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  • NEWS STORY : Opinion Poll Shows Record Low of People Supporting Brexit

    NEWS STORY : Opinion Poll Shows Record Low of People Supporting Brexit

    STORY

    A poll commissioned for Yougov for the fifth anniversary of the UK leaving the European Union has shown a record low level of support, with just 30% believing that the UK was right to leave the EU and 55% thinking that the decision was wrong. The poll shows that only 11% of people thought that Brexit had been a success and 62% felt that it had been a failure, with 55% of people wanting to rejoin the EU.

    The full results are at https://ygo-assets-websites-editorial-emea.yougov.net/documents/Internal_Brexit_250121.pdf.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister of Frederiksen of Denmark [January 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister of Frederiksen of Denmark [January 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 January 2025.

    The Prime Minister spoke to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister updated on his visit to Kyiv last week and underlined his steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes.

    Putting the country in the strongest possible position in 2025 and securing peace through strength was vital, the leaders agreed.

    Turning to broader European defence issues, the leaders looked ahead to their attendance to the upcoming European Council in early February.

    The Prime Minister extended an invite to Prime Minister Frederiksen to visit the UK.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani [January 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani [January 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 January 2025.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani this afternoon.

    The leaders began by reflecting on the success of the Qatar State Visit last month, and they agreed on the importance and strength of the UK-Qatar partnership.

    Turning to the Middle East, the Prime Minister thanked the Amir for his steadfast leadership in securing a ceasefire deal.

    They both agreed on the requirement to maintain pressure on both sides to ensure that the deal is fully implemented, seeing the release of all hostages and an increase of aid into Gaza.

    The Prime Minister underscored that the UK, alongside international partners, will continue to be at the forefront of efforts to ensure long-term peace in the Middle East.

    A two-state solution that will guarantee security and stability for Israel, alongside a sovereign and viable Palestine state will ensure a better future for all, the leaders agreed.

    They looked forward to speaking soon.

  • NEWS STORY : Government Backs Heathrow Expansion in Boost for Economic Growth

    NEWS STORY : Government Backs Heathrow Expansion in Boost for Economic Growth

    STORY

    Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has said that the Government is supportive of the third runway at Heathrow Airport in what she called a boost for economic growth. In a keynote speech she said:

    “I have always been clear that a third runway at Heathrow would unlock further growth, boost investment, increase exports, and make the UK more open and more connected as part of our Plan for Change. And now the case is stronger than ever because our reforms to the economy – like speeding up our planning system, and our strengthened plans to modernise UK airspace – mean the delivery of this project is set up for success. So I can confirm today that this Government supports a third runway at Heathrow and is inviting proposals to be brought forward by the summer.”

    The first announcement of plans to build a third runway were mentioned in May 2003, with the Government of the time giving their cautious support. Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister, gave approval to the plans in 2009, but they were cancelled by the incoming Cameron Government in 2010. Cameron later gave more support, but the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said that the Liberal Democrats wouldn’t back it. Despite the recommendation by the Airports Commission to build a third runway and support from MPs, the runway didn’t get permission from either Theresa May or Boris Johnson, with expansion plans formally blocked in February 2020.

    Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, said that he would contest the building of the new runway, whilst the Government said that investment in the country’s future was now necessary to ensure growth and this wasn’t incompatible with net zero.

  • NEWS STORY : Keir Starmer Talks at Length to President Donald Trump

    NEWS STORY : Keir Starmer Talks at Length to President Donald Trump

    STORY

    Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, spoke at length to Donald Trump, the President of the United States, by phone in what was said by both to be a productive conversation.

    A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said in a statement:

    “President Trump opened by sending his condolences to the Prime Minister on the loss of his brother. The Prime Minister thanked President Trump for his kind words and congratulated him on his inauguration. The Prime Minister paid tribute to President Trump’s role in securing the landmark ceasefire and hostages deal in Gaza. The President welcomed the release of Emily Damari and sent his best wishes to her family. They discussed the importance of working together for security in the Middle East. They also discussed trade and the economy, with the Prime Minister setting out how we are deregulating to boost growth.”

    Donald Trump praised the Prime Minister, saying in an interview:

    “He’s liberal, which is a bit different from me, but I think he’s a very good person and I think he’s done a very good job thus far. He’s represented his country in terms of philosophy and I may not agree with his philosophy, but I have a very good relationship with him.”

  • NEWS STORY : Government Announces Deposit Return Scheme

    NEWS STORY : Government Announces Deposit Return Scheme

    STORY

    The Government has announced that a deposit return scheme for plastic bottles and cans will be introduced in October 2027, in an attempt to increase recycling and reduce litter. Mary Creagh, the Minister at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said in a statement:

    This Government will clean up Britain and end the throwaway society.

