Tag: 2025

PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Trump of the United States [June 2025]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 22 June 2025.

The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States Donald Trump this evening.

The leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East and reiterated the grave risk posed by Iran’s nuclear programme to international security. They discussed the actions taken by the United States last night to reduce the threat and agreed that Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.

They discussed the need for Iran to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible and to make progress on a lasting settlement.

They agreed to stay in close contact in the coming days.

June 29, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Now is the time for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy – UK statement at the UN Security Council [June 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 June 2025.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the emergency UN Security Council meeting on Iran.

This is a pivotal moment for the region.

A further spiral of conflict poses serious risks to regional and international peace and stability. Our foremost priority must now be to support de-escalation.

We have long made clear that Iran must not have a nuclear weapon and their nuclear programme represents a serious threat to international peace and security.

The United States took action last night to alleviate that threat.

The United Kingdom did not participate in US or Israeli strikes.

But military action alone cannot bring a durable solution to concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme.

My Prime Minister has been clear. We urge Iran now to show restraint, and we urge all parties to return to the negotiating table and find a diplomatic solution, which stops further escalation and brings this crisis to an end.

It is in the interests of all parties to pursue such a deal.

This was the joint call made by my Prime Minister, with his French and German counterparts earlier today. Together with our E3 partners, the UK has long pursued a diplomatic solution to address Iran’s nuclear escalation. On Friday, alongside E3 and EU colleagues, my Foreign Secretary met Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi in Geneva to press directly for a return to diplomacy. My Foreign Minister spoke to Foreign Minister Araghchi again today and stressed the urgency of this and we continue to engage partners across the region.

President, the UK reiterates its full support for the IAEA and Director General Grossi for their critical work, professionalism and impartiality. The IAEA and the Non-Proliferation Treaty are key pillars of international security. Threats against IAEA staff and the DG are unacceptable. We urge Iran to cooperate fully with the IAEA. Failure to do so will only further fuel escalation.

President, now is the time for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy. It is essential Iran chooses this path.

June 29, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : 100 days since Ukraine offered a full, unconditional ceasefire, Russia continues to choose war – UK statement to the OSCE [June 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 June 2025.

Acting Ambassador, Deirdre Brown condemns Russia’s continued refusal to accept the full, unconditional ceasefire proposed by Ukraine 100 days ago. Innocent civilians continue to suffer from Russia’s choice to pursue a path of war.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to add our thanks to you and other Troika members for your recent statement.

We currently find ourselves in a security situation that is more precarious, more unpredictable and more serious than any that we have experienced for decades. We will be judged by future generations on the steps that we take to defuse tensions and restore stability to our continent and beyond.

At the heart of the global challenges we face is Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine and its assault on the UN Charter and Helsinki Final Act. The United Kingdom will continue to stand resolutely with Ukraine as it seeks a just and lasting peace.

We remain convinced that an immediate and sustained ceasefire is the quickest route to stopping the killing and creating the space for negotiations on a framework for a lasting peace. As we have already heard, today marks 100 days since Ukraine offered a full, unconditional ceasefire on 11 March. During this time, not only has Russia rejected Ukraine’s offer, it has killed over 550 civilians and injured around 3000 more. It has launched its biggest aerial attacks of the war so far. And it has not just sustained its attacks, but increased them.

The brutal attack on residential buildings in Kyiv earlier this week, which killed 28 civilians and left a further 134 wounded, are the actions of an aggressor who thinks that the world is not watching. They are wrong.

The Kremlin does this while trying to convince the international community that it is serious about peace. All of us in this room know from bitter experience how much weight we should attach to Moscow’s words. You only need to look at the days leading up to the invasion when we heard in this room that speculation of an invasion was “unsubstantiated conjectures”. But let us analyse their words, nonetheless.

On 2 June in Istanbul, Russia presented its memorandum with its conditions for ending its illegal war. In contrast to Ukraine’s own proposals, which are serious, reasonable and constructive, Russia’s memorandum calls for a complete surrender of Ukraine’s internationally recognised territory and limits on Ukraine’s armed forces. President Putin knows that Ukraine cannot accept this: he is claiming territory his army has not been able to take in over three years of his illegal war, and trying to weaken Ukraine so he can continue the war in future. The Kremlin’s maximalist position is clearly inconsistent with international principles enshrined in the UN Charter and Helsinki Final Act – including sovereign equality, the inviolability of frontiers, the territorial integrity of states and the non-intervention in internal affairs. It is further evidence – in case any were needed – that President Putin is not yet serious about peace.

