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NEWS STORY : Starmer challenged over defence funding gap at PMQs

STORY

Sir Keir Starmer faced renewed pressure over the Government’s Defence Investment Plan after Kemi Badenoch accused him of leaving a funding gap for his successor. The exchanges at Prime Minister’s Questions focused on how the long-term spending commitments would be met and whether the next Labour leader would be forced into further borrowing, tax rises or cuts elsewhere.

The issue has become politically sensitive because Andy Burnham is expected to take over from Starmer later this month. Defence minister Luke Pollard said he had only seen the detailed funding breakdown the day before the plan was published, adding to questions about how far ministers and Burnham had been briefed before the announcement.

The Government said the plan was necessary to strengthen national security and meet future defence challenges. Opposition MPs argued that the package lacked a credible funding route, leaving Labour exposed to accusations that it was making strategic commitments without showing how they would be paid for.

01/07/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Israel must uphold its obligations under international law and take urgent steps to halt the violence in the West Bank – UK statement at the UN Security Council [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 June 2026.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Palestine.

The United Kingdom is clear that a two-state solution remains the best way to bring lasting peace to the region and end the cycle of violence that has scarred generations of Palestinians and Israelis.

As we have said numerous times in this Council, the implementation of President Trump’s comprehensive peace plan, endorsed by resolution 2803, is an important step forward towards ending that violence.

Both sides must meet their commitments, with Israel removing restrictions on humanitarian aid, and Hamas decommissioning its weapons.

Today, we focus on the West Bank, where Israel’s policies are eroding the prospects for peaceful co-existence.

And I will highlight three areas.

First, settlement expansion continues in violation of resolution 2334, including the E1 project that aims to cut the West Bank in half and separate East Jerusalem.

This is accompanied by demolitions, evictions, and the displacement of Palestinian communities.

In early June, we saw the approval of over 2,000 settlement housing units across the West Bank, bringing the total approved this year to over 6,000.

On 24 June, Israel declared another 465 dunams of private Palestinian land as state land to make way for a settlement outpost.

My Prime Minister has been clear that we categorically oppose expansion of settlements, which are a violation of international law.

We join this Council in rejecting any attempt at annexation.

Second, as we’ve heard today from the briefers, violence and lawlessness on the ground remain alarming.

According to the UN, there has been an average of six attacks every day against Palestinians in the West Bank since the start of 2026.

The Secretary-General’s recent report highlighted the staggering rise in attacks by settlers on Palestinian children, reportedly often supported by Israeli security forces.

On 17 June, extremist settlers launched arson attacks on two mosques.

These are not isolated incidents but coordinated attacks on civilians, livelihoods, and religious sites, facilitated by a culture of impunity.

The Government of Israel must uphold its obligations under international law and take urgent steps to halt this violence and hold those responsible accountable.

The UK, alongside partners, has imposed sanctions on individuals and entities that finance and enable settler violence.

And as my Foreign Secretary has made clear, we stand ready to take further action if the Government of Israel does not take urgent steps to address the situation on the ground.

Third, economic conditions in the West Bank are deteriorating sharply.

Israel has withheld over 5 billion USD of Palestinian revenues, placing severe strain on the Palestinian Authority and its ability to sustain essential services, particularly healthcare and medical supplies.

The Government of Israel also continues to attack and undermine Palestinian financial institutions, which risks undermining economic stability more broadly, with consequences for livelihoods and regional stability.

So President, to return to where I started, this Council has given its support to the Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza.

We cannot allow progress toward peace to be undermined by this deeply concerning trajectory in the West Bank.

We must redouble efforts to stabilise the West Bank and inject renewed momentum into implementation of Resolution 2803 in Gaza.

Both Israel and Hamas must meet their commitments.

These are essential steps towards a just and lasting peace, in which Israelis and Palestinians can live in security and dignity.

01/07/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Illegal immigrants and foreign criminals to be removed [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 29 June 2026.

More than 45,000 foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers will be removed over the coming decade thanks to a significant expansion of detention capacity.

The projects at Haslar and Campsfield Immigration Removal Centres (IRCs) will contribute to a 40% increase in the UK’s detention capacity for those with no right to be here.

