep – it’s about the jobs, investment and opportunities it’ll create.  

    That is why the Government is committed to supporting local communities to drive forward their priorities as the development progresses towards its opening in 2031.  

    From apprenticeships and career pathways for young people, to new opportunities for local businesses and tradespeople, we want communities across Bedford and the wider region to feel the benefits of this investment. This is about putting power and opportunity into local communities, driving growth and bringing pride to every postcode.

    This roundtable was the first of its kind and there will be continued engagement with local authorities.

  • NEWS STORY : Vandemoortele ordered to sell Worcester pastry plant after competition investigation

    NEWS STORY : Vandemoortele ordered to sell Worcester pastry plant after competition investigation

    STORY

    Vandemoortele will be required to sell its pastry manufacturing plant in Worcester and its UK sales operations in Staines-upon-Thames after the Competition and Markets Authority concluded that its acquisition of Délifrance would substantially reduce competition in the UK. Both companies supply frozen viennoiserie products, including croissants and pains au chocolat, to supermarkets and foodservice businesses.

    The CMA found that the acquisition would make Vandemoortele the largest UK supplier of frozen viennoiserie products, potentially resulting in higher prices or lower quality for businesses and consumers. Vandemoortele conceded during the investigation that the merger raised competition concerns, allowing the regulator to consider remedies at an earlier stage and complete its investigation almost seven weeks ahead of the statutory deadline.

    The Worcester plant and Staines sales operation must now be transferred to a suitable purchaser. The sale package will include the assets, staff, customer relationships, contracts and other rights required for the business to continue operating independently. Vandemoortele will remain active in the UK, while the CMA will monitor implementation of the sale.

  • NEWS STORY : Regional mayors to gain powers to overrule councils on major developments

    NEWS STORY : Regional mayors to gain powers to overrule councils on major developments

    STORY

    Regional mayors across England are set to receive new powers allowing them to intervene in major local planning decisions and overrule councils as part of the Government’s drive to increase housebuilding. Under proposals announced on Sunday, mayors will be able to “call in” significant applications and direct councils to approve or refuse them, bringing their powers closer to those already available to the Mayor of London.

    The new arrangements would apply to developments involving more than 150 homes, commercial schemes covering more than 15,000 square metres and buildings at least 30 metres tall. Mayors would also be able to grant permission in advance for development in designated areas. Housing minister Matthew Pennycook said the additional powers were an essential part of the tools mayors needed to deliver new homes and regeneration, while a public consultation on the proposals is expected to begin next week.

    Prime Minister Andy Burnham has argued that intervention may sometimes be necessary where local decision making prevents major development, although he has stressed that the powers could also be used to stop inappropriate schemes. The Conservatives have questioned whether councils should lose control over decisions affecting their communities, while the Liberal Democrats said the proposals risked weakening the voice of local residents. The changes form part of the Government’s wider devolution and housing programme and its commitment to build 1.5 million homes during the current Parliament.