Madam Chair, today also marks the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. There is mounting evidence of conflict-related sexual violence committed by Russian forces against Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war, including from successive Moscow Mechanism reports. We will have more to say on this in our Joint Statement under the relevant agenda item later today.

Finally, Madam Chair, it has been 38 months since Russia detained our three OSCE colleagues, Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov and Dmytro Shabanov. The United Kingdom again calls for their immediate release. Thank you.

June 26, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Overcrowded jails fuel prisoner violence [June 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 19 June 2025.

Violence is rife in overcrowded, unsafe prisons, with offenders nearly twenty per cent more likely to be involved in assaults in too full jails, new research published today reveals.
- Direct link drawn between overcrowded conditions and increased violence for first time
- Landmark sentencing reforms mean offenders who behave badly can be held in prison for longer, part of the Government’s Plan for Change
- New £40 million investment this year to tackle violence, contraband and drones
The rate of prisoner-on-prisoner assaults in men’s prisons increased by 11 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year as they operated at over 99% capacity. The rate of assaults on hard-working prison staff rose by 13 per cent during the same period.

This is the first time a direct link has been drawn between increased violence behind bars and the capacity crisis inherited by the Government that put the public at risk.

It reinforces the need for the 14,000 more prison places and landmark sentencing reforms set out by Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood last month which will ensure prisons never run out of space again. The changes will help to cut reoffending and keep our streets safe, part of the Government’s Plan for Change.

Under these reforms, release from prison will be earned. Offenders who behave badly will be held in prison for longer – helping to reduce violence and drug use. It will mean staff can focus more time on rehabilitating prisoners to reduce the chance of them reoffending on release.

The Government has also announced today a £40 million investment in new security measures this year to clamp down on the contraband that fuels violence behind bars. This includes £10 million on anti-drone measures such as exterior netting and reinforced windows.

Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, James Timpson, said:

These stark findings confirm what we’ve already seen – dangerously full prisons lead to more crime and more violence. This not only risks the safety of our hardworking staff but means our prisons are failing one of their most important functions – cutting crime.

We must end this chaos. That is why as part of our Plan for Change we are reforming sentencing and building 14,000 extra prison places by 2031. Our £40 million new investment will also help combat the flow of contraband which creates unsafe environments in our jails.

The research found that over a one-year period, crowded environments increase the likelihood of an offender being involved in a violent incident by 19 per cent.

The £40 million will fund a range of security enhancements this financial year including window replacements, CCTV and control room upgrades, vehicle gates, biometrics and floodlighting. These improved measures will boost safety, combat the influx of drone activity and clamp down on suspected wrongdoing behind bars.

It comes as the National Crime Agency – in conjunction with HM Prisons and Probation Service, the National Police Chiefs’ Council and Regional Organised Crime Units – has launched a new initiative stepping up efforts to thwart criminals attempting to smuggle contraband into jails via drones.

Two senior police leads will also be embedded into the Corruption and Crime Unit within the Prison and Probation Service to enhance cooperation in tackling key areas like corruption and organised crime in prisons.

The investment builds on action the Government has already taken to protect staff from violence, including the rollout of protective body armour for prison officers working within high-security settings and a trial of tasers beginning later this summer.

The Government has set aside £7 billion to fund 14,000 extra places by 2031 to deliver the prison capacity needed to keep the public safe.
June 26, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Compensation for Post Office Capture victims [June 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 19 June 2025.

Postmasters who suffered financial shortfalls due to the Capture software today have certainty about the structure, scope and eligibility criteria for redress.
- Over £1bn paid out in financial redress to thousands of postmasters across the UK affected by the Horizon IT Scandal as part of our Plan for Change
- Details of the Capture Redress Scheme announced today, marking ongoing commitment to right past wrongs for those affected.
- Scheme to provide fair redress and a common sense approach, with claims reviewed by independent panel.
Postmasters who suffered financial shortfalls due to the Capture software today have certainty about the structure, scope and eligibility criteria for redress.

Capture was a faulty computer system used by postmasters in the 1990s, before the Horizon scandal.