These expansions will more than triple the cumulative capacity at these centres from 290 to 1,000 beds, with each additional detention space translating to more offenders and illegal migrants removed from our country. This sends a clear message: if you come here illegally, you will not be able to stay. 

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said:  

Returns and deportations are at their highest level in nearly a decade.

Nearly 70,000 individuals with no right to be here have been removed from the UK since this government took office.

But we will not stop there. These expansions will see thousands more foreign criminals and illegal migrants who have no right to be here removed.

Last week a report from the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) showed the government inherited a migration system with over 412,000 illegal migrants in the UK.

This expansion will further build on the dramatically intensified enforcement action the Home Office has undertaken since the report, with deportations soaring to the highest level in a decade.

Nearly 70,000 illegal migrants and foreign criminals have been returned, an increase in 41% compared to the previous 21 month period. Of these, 10,000 were foreign national offenders, an increase of 36%.

That is why the Home Secretary will double the Immigration Enforcement budget by 2028 to 2029 and boost workforce numbers by 60% from 2024 in 2026 to 2027. This will see tens of thousands more raids, arrests, and deportations of illegal migrants.

As confirmed in the King’s Speech, the government will also bring forward an Immigration and Asylum Bill, which will reform human rights laws such as modern slavery legislation and Article 8 of the ECHR to end abuse by illegal migrants frustrating their removals.

01/07/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Government steps up drive to reconnect young people with £1.6 billion in unclaimed savings
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 29 June 2026.

Taskforce set up by government to encourage young people to claim their Child Trust Funds.
- Nationwide, HSBC UK, Sheffield Mutual and One Family among members of new taskforce meeting for first time as government takes action to reunite young people with unclaimed Child Trust Funds
- The Taskforce will improve coordination across government and industry to encourage more young people to access their unclaimed matured funds
- More than 750,000 young people have unclaimed accounts worth £2,200 on average
Hundreds of thousands of young people could soon be reunited with unclaimed savings worth more than £1.6 billion, as the government launches a new push to trace matured Child Trust Funds (CTFs).

Around 6.3 million Child Trust Fund accounts were opened for children born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011, predominantly by parents and guardians, with the remainder established by HMRC. Accounts can go unclaimed for a number of reasons difficulty locating them, people forget they have them, or a decision to leave the funds invested for the time being.

Child Trust Funds were introduced to give every child a financial asset at adulthood, and this government is doing everything it can to make sure young adults are aware of and can access their accounts.

To make this happen, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Rachel Blake MP, has convened a new Child Trust Fund Taskforce, bringing together CTF providers and the Government to drive a coordinated effort to increase reunification of accounts.

Members of the Taskforce will include One Family, Coutts, Nationwide, HSBC UK, Pilling, The Coventry (Co-operative), Sheffield Mutual, Unity Mutual, Forester, Healthy Investments and The Share Foundation – with the first meeting happening today.

More than 750,000 young adults still have unclaimed matured accounts, holding £2,200 on average. The funds were originally set up by the government for those born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011. The Taskforce will improve coordination across government and industry to encourage more young people to access their unclaimed matured CTFs. 

Rachel Blake, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said:

Too many young people are missing out simply because they are not aware of where their Child Trust Fund is or how to access it.

We are acting to fix that by bringing government and industry together – improving coordination and making it easier for people to find and claim what’s rightfully theirs.

JP Marks, HMRC’s Chief Executive and First Permanent Secretary, said:

Many young people have Child Trust Fund accounts with an average £2,200 waiting to be claimed. This is their money, and we want to do all we can to help them find and access it.

If you think you have one, you can use the ‘Find my Child Trust Fund’ tool on GOV.UK to find out where your account is held.

The Taskforce will bring providers together to improve tracing approaches, test more effective engagement with young people, and drive practical actions that lead to more accounts being claimed.

Today’s move builds on existing action to tackle unclaimed matured accounts, including ongoing HMRC communications campaigns and direct letters going out to eligible 21-year-olds.

Anyone born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011 can search for their account on GOV.UK. The search is free, requires only a National Insurance number, and takes minutes. Those aged 18 or over can access funds immediately.