    “This is a vital step as we stop the avalanche of rubbish that is filling up our streets, rivers and oceans and protect our treasured wildlife. Turning trash into cash also delivers on our Plan for Change by kickstarting clean growth, ensuring economic stability, more resilient supply chains, and new green jobs.”

    Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, Chief Executive of environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, said:

    “A deposit return scheme really is a silver bullet that will get plastic drinks bottles and aluminium cans out of our parks, off our streets and away from our rivers and seas. Depressingly we litter, burn or bury millions of drinks containers each and every day. This legislation will end all that, save the taxpayer millions in clean-up costs and give recycling a real shot in the arm. Backed and paid for by producers, this method of retrieval and recycling is tried and tested the world over so at Keep Britain Tidy we are putting out the bunting that this government is committed to make it happen, for us all.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Membership of new Visitor Economy Advisory Council announced [January 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Membership of new Visitor Economy Advisory Council announced [January 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 20 January 2025.

    Tourism industry worth £74 billion to the economy and 4% of GVA with a huge potential for further growth to support government’s Plan for Change.

    • Visitor Economy Advisory Council to boost collaboration between government and tourism industry
    • Group to be co-chaired by Tourism Minister Sir Chris Bryant

    Leading figures from British Airways, VisitBritain, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Trainline and other key players in the tourism sector are being brought together on a new taskforce aimed at securing growth in the UK’s world-class tourism sector.

    The Visitor Economy Advisory Council, which met today (Monday 20th January) for the first time, aims to boost collaboration between government and the tourism industry in a bid to kickstart the next stage of the sector’s growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    The advisory council will inform the government’s forthcoming National Visitor Economy Strategy. They also work towards the government’s previously announced ambition for the United Kingdom to welcome 50 million international visitors per year by 2030, as part of its plans for the country to remain one of the most visited worldwide.

    The council is co-chaired by Tourism Minister Sir Chris Bryant and Karin Sheppard, IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Managing Director for Europe.

    Members of the advisory council include Sean Doyle, chair and chief executive of British Airways, West Midlands mayor Richard Parker, VisitBritain chief executive Patricia Yates, Royal Parks chair Loyd Grossman, Royal Shakespeare Company chief executive Andrew Leveson and Fiona MacConnacher, head of public affairs for UK and Ireland at Booking.com.

    Tourism Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:

    “The UK is one of the most visited countries in the world and domestic and international tourism are a key part of our economy. I want to build on this success and enable even more visitors to experience our fantastic culture and landscape.

    “That is why I want to increase cooperation between the government and the tourism sector so that we can make the UK the best destination that it can be. That means building investment, improving visitors’ experience and enabling the sector to grow. By working together we can create jobs and drive economic growth as part of our Plan for Change, while also providing fantastic holidays that showcase the best that our country has to offer.”

    A key part of the government’s growth strategy for the tourism sector is increasing visitor numbers outside of London. The capital is a fantastic draw for foreign visitors, bringing in tens of millions of them each year, however the council will look at ways to attract more people to other cities and regions.

    As well as focusing on inbound and domestic tourism, the Visitor Economy Advisory Council will also focus on outbound travel to ensure all tourists have the best possible experience when travelling.

    At today’s meeting, the group discussed the sector’s performance across domestic, international and outbound markets and how the council can support the government’s Growth Mission.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors:

    Full membership of the Visitor Economy Advisory Council:

    • Joss Croft OBE, Chief Executive Officer, UKInbound
    • Sean Doyle, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, British Airways
    • Fiona Eastwood, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Merlin Entertainment
    • Paul Flaum, Chief Executive Officer, Bourne Leisure
    • Jody Ford, Chief Executive Officer, Trainline
    • Dr Sarah Green OBE, Chief Executive Officer, NewcastleGateshead Initiative
    • Sir Loyd Grossman CBE, Chair, The Royal Parks
    • Andy Harmer, Chief Executive Officer, CLIA
    • Dame Irene Hays DBE CBE DL, Chair and Owner, Hays Travel
    • Andrew Leveson, Chief Executive Officer, Royal Shakespeare Company
    • Fiona MacConnacher, Head of Public Affairs UK & Ireland, Booking.com
    • Kate Nicholls OBE, Chief Executive Officer, UKHospitality
    • Ken O’Toole, Group Chief Executive Officer, Manchester Airports Group
    • Richard Parker, Mayor, West Midlands Combined Authority (joint member)
    • Neil Rami, Chief Executive Officer, West Midlands Growth Company (joint member)
    • Jeremy Rees, Chief Executive Officer, ExCel London
    • Kate Shane, Managing Director, Blackpool Council Leisure Portfolio
    • Karin Sheppard, Managing Director Europe, IHG Hotels and Resorts
    • Julia Simpson, Chief Executive Officer, World Tourism and Travel Council
    • Shaon Talukder, Chief Executive Officer, Geotourist
    • Patricia Yates (Observer), Chief Executive Officer, VisitBritain, VisitEngland
  • Keir Starmer – 2025 Statement on Southport