In a move to right the wrongs of the past, the government has set out the details for the Capture Redress Scheme, designed to provide fair compensation for those who suffered financial shortfalls due to the Capture software between 1992 and 2000.

This follows the government’s acceptance of findings from the independent investigation by Kroll Associates, which concluded there was a reasonable likelihood that Capture created financial shortfalls for postmasters.

The scheme is expected to open for applications in Autumn 2025, with an initial phased rollout for 150 claimants to ensure the process is fair, proportionate and accessible before wider implementation.

This announcement follows on the footsteps of the government confirming that £1 billion has paid out in compensation to over 7,300 postmasters affected by the Horizon IT Scandal, and the opening of the Horizon Shortfalls Scheme Appeals process for all eligible postmasters in May.

Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas said:

“We are committed to delivering fair and swift redress for all postmasters affected by Post Office software failures as part of our Plan for Change. Today’s announcement represents another important step in righting the wrongs of the past and rebuilding trust in the Post Office.”

A fair and accessible approach

The Capture Redress Scheme has been specifically designed to address the unique challenges of cases dating back over two decades, where documentation may be limited. The Government will set out funding to cover postmasters’ legal costs in the coming weeks.

The scheme features:
- A straightforward two-stage process: an initial eligibility review followed by an independent panel assessment
- Prompt preliminary payments for eligible claimants, ensuring early acknowledgement of loss
- A holistic assessment approach that considers both financial losses and wider personal impact
- A guided scoring and banding model for consistency in awards while maintaining flexibility
Who can apply

Postmasters are eligible to apply if they:
- Were a postmaster between 1992 and 2000
- Used the Capture system in their branch
- Suffered a financial shortfall as a result of a Capture software error
Applications from relatives of deceased postmasters or those needing additional support will also be accepted.

Independent assessment

All eligible claims will be reviewed by an independent panel of experts operating entirely separately from government. The panel will:
- Take a holistic view of each claim, avoiding drawn out legal processes and providing fair redress even where evidence is low.
- Use a balance of probabilities standard of proof
- Recommend appropriate payment levels
- Provide claimants the right to appeal in certain circumstances
Notes to editors
1. The Capture system was used in Post Office branches between 1992 and 2000, predating the better-known Horizon system.
2. Those with criminal convictions related to Capture should pursue their cases through the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) or its Scottish equivalent.
3. Further details on applying to the Capture Redress Scheme will be published in the coming months.
June 26, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Vulnerable people given greater access to social housing [June 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 19 June 2025.

New changes to remove local connection rules for young care leavers and victims of domestic abuse to access social housing.
Care leavers under 25 and victims of domestic abuse to benefit from removal of local connection rules

Follows £39 billion investment in affordable and social housing to deliver biggest expansion in a generation

Delivers on the government’s Plan for Change, providing people with safe and secure housing and raising living standards

Young people leaving care and domestic abuse survivors will now have better access to social housing, as the government delivers on its promise to remove a local connection requirement for these groups.

New changes, which come into force next month, will exempt them from rules that restrict access to social housing for those that do not have a connection to the local area – making sure the most vulnerable in society can access the housing support they need.

This change applies to all councils in England, nearly 90% of which currently use local connection criteria to determine who qualifies for social housing. It follows reforms last year to remove barriers for all former UK Armed Forces Veterans, as pledged by the Prime Minister.

Under the new rules, care leavers under the age of 25 and domestic abuse survivors will no longer be unfairly penalised for not having a local connection; recognising the unique challenges they can face, such as transitioning out of care or fleeing an unsafe home to seek safety.

It comes as the government committed £39 billion for a new ten-year Affordable Homes Programme, supporting the Plan for Change to build 1.5 million homes and tackle housing waiting lists for families and young people across the country.

Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner said:

“It breaks my heart to hear countless stories of people leaving the care system or fleeing an abusive relationship and not having a place they can truly call home. We’re rewriting the rules to help get them a roof over their heads and the security they deserve.

“Our changes will make sure these vulnerable groups do not face unfair barriers to safe and secure housing. This is backed by our commitment to secure the biggest boost to social and affordable housing in a generation, and through our Plan for Change we are going further and faster to make this a reality.”

Last year the Deputy Prime Minister wrote to local councils reminding them of their obligations to prioritise vulnerable groups for social housing. Government guidance will be updated to reflect these changes.