Jim Islam, Chief Executive Officer, OneFamily, said:

We welcome the creation of the Child Trust Fund Taskforce to help more young people access their savings. We know from our own experience that making this process as easy as possible is essential and we look forward to working together with government and industry partners.

Child Trust Funds have already provided a valuable financial boost to millions of individuals who have claimed their accounts as they enter adulthood, making a real difference to people’s lives.

We’re committed to playing our part in helping people who have not yet claimed. Anyone born after 1 September 2002 who has already turned 18 will have a Child Trust Fund, and can search for their account on the government website.

Philip Kurtenbach, Head of Product Management & Governance, Wealth & PB, HSBC UK said:

At HSBC UK, we’re committed to putting customers at the heart of everything we do. We know that having a fund to support young people as they start adult life can make a real difference – opening up opportunities at a pivotal moment in their lives. That’s why we’re supporting the HMT Taskforce as the industry comes together to ensure the funds reach those they were intended for.

Richard Stocker, Head of Savings, Nationwide said:

Nationwide is pleased to be part of the Child Trust Fund taskforce and fully supports its aims. We remain committed to working collaboratively across the industry to build on the progress made so far and deliver a meaningful outcome on this important issue.

Notes to editors
- The Child Trust Fund scheme was introduced in 2005 to give every child a financial asset for the future. It applied to eligible children born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011, with the Government making a payment into each account.
- Accounts began maturing on 1 September 2020, and more than 750,000 matured accounts remain unclaimed, with an average value of about £2,200. Many eligible young people, now aged 15 to 23, may not know they have an account. The total value of unclaimed funds runs into hundreds of millions of pounds.
- The Taskforce aims to break down barriers to opportunity and give young people the best start to adult life. It also aligns with the National Youth Strategy, which identifies financial insecurity as a key pressure and calls for practical action.
30/06/2026
NEWS STORY : Illegal Waste Cleared From West Yorkshire Site After Court Action

STORY

An illegal waste site in West Yorkshire has been cleared after court action brought by the Environment Agency.

Andrew Leadbeater, 57, pleaded guilty in April to two charges relating to waste offences at a site in Wyke Lane, Wyke, Bradford. West Yorkshire Magistrates’ Court ordered him to clear the land of rubbish by 17 June.

Complaints about fly-tipping and burning at the site were first made to the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council in 2023. During a visit by the council in June that year, Leadbeater said some of the waste had been fly-tipped on his land and admitted burning material at the site. He said he would stop burning and arrange for the land to be cleared.

In June 2024, Leadbeater contacted the council to complain that fly-tipping had again taken place on his land. Council officers visited and found a significant amount of waste before referring the case to the Environment Agency.

Environment Agency officers later spoke to Leadbeater, who said he knew about the waste but did not know who had deposited it. He said he had tried to secure the site and agreed to remove the waste urgently.

Follow-up visits in November 2024 and March 2025 found the waste had not been removed. The Environment Agency then issued a notice requiring Leadbeater to clear all waste from the land by 22 September 2025, but he failed to comply. He also failed to attend an interview with the Environment Agency in October 2025.

Leadbeater was charged with operating a waste site without an environmental permit and failing to comply with an Environment Agency notice to clear the waste. The rubbish included fire-damaged trailers and mixed household waste.

He was given two months to clear the site, along with a 12-month conditional discharge and £6,067.50 in costs.

Ben Hocking, Area Environment Manager for the Environment Agency in Yorkshire, said illegal waste operations had a negative impact on residents’ lives and welcomed the full clearance of the site. He said the case showed the agency was taking action against waste crime and urged anyone with information about unlawful waste activity to report it.

The Environment Agency said it is stepping up action on waste crime through a new 10 Point Plan, which aims to strengthen prevention, improve detection and deliver more consistent enforcement.

30/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 62 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Burundi [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 June 2026.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Burundi. Delivered at the 62nd Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you Mr Vice President.

The United Kingdom thanks the Special Rapporteur for his update. We recognise the importance of his mandate and encourage the government of Burundi to grant the Special Rapporteur access.