    Keir Starmer – 2025 Statement on Southport

    The statement made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 20 January 2025.

    Our thoughts are with the families of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice da Silva Aguiar – and the families of everyone affected – who will be saved the ordeal of a protracted trial.

    The news that the vile and sick Southport killer will be convicted is welcome.

    It is also a moment of trauma for the nation and there are grave questions to answer as to how the state failed in its ultimate duty to protect these young girls.

    Britain will rightly demand answers. And we will leave no stone unturned in that pursuit.

    At the centre of this horrific event, there is still a family and community grief that is raw; a pain that not even justice can ever truly heal.

    Although no words today can ever truly convey the depths of that pain, I want the families to know that our thoughts are with them and everyone in Southport affected by this barbaric crime. The whole nation grieves with them.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Universal Periodic Review 48 – UK Statement on Italy [January 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Universal Periodic Review 48 – UK Statement on Italy [January 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 January 2025.

    Statement at Italy’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Thank you, Mr President.

    We welcome Italy’s commitment to human rights, including its candidacy for the Human Rights Council.

    We commend Italy’s efforts to implement its National Action Plan against Trafficking and Serious Exploitation of Human Beings, and welcome the adoption of the Strategic Plan on Male Violence Against Women.

    However, we note the persistence of racial and discriminatory attitudes in society. We encourage greater protections for LGBT+ individuals, including tackling discrimination against same-sex couples and families.

    We recommend that Italy:

    1. Implement the recommendations of the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, particularly around prevention and prosecution.
    2. Implement the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance recommendation to set up an independent equality body.
    3. Follow up on recommendations in the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, to ensure continued progress to stop violence against women and girls.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor ramps up engagement with financial services leaders to bolster plans to grow the economy [January 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor ramps up engagement with financial services leaders to bolster plans to grow the economy [January 2025]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 20 January 2025.

    Financial services sector set for key role in designing first-ever Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy.

    • Chancellor to host series of Industry Forums with key sub-sectors such as banking, insurance, and asset management leaders over coming months.
    • Strategy will set out support for the financial services sector to innovate, grow and finance investment across the country, as part of Plan for Change to put more money in people’s pockets.

    The financial services sector is set to play a key role in designing the first ever Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy.

    The Chancellor will host a series of Industry Forums with industry – covering the entire breadth of the financial services sector – to seek views about the best way to deliver long-term in the sector and across the country.

    The Strategy, set to be published in the spring, aims to develop policies that foster growth in the financial services sector, as part of the Plan for Change to grow the economy and put more money in people’s pockets.

    Recognising its importance, financial services has been identified as one of the eight key growth-driving sectors in the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy.

    The Industry Forums, alongside extensive further engagement at official and ministerial levels, will ensure that industry and senior stakeholders are closely involved in the development of the upcoming Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy, so that it tackles the key issues that matter most to the industry.

    This will ensure that policy is informed by financial services professionals who know first-hand what is needed to deliver growth in each of the significant areas of financial services.

    Over the coming weeks, the Chancellor and the Economic Secretary will chair the first of these Industry Forums bringing in leaders from retail banking, wholesale and international banking, insurance and reinsurance, asset management, fintech, and the mutuals and co-operatives sector.

    These sessions will build on the government’s Call for Evidence to inform the Strategy, which closed in December 2024.

    The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

    Growth is my number one mission. It’s the only way to put more money in people’s pockets and key to our Plan for Change.

    The financial services sector is at the heart of this mission, supporting economic activity and financing investment across the country.

    I am committed to working hand-in-hand with the industry to make sure that our plans are informed by those who both provide and utilise financial services, including those who know first-hand what is needed to unlock growth in, and drive prosperity through, our world-leading financial services sector.

    The first meetings of the Industry Forums will run throughout January and February, reconvening ahead of the government’s publication of the Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy as part of the Industrial Strategy later this year.

    The government will continue to work closely with industry following the publication of the Strategy, to ensure that it is implemented effectively.