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PRESS RELEASE : UK Forces protect NATO with aircraft carrier operations in High North [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 6 July 2026.

NATO air policing conducted by F-35 jets from European aircraft carrier for first time in boost to High North security.

Britain’s Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, is helping to defend Europe and the North Atlantic, with F-35 jets conducting NATO air policing operations from the deck for the first time.

Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP, accompanied by Icelandic Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, visited UK forces onboard the Royal Navy’s flagship HMS Prince of Wales which is deployed off Iceland under NATO command.

Iceland provides vital support to allied forces operating from its territory, with this close cooperation boosting security in the North Atlantic.

UK F-35 jets are patrolling the skies above Iceland and the High North from HMS Prince of Wales to help protect NATO allies against increasing Russian threats. This is the first time NATO has conducted air policing operations from a European aircraft carrier.

Over 1,500 British personnel on the carrier, Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan, and RFA Tidespring, are deployed as part the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) to the North Atlantic.

The visit by the Defence Secretary comes as elite British troops are taking command of the Alliance’s high readiness special operations force for the first time.

The UK’s Special Operations Forces assumed leadership of the Special Operations Component Command within NATO’s Allied Reaction Force (ARF) on 1 July. The force is the spearhead of the ARF, able to deploy anywhere in the world within days.

At the same time, the UK also assumed command of the maritime component of the ARF with Rear Admiral Mark Anderson and his battle staff taking up the post. HMS Queen Elizabeth, having recently completed a refit in Rosyth, is preparing to serve as the floating headquarters for the force later this year.

Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP said:

It was an honour to visit our deployed personnel who are conducting operations that help keep our nation and our allies safe.

We live in an increasingly dangerous and uncertain time, and it’s deployments like this, supported by allies and partners including Iceland, that improve our deterrence and defence as part of NATO.

We are investing £298 billion over the next four years to strengthen readiness and ensure our people have the kit and technology they need.

I’m proud of our people and proud of the commitments we’re making to the alliance and to European security.

Icelandic Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir said:

The visit of the UK Carrier Strike Group is a clear demonstration of NATO’s enhanced presence in this strategically important region, and one that Iceland is proud to support and contribute to.

NATO continues to strengthen its deterrence and defence, demonstrating Allied unity and resolve in the challenging environment of the North Atlantic and the Arctic. Activities such as Arctic Sentry reflect this shared commitment.

The Carrier Strike Group work on NATO operations comes as the Defence Investment Plan confirmed that £240 million is being invested in the development of new drones to build a Hybrid Carrier Air Wing, including jet-powered drones to work alongside F-35 fighter jets.

British forces are playing a vital role to deter and defend, increasing NATO’s resilience, readiness, and unity.

There are over 1,000 British personnel across NATO command posts, while the UK also leads the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) from its HQ in Gloucestershire with more than 400 permanent staff from 20 NATO allies.

UK forces also remain on the frontline of defending NATO – from the 800-strong UK battlegroup in Estonia, to the Typhoon jets defending the skies over Romania, and the RAF P-8 Poseidon and Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft patrolling the Baltic Sea.

The UK is the only European NATO member to commit its nuclear deterrent in full to the Alliance and as confirmed in the Defence Investment Plan, will join NATO’s Dual Capable Aircraft nuclear mission with F-35A jets.

Supporting the UK’s leadership of NATO’s Forward Land Forces in Estonia is the British Army’s 4th Brigade Combat Team, which is held at high readiness in the UK, able to rapidly deploy thousands of troops to Estonia at short notice

The RAF’s UK-based Quick Reaction Alert squadrons – ready 24/7 to respond to threats to UK airspace – are integrated into NATO’s air defence system and help guard NATO’s northern air policing area.

06/07/2026
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 62 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on South Sudan [July 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 July 2026.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on South Sudan. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Mr Vice President,

We thank the High Commissioner for this report and commend OHCHR’s continued technical assistance in South Sudan.

The report makes clear that the human rights situation continues to deteriorate. Escalating political tensions and intensified hostilities have driven a sharp increase in violence, with civilians continuing to bear the brunt, including through indiscriminate attacks and widespread sexual violence.

All parties must meet their obligations under the Revitalized Agreement and international law and take steps to de-escalate, protect civilians, and prevent further deterioration.

While we note some progress, including legislation on transitional justice, implementation remains far too slow. Continued delays to the Hybrid Court risk entrenching impunity and undermining confidence in the peace process.