The UK is concerned by ongoing reports of shrinking civic space, and the suppression of opposition voices in Burundi. As we approach the 2027 election, we ask the government of Burundi to ensure all Burundian people can exercise their democratic rights, and express their views peacefully, without fear of intimidation.

We note with concern the broader humanitarian and regional context, including pressure arising from displacement. We welcome Burundi’s efforts to host refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and the UK has provided £2.3million through the World Food Programme to support these efforts.

Mr Vice President, the recent Ebola outbreak in the region is of deep concern. The UK has announced £800,000 of financial support to strengthen preparedness, as any spread to Burundi would pose a serious risk to its people.

Special Rapporteur, ahead of next year’s elections and in the context of regional conflict and health insecurity, how can the international community support Burundi to uphold civil liberties and democracy?

Thank you

30/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 62: UK Statement for the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the Democratic Republic of the Congo [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 June 2026.

UK Statement for the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Delivered at the 62nd Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Mr Vice President.

The UK welcomes the Commission of Inquiry’s initial deployments and thanks the Commissioners for their update. We underline the importance of the Commission’s work continuing without further delay and welcome the Democratic Republic of Congo’s engagement so far.

We remain gravely concerned by the ongoing human rights situation in eastern DRC. Widespread violations and abuses continue, committed by all parties to the conflict. The scale of conflict-related sexual violence is appalling. We remind all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law and underline that perpetrators of any violations must be held to account.

Mr Vice President, the Ebola spread threatens to intensify an already severe human rights crisis in eastern DRC, driving displacement and fuelling instability. Rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access is more urgent than ever to contain the spread. Continued conflict will disrupt the response.

The UK calls on all parties to immediately cease hostilities and implement all ceasefire commitments.

Humanitarian personnel and material must be able to move unhindered across eastern DRC and regionally. All humanitarian responses must remain civilian-led, and we urge all parties across the region to cooperate on an effective response.

Thank you.

30/06/2026
NEWS STORY : Wolverhampton Fraudster Sentenced After Illegally Claiming £30,000 in Covid Loans

STORY

A Wolverhampton company director has been given a suspended prison sentence after fraudulently claiming £30,000 through the Covid Bounce Back Loan scheme.

Sohail Cheema, of Richmond Road, Wolverhampton, falsely claimed that his company had a turnover of £60,000 when applying for two separate £15,000 Bounce Back Loans in 2020. Businesses were only entitled to one loan under the scheme, which was designed to support genuine companies during the pandemic.

The Insolvency Service said Cheema’s company, Sohail Cheema Limited, had been set up to allow him to gain agency employment as a self-employed bus driver and was not actually trading. None of the money obtained was used for the economic benefit of the business, as required by the scheme.

Cheema transferred the full proceeds of both loans out of his business accounts on the same day they were received. The money was moved to his personal accounts and to his wife’s account, before later forming part of a £90,000 payment to a third party in August 2021.

He pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering following an investigation by the Insolvency Service. At Wolverhampton Crown Court on Monday 29 June, Cheema was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years.

He was also disqualified from acting as a company director for 10 years, ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and required to carry out 20 days of rehabilitation activity.

David Snasdell, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said Cheema had deliberately made two fraudulent applications despite knowing he was not entitled to the money. He said Bounce Back Loans had been a lifeline for genuine businesses during the pandemic and warned that the Insolvency Service would continue to pursue those who exploited the scheme.

Sohail Cheema Limited went into liquidation in May 2021. The Insolvency Service said it is seeking to recover the fraudulently obtained money under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

30/06/2026
NEWS STORY : Energy Firm Named After £569,000 Russia Sanctions Settlement

STORY

An energy services firm has paid more than £500,000 to HM Revenue and Customs after breaching Russia sanctions regulations. Petrofac Facilities Management Limited paid a £569,157 compound settlement and has become the first company to be publicly named by HMRC after accepting such a penalty. The breaches took place in 2022 and 2023 while the company was winding down its Russian operations.

HMRC said the company supplied sanctioned industrial goods to individuals connected to Russia and provided technical assistance relating to those goods. Petrofac Facilities Management Limited self-reported the breaches and fully cooperated with the investigation.