Additional support includes:

£160 million for councils to help provide safe accommodation and support for domestic abuse survivors and meet their statutory duty to help victims and their children when they need it the most – increased by £30 million this year.

New legislation proposed to ensure young care leavers in scope of the council’s corporate parenting duty have access to housing and cannot be considered ‘intentionally homeless’.

An £800 million top-up for the current Affordable Homes Programme to ramp up the delivery of new social homes.

Proposed Right to Buy reforms to protect council housing stock and a new ten-year social rent settlement to give the sector the certainty it needs to build more social homes.

CEO of Become, Katharine Sacks-Jones said:

“We welcome these new regulations that will allow more care leavers to access social housing where they are. Too many children in care are moved away from the people and places that matter to them and then made to move back to their local authority area once they turn 18 to access social housing support.

“Removing the local connection test will prevent forced moves, could help reduce homelessness and give care leavers a more positive start to adulthood.”

Director of Policy and Prevention at Centrepoint, Balbir Kaur Chatrik said:

“Removing this barrier will reduce homelessness and rough sleeping amongst care leavers and help them to thrive.

“Care leavers are often extremely vulnerable young people and lack the support networks that many of us take for granted. Despite this they often find it a real struggle to access the stable housing they need to thrive because they lack a local connection. The government’s change will hopefully stop this practice and ensure young people can get the stable and affordable homes they deserve.

“It’s also an important step towards ending youth homelessness and protecting the most vulnerable. Taken together with funding for prevention and housebuilding, this brings us a bit closer over the short- and long-term towards ensuring young people are getting the support they need.”

Further information

The government will publish a written ministerial statement today setting out new changes for young care leavers and domestic abuse survivors. The regulations will come into force on Thursday 10 July.

On 24 September, the Prime Minister set out his ambition to improve access to social housing for former UK Armed Forces Veterans, young care leavers and victims of domestic abuse.

While the changes remove a specific barrier for these vulnerable groups, the allocation of social housing is still at the discretion of the local housing authority.
June 26, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : First ever Entrepreneurship Advisor appointed to the Treasury [June 2025]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 19 June 2025.

Alex Depledge MBE appointed by the Chancellor as first ever Entrepreneurship Advisor appointed to Treasury to address barriers for high growth businesses.
- New appointment to support growth in build up to Autumn Budget
- This is on top of the significant steps the government has already taken to support entrepreneurs through increased R&D funding and extending the Enterprise Investment Scheme and Venture Capital Trust schemes, delivering on our Plan for Change
Entrepreneurs will now have a direct line to government and will benefit from additional expertise within the Treasury as the Chancellor has appointed Alex Depledge MBE as her Entrepreneurship Adviser.

Over the coming months, Alex will advise the Chancellor on the government’s entrepreneurship landscape, focusing on addressing the key barriers faced by businesses seeking to start up and scale up in the UK.

Reducing barriers for business, entrepreneurs and investors is key to boosting economic growth and delivering the government’s Plan for Change.

Alex brings with her extensive entrepreneurship experience, having successfully built several businesses from the ground up, including Resi and Helpling, formerly known as Hassle.com. She knows what it takes to build a successful business and will be in a position to offer invaluable advice to boost growth for the businesses of the future.

The government has already taken significant steps to support start-ups since taking office. We have extended the Enterprise Investment Scheme and Venture Capital Trust schemes to 2035 and increased R&D funding to £22.6 billion per year by 2029/30 to support the growth even more innovative businesses of the future, this support will allow them to invest and take on new staff, putting more money into working people’s pocket.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

Start-ups, scale-ups and other small businesses drive the innovation that keeps Britain growing, delivering our Plan for Change.

We have a long list of successful start ups, scale ups and small businesses across the UK – with the greatest density of scale ups among the seven major industrial countries in the G7.

Having Alex on the team will bring invaluable expertise with her experience building successful businesses from the ground up, and I look forward to working with her.

Alex Depledge MBE, said:

I’m honoured to be appointed as the Chancellor’s first-ever Entrepreneurship Advisor, a ground-breaking move that puts high-growth businesses at the heart of economic thinking.

It’s the first time an entrepreneur has held this role, and it signals a bold commitment from government to back the scale-ups and innovators powering the UK forward.