We are deeply concerned by restrictions on civic space, including harassment and intimidation of civil society and journalists.

Technical assistance plays an important role, but cannot replace political will. We urge the transitional government to advance accountability, operationalise transitional justice mechanisms, and protect civic space.

South Sudan’s leaders now face a clear choice: translate commitments into action, or risk further instability and suffering for civilians. We urge renewed political engagement, including with regional partners, to put the country back on a credible path towards peace, justice and democratic governance.

Thank you.

06/07/2026
Ellie Reeves – 2026 Comments on Early Victims’ Right to Review

The comments made by Ellie Reeves on 6 July 2026.

Rape and sexual assault cause devastating, long-lasting harm, and every brave victim who comes forward deserves to know their case will be treated with dignity.

Violence against women and girls is my top priority, and the Early Victims’ Right to Review rollout is a landmark moment.

For the first time, victims of rape and serious sexual offences across all of England and Wales will have the opportunity to have their case reviewed, where eligible, giving them a second chance at justice and real control at the most critical point in their case.

This government is determined to halve violence against women and girls within a decade, and ensuring victims are given fairness, dignity and a genuine voice in the justice system is central to that mission.

06/07/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Solicitor General announces national rollout of Early Victims’ Right to Review scheme [July 2026]

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 6 July 2026.

Following a successful pilot, rape and sexual assault survivors across all of England and Wales will have the right to ask for their cases to be reviewed before a final decision to offer no evidence is made.

A year on from its launch in the West Midlands in June 2025, the Early Victims’ Right to Review (VRR) scheme is now being rolled out to every CPS Area across England and Wales from 13July 2026, the Solicitor General, Ellie Reeves KC MP, has confirmed.

Following the successful expansion across four CPS Areas, West Midlands, North West, Yorkshire and Humberside, and Cymru-Wales, the national rollout marks the next step in transforming how the justice system treats victims of rape and serious sexual offences.

The national rollout gives victims of rape or serious sexual abuse the right for their case to be reviewed by a different prosecutor before any final decision is made, meaning the chance to continue proceedings is still available. If that prosecutor disagrees with the original decision, the case will continue.

The national rollout follows positive feedback from victims who have been involved in the pilot. This includes those who did not ultimately request a review, who said they valued having the opportunity for their case to be reconsidered before a final decision was reached.

The scheme forms a central part of the government’s Violence Against Women and Girls strategy, which sets out its commitment to halve VAWG within a decade.

Solicitor General Ellie Reeves KC MP said:

Rape and sexual assault cause devastating, long-lasting harm, and every brave victim who comes forward deserves to know their case will be treated with dignity.

Violence against women and girls is my top priority, and the Early Victims’ Right to Review rollout is a landmark moment.

For the first time, victims of rape and serious sexual offences across all of England and Wales will have the opportunity to have their case reviewed, where eligible, giving them a second chance at justice and real control at the most critical point in their case.

This government is determined to halve violence against women and girls within a decade, and ensuring victims are given fairness, dignity and a genuine voice in the justice system is central to that mission.

Siobhan Blake, National CPS Lead for Rape and Serious Sexual Offences, said:

For survivors of rape and sexual offences, the possibility their abuser may never face justice can be deeply distressing.

Victims must have confidence that every decision is made with care and expertise. Our specialist prosecutors usually get it right first time, but when we don’t – and a case that could have continued is stopped – an apology alone cannot feel like justice.

Some victims in the pilot have told us that simply having this option makes a positive difference, and two cases continuing shows the impact it can have.

Expanding the pilot will help us better understand how to support victims and ensure the right decisions are made.

Jade Blue McCrossen-Nethercott said:

The Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) commitment to roll out the early Victims’ Right to Review pilot nationally is a landmark moment for victims and survivors.

For many victims, the decision to end a case can feel final, leaving unanswered questions and few opportunities to challenge the outcome. My own experience showed me how devastating it can be when a review comes too late to make a difference, even when mistakes are later identified.

This pilot recognises that victims deserve the opportunity to have decisions reconsidered before they become final. I am incredibly encouraged to see the CPS commit to rolling this pilot out nationally. It shows that when victims are given the opportunity to be heard, their experiences can help shape a fairer and more responsive justice system for others.

Additional quotes for use:

The Victims’ Commissioner Claire Waxman OBE said:

It is fantastic to see the CPS listening and responding to victims’ experiences, and my thanks go to Jade Blue McCrossen-Nethercott for tirelessly campaigning for this vital progress.