The decision to name the company marks a change in HMRC’s approach to compound settlements for strategic export and sanctions offences. The department said naming companies in appropriate cases would improve transparency and bring its approach more closely into line with other UK sanctions enforcement bodies.

Edwige Hill, Deputy Director in HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service, said non-compliance with Russia sanctions was a serious offence. She said the Government, together with international partners, had implemented the most severe package of sanctions ever imposed on a major economy, and that naming those involved sent a clear message about the consequences of breaching sanctions rules.

HMRC said it may now include public naming as a condition when offering compound settlements for strategic export and sanctions offences. The department said the approach would support consistency with bodies such as the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation.

A compound settlement allows HMRC to settle alleged sanctions and strategic export offences out of court through the payment of money. HMRC said such settlements are offered only where it believes there is sufficient evidence to prosecute.

The case underlines the continuing enforcement risks for companies connected to Russian operations, even where firms are in the process of withdrawing from the market. HMRC said businesses breaching sanctions may face large financial penalties or referral for criminal prosecution.

30/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : UK Foreign Secretary concludes visit to Egypt [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 June 2026.

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper announced over $15 million of funding to support Egypt’s humanitarian response and economic resilience, as the UK and Egypt prepare to conclude a Strategic Partnership.

The UK Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, made her first visit to Egypt from 17 to 18 June. During her visit, the Foreign Secretary met with interlocutors including Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty and Chief Commissioner of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) Dr Ali Shaath.

The Foreign Secretary and Foreign Minister Abdelatty co-chaired the third meeting of the bilateral Association Council. The 2 ministers took stock of the bilateral relationship, and discussed ways of deepening co-operation on growth, migration, and regional security, looking forward to the agreement of an Egypt-UK Strategic Partnership later in the year.

On the region, the ministers discussed how to further align the 2 countries’ efforts to secure lasting stability and peace, including in relation to the Strait of Hormuz, Iran, Gaza, Sudan, and Lebanon.

In her meeting with Dr Ali Shaath, the Foreign Secretary reiterated the UK’s firm belief that the future of Gaza must be Palestinian-led. The Foreign Secretary welcomed the NCAG’s vital role in leading Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction, as Gaza transitions to Palestinian Authority governance as part of a pathway towards a two-state solution. She discussed the importance of Palestinian policing in Gaza as a first step towards implanting the 20-point Peace Plan, and the vital importance of rapid shelter provisions for displaced people.

Egypt continues to play a crucial role in addressing the desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza. This is why the Foreign Secretary announced an additional £3 million ($3.9 million) in UK funding, including to support the Egyptian Red Crescent in scaling up aid delivery, by providing logistics support to the Egyptian Red Crescent’s humanitarian aid operations, through the IFRC’s Middle East appeal.

On bilateral issues, the Foreign Secretary acknowledged the impact of regional conflicts on Egypt’s economy, and announced a new £8.7 million ($11.5 million) partnership with the World Bank to provide technical assistance for Egypt’s ambitious economic reform agenda and longer-term economic development. The programme will provide advice and analysis to the Government of Egypt to boost inclusive private sector-led growth, making it easier for businesses to invest, trade and expand, ultimately boosting Egypt’s economic resilience.

Meeting Sudanese migrants – at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) – who have escaped the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, the Foreign Secretary described migration as “a global challenge requiring global co-operation” and announced £9 million ($11.9 million) of UK funding to help countries across North Africa – including Egypt – deal with the migration impacts of regional conflicts.

British Ambassador to Egypt Mark Bryson-Richardson said:

The Foreign Secretary’s visit demonstrates the UK’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and working closely with Egypt during this time of regional uncertainty. The UK and Egypt work together to drive stability, support prosperity, and build the foundations for lasting peace across the region and we look forward to the formal elevation of the UK-Egypt relationship into a Strategic Partnership later this year.

On Gaza, the UK provided over £80 million in humanitarian and early recovery support to Gaza last year. This has helped deliver food to 650,000 people and improved water and sanitation access for 300,000.

30/06/2026