There are over 34,000 scale-ups in the UK — just 0.6% of SMEs — yet they generate a staggering £1.4 trillion in turnover, contributing 55% of all SME revenues.

This is a chance to rewrite the playbook on how we support entrepreneurs, and I’m here to make sure we take full advantage of it.
June 26, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Government to invest over £100m in water company fines to local environmental projects [June 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 19 June 2025.

The Government will invest water company fines into local projects across the country to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas.

Over £100m in fines and penalties levied against water companies since October 2023, as well as future fines and penalties, will be reinvested into projects to clean up our waters which could include local programmes to address pollution and improve water quality.

When water companies breach their environmental permits – for example by releasing excessive pollution into a river – that is a criminal offence. The most serious cases, like illegal sewage spills, see water company fines issued and criminal prosecutions for water bosses.

A record 81 criminal investigations have been launched into water companies under this government as part of a new operation spearheaded by Environment Secretary Steve Reed.

This Government is clear that the current volume of sewage being discharged to our waters is unacceptable. We have launched an independent review, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, to reset the water sector regulatory system and deliver a fair deal for customers and investors.

The Government is committed to cleaning up our rivers, lakes and seas with increased enforcement against polluting water companies, a record investment to fix broken pipes and a generational review of the sector as part of its Plan for Change.

Secretary of State Steve Reed said:

We inherited a broken water system with record levels of sewage being pumped into waters.

But the era of profiting from failure is over. A record 81 criminal investigations have been launched into water companies under this government and Ofwat recently announced the largest fine ever handed to a water company in history.

This Government will invest money collected through fines into local projects to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.

More detail on the projects and programmes that this funding will go towards will be set out in due course.

June 26, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : New drainage standards tackle pollution in England’s communities [June 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 19 June 2025.

Developers encouraged to reduce pollution, protect communities from flooding and benefit nature as part of government’s ambition to build 1.5 million homes.

In a move to tackle water pollution and protect communities from flooding, the government is updating the national standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) for the first time in a decade.

The new standards – welcomed by the construction industry – will give developers clearer guidance on how to create rainwater management systems that mimic the natural environment and deliver better outcomes.

Suggested features include spaces designed to collect and filter rainwater, which will relieve pressure on our crumbling sewage system and prevent pollution overflowing into our waterways.

Impermeable surfaces such as roads and pavements increase the risk of flooding in heavy downpours, as the excess water has nowhere to go. By introducing materials designed to soak up water, new developments will be better protected against flooding.

The new standards will also encourage design features like green roofs and soakaways. These provide a place for nature to thrive and improve a building’s energy efficiency –reducing energy bills, bringing mental and physical health benefits to communities by expanding access to nature and supporting wildlife.

The updated standards signify the government’s ambition to build 1.5 million homes sustainably without delaying the planning process and comes following the record £104 billion secured from private sector investment to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas.

Water Minister Emma Hardy said:

The Government will introduce new standards to tackle water pollution, protect communities from flooding and make our new towns beautiful.

Nature recovery and growth can go hand in hand, and these new standards will enable the sustainable building of 1.5 million homes as part of the Plan for Change.

Key features of the new standards include:
- Reducing flood risk by actively managing surface water on site
- Improving water quality before it enters rivers and streams
- Provide community benefits by creating more attractive and resilient places to live and work
- Prioritising solutions that enhance biodiversity and green space
- Encouraging water efficiency, by enabling the reuse of rainwater through harvesting and collection systems
- Emphasising long-term maintenance and performance
To support the government’s Plan for Change, the updated standards are aligned with the National Planning Policy Framework and will complement wider planning reforms which will take place later this year. Developers are encouraged to innovate and demonstrate how their systems meet the outcomes, rather than follow a one-size-fits-all checklist.
June 26, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Care for those with learning disabilities or autistic people [June 2025]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 19 June 2025.

New guidance published today will provide a boost in the quality of care for people with a learning disability or autistic people.
- New guidance published today (19 June 2025) to ensure health and care staff have skills to provide care for people with a learning disability and autistic people
- Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism named after teenager who died in 2016 after having severe reaction to medication given to him against family’s wishes
- Training will aim to tackle health inequalities faced by people with a learning disability and autistic people, who face poorer health outcomes than general population
People with a learning disability and autistic people will get safer, more personalised care as the government publishes new guidelines for health and care providers to train staff.