Expanding this pilot across the country means that fewer victims of rape and sexual offences will be unfairly denied justice, ensuring they have the opportunity to challenge a decision before it is final.

06/07/2026
NEWS STORY : Croydon says scale of council challenge remains significant

STORY

Croydon Council has told the Government that the scale of the challenge facing the authority remains significant despite progress on stabilisation and transformation work. The council submitted an update on its improvement programme after years of serious financial and governance difficulties.

The authority said foundations for change had been put in place, but that further work was needed to deliver results. It said it was continuing to review its financial strategy, embed financial stewardship across directorates and identify additional medium-term savings.

Croydon has been one of the highest-profile examples of financial failure in English local Government. The latest update suggests the council is continuing to work through major legacy issues while attempting to restore confidence in its finances and governance arrangements.

06/07/2026
NEWS STORY : Councils warn new Prime Minister will face £7 billion public services gap

STORY

Local Government finance specialists have warned that public services should be placed at the centre of the next Prime Minister’s plans as councils face continuing pressure on budgets. A reported £7 billion funding gap has added to calls for a longer-term settlement for local public services.

The warning reflects continuing concern about adult social care, children’s services, homelessness, special educational needs and wider neighbourhood services. Councils have argued that short-term funding packages have not resolved structural pressures caused by rising demand and higher costs.

Local Government bodies are expected to keep pressing ministers for greater financial certainty ahead of future spending decisions. The debate also sits alongside wider discussions about fiscal devolution, local audit, council reorganisation and the balance of responsibilities between Whitehall and local authorities.

06/07/2026
NEWS STORY : European Commission proposes major cross-border defence projects

STORY

The European Commission has proposed five major cross-border defence projects intended to strengthen co-operation between member states and partner countries. The proposals are part of efforts to build European defence capacity in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine and wider security concerns.

The projects include work on drones and counter-drone systems, eastern flank surveillance, maritime and seabed defence, air and missile defence and space-based defence capabilities. The plans are intended to support long-term industrial collaboration and reduce fragmentation in European defence procurement.

The proposals will require approval from the Council of the EU. The Commission has argued that joint projects can help improve Europe’s ability to develop complex defence systems while complementing NATO priorities and strengthening the competitiveness of European industry.

06/07/2026
NEWS STORY : MEPs prepare vote on stronger air passenger rights

STORY

Members of the European Parliament are preparing to vote on updated air passenger rights during the July plenary session in Strasbourg. The proposed rules include compensation after a three-hour delay and fee-free seating for children travelling with accompanying adults.

The vote forms part of the Parliament’s 6 to 9 July agenda, which also includes debates on the June European Council summit, Ukraine and Moldova’s EU paths, social security co-ordination and support for farmers affected by fertiliser costs.

Supporters of the air passenger proposals say they would provide clearer protections for travellers affected by disruption. Airlines and member states have previously raised concerns about the cost and operational impact of passenger compensation rules, meaning further negotiation may still be required.

06/07/2026
NEWS STORY : Rural affordable housing warning issued over planning reform options

STORY

Affordable housing providers have warned that changes to planning obligations could reduce the number of affordable homes built in rural areas. The concern centres on possible reforms to Section 106 agreements, which currently require affordable housing contributions from many private developments.

The National Housing Federation has said that removing on-site affordable housing requirements from smaller developments could have a particularly damaging impact in rural England. It argues that many rural affordable homes are delivered on sites that would be affected by such a change.

The Government has said it wants to simplify the planning system and increase housebuilding, but no final decision has been confirmed on the specific reform. Housing organisations say any changes need to protect rural communities where local families can already struggle to find affordable homes.

06/07/2026
NEWS STORY : Government’s AI growth zone plans face questions over infrastructure

STORY

The Government’s plans for AI growth zones are facing questions over whether proposed sites can deliver the power and infrastructure needed for large-scale data centres. The zones are intended to support major AI investment and help position the UK as a leading location for advanced computing.

Reports have raised concerns about the feasibility of some proposals, including whether enough land, grid capacity and renewable energy could be secured. Large data centres can require very substantial electricity supplies, making planning, connections and local infrastructure central to whether the projects can proceed.

The Government has presented AI growth zones as part of a wider industrial strategy for technology and economic renewal. Critics argue that ministers will need to provide more detail on delivery, energy supply and local impacts if the policy is to move beyond ambition into practical implementation.

06/07/2026