The Oliver McGowan code of practice on statutory learning disability and autism training aims to ensure staff have the right skills to provide care and boost understanding of the needs of these groups of people.

It sets out the standards that providers are expected to meet to be compliant with the law and help make sure patients are kept safe.

Those with a learning disability or autistic people face poorer health outcomes than the general population, and it is crucial that health and social care staff have the right knowledge and skills to tackle these inequalities.

The training and the code of practice are named after Oliver McGowan, an 18 year old from Bristol with a mild learning disability who died following a severe reaction to medication given to him against his and his family’s strong wishes.

Under the law, health and care providers registered by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) have a requirement to ensure staff have the appropriate training.

Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock, said:

I pay tribute to Paula McGowan OBE and Tom McGowan and their formidable campaign to improve the care of people with a learning disability and autistic people after the tragic death of their son, Oliver.

Through their work, they have shown extraordinary dedication, commitment and passion – Oliver’s memory and legacy lives through them.

This government recognises the appalling health inequalities faced by people with a learning disability and autistic people.

Everyone deserves to receive high-quality, empathetic and dignified care but this cannot be achieved if staff do not have the right training. The Oliver McGowan code of practice published today will be a boost for anyone with a learning disability or autistic people, their families and loved ones.

Paula and Tom McGowan said:

The publication of the code of practice marks a deeply emotional and significant milestone for us and will ensure Oliver’s legacy will continue to make a difference by safeguarding people with a learning disability and autistic individuals from the same preventable failings that he tragically endured.

The code establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the delivery of the training, promoting consistency and a deeper understanding across health and social care services.

We are profoundly grateful to cross-party politicians for their unwavering support and especially to Baroness Sheila Hollins, whose leadership has been pivotal in advancing this important work.

Our heartfelt thanks extend to everyone within the NHS and social care sectors, to our expert trainers, and to individuals with a learning disability and/or autism, along with their families and carers. This is a true example of what meaningful change looks like, giving a voice to those who are not always seen or heard, creating a lasting impact that will continue to transform lives for the better.

Tom Cahill CBE, National Director, Learning Disability and Autism at NHS England, said:

We know that often the quality of care and support for people with a learning disability and autistic people has not been good enough and we are determined to make this better .

This code of practice – a result of Paula and Tom McGowan’s tireless dedication – will mean all NHS staff have the training and support they need to reduce inequalities and give people with a learning disability or autistic people the care they deserve.

Rebecca Bushell-Bauers, CQC director for people with a learning disability and autistic people, said:

Today highlights Paula and Tom McGowan’s tireless campaigning in their son’s name for better care for autistic people and people with a learning disability.

We are dedicated to advocating for and improving the health and care outcomes for people with learning disabilities and autistic people. The code of practice will further support us in assessing and inspecting whether health and social care providers are training their carers and staff to support autistic people and people with a learning disability appropriately and hold them to account to ensure they are delivering good, informed and safe care.

Baroness Hollins said:

I am delighted that, following my amendment to the 2022 Health and Care Act, the Oliver McGowan Code of Practice has now been laid before Parliament. This milestone supports the requirement that health and care staff complete training that equips them to better care for people with a learning disability and autistic people.

I pay special tribute to Paula and Tom McGowan, whose tireless advocacy in memory of their son, Oliver, has led to lasting change including through the code and training in his name. This is a vital step towards tackling health inequalities and improving care across health and social care services.

The training will be backed by funding as part of the Learning and Development Support Scheme for adult social care in autumn 2025.

Any adult social care providers who arrange for training for their staff between April 2025 and March 2026 will be reimbursed for the costs.

The Health and Care Act 2022 set out a legal requirement for CQC health and care providers to ensure staff receive appropriate training in caring for those with a learning disability or autistic people.

Oliver McGowan was repeatedly prescribed antipsychotic medications despite medical notes highlighting his severe adverse reactions to these drugs and against his and his family’s wishes.

Healthcare staff consistently failed to understand how autism presented alongside epilepsy and did not make the adjustments needed to accommodate for his needs.

Oliver died after developing a severe side effect to the medication which caused brain damage, and after life support was withdrawn by his parents, he died on 11 November 2016.

Oliver’s parents, Paula and Tom McGowan, have campaigned for better training for health and care staff to improve understanding of the needs of people with a learning disability or autistic people.
June 26, 2025