Tag: 2025

PRESS RELEASE : Supporting farmers to go green in Zambia [June 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 June 2025.

The UK’s International Climate Finance (ICF) backs sustainable farming and eco-tourism in Zambia to cut emissions and create jobs.

Since 2018, the UK has been supporting the Zambia Integrated Forest Landscapes Project (ZIFL Programme) to support rural communities in the Eastern Province of Zambia, one of the poorest regions of Africa.

In June 2024, Zambia signed an ERPA (Emission Reductions Purchase Agreements). This agreement will ensure local people receive payments in exchange for reducing emissions.

With a goal to cut emissions by 30 million tonnes, equivalent to the UK’s annual emissions from livestock farming, the project has already trained over 100,000 farmers in sustainable techniques like crop rotation and agroforestry.

As well as cutting carbon, the project is also working with the Luambe and Lukusuzi National Parks to help build roads and campsites, creating rural jobs through eco-tourism and ensuring the protection of wildlife.

June 5, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Helping communities adapt to storms in Bangladesh [June 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 June 2025.

The UK’s International Climate Finance (ICF) supports AI-based forecasting to boost extreme weather preparedness in Bangladesh.

Extreme weather events such as storms are getting more frequent and intense all over the world due to a more unstable climate. For many Bangladeshi coastal communities, tidal surges can be devastating for people’s livelihoods.

CLARE (Climate, Adaptation and Resilience), a research programme on climate adaptation and resilience jointly run by the UK and Canada, is piloting an innovative AI-based forecasting system to provide early warnings and help with long-term planning against storms.

When Cyclone Remal hit in 2024, displacing over 120,000 people, the project was able to provide timely information by identifying 30 at-risk embankment points. This allowed local people to effectively mobilise resources in real-time and strengthen embankments to limit damage.

Once completed, the AI model is set to be adopted by government and humanitarian groups across the country.

The project shows how we’re providing value for money by helping communities adapt to the impacts of climate change. Using data from tide stations and drone surveys, the project will aim to provide highly accurate forecasts for tidal surges.

June 5, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Protecting mangroves in Madagascar and Indonesia [June 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 June 2025.

The UK’s International Climate Finance (ICF) supports mangrove conservation to reduce the impacts of climate change, protect biodiversity and boost livelihoods.

Mangrove forests, found in tropical and sub-tropical coastal areas, are a vital home for endangered species such as the white breasted sea eagle and olive ridley turtles. They also support coastal communities that depend on them for their livelihoods.

Crucially, mangroves play a key role in tackling climate change, with the ability to store up to 4 times more carbon than rainforests.

However, mangrove forests have been in severe decline for decades. To address this, the UK government is funding the Blue Forest Initiatives programme, led by the UK non-profit Blue Ventures, to protect, restore and sustainably manage mangrove forests in Madagascar and Indonesia.

The community-led programme is working to prevent deforestation and overfishing while supporting the livelihoods of up to 70,000 people.

With a goal of protecting approximately 80,000 hectares of mangrove forests – an area larger than the size of 100,000 football pitches, the programme is expected to save 1.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released.

By securing the future of these critical ecosystems, the UK is not only combatting climate change but also safeguarding biodiversity and tackling extreme poverty.

June 5, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Unlocking billions in private capital to tackle climate change [June 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 June 2025.

The UK’s International Climate Finance (ICF) mobilises billions in public and private funding for clean energy projects in developing countries.

Public finance alone is not going to fund the global energy transition. That’s why we need innovative solutions to mobilise private investment to tackle climate change.

The Climate Investment Funds’ Capital Market Mechanism (CCMM) demonstrates how the UK is playing a leading role in mobilising the necessary finance to support developing countries in their efforts to cut carbon emissions, build renewables and adapt to climate change.

Launched by the UK Prime Minister at COP29, the mechanism is designed to unlock billions in climate finance by leveraging future loan repayments from previous investments. It could mobilise up to $75 billion in public and private funding for new clean energy projects in developing countries and reduce global emissions.

June 5, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : 113th International Labour Conference – UK Statement on Myanmar [June 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 June 2025.

Joint Statement on Myanmar at the General Affairs Committee at ILC 113. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.

Chair, I have the honour of speaking on behalf of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and my own country, the United Kingdom.

We would firstly like to thank the ILO Office for their work on this issue, and the work of the ILO Liaison Office and its staff in Yangon who continue to work under extremely difficult circumstances.

We also wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the people of Myanmar, who have suffered yet more hardship as a result of the terrible earthquake in March, which has seen large-scale destruction of homes, businesses and places of worship, and most sadly, the tragic loss of lives.

Chair, at this International Labour Conference, we meet to discuss the Myanmar military regime’s ongoing intransigence in observing Convention 87 on the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise, and Convention 29 on Forced Labour. Since the Commission of Inquiry for Myanmar was established in 2023, we have heard grave reports of continued repression of trade unions and labour rights, including through active suppression of unionization efforts, and the surveillance, harassment and dismissal of those engaging in union activities.

Trade Unionists continue to be imprisoned, including the General Secretary of the Myanmar Industries Craft and Services Trade Union Federation, Thet Hnin Aung, whom we and the ILO Office have continued to call for the release of.

We are also concerned by reports of continued systematic exploitation of civilians for different types of forced labour, including as porters, guides, and human shields, as well as for the cultivation, construction and maintenance of military camps, or for the provision of transport, accommodation, food and domestic work.

Despite our calls for the Myanmar military regime to urgently address these issues, the regime has failed to address the Commission’s recommendations and continues to engage in far-reaching violations and abuses of labour laws and abuses of human rights, as laid out in ILO reporting and other UN-body findings.

Back in March at the Governing Body we agreed, by consensus, to adopt measures in line with Article 33 of the ILO Constitution, against Myanmar. We continue to support these measures, including the establishment of a monitoring mechanism to ensure Myanmar’s compliance with the Commission’s recommendations. It is important the ILO continues to closely monitor developments in Myanmar, including the impact of recent events on workers’ incomes and livelihoods.

Chair, we continue to believe that such measures should not exacerbate the dire humanitarian and economic situation in Myanmar, only made worse by the recent earthquake. Nor should Article 33 measures impact workers in Myanmar, who continue to suffer much hardship. International trade and business have a key role to play; businesses currently operating in Myanmar should be able to continue whilst respecting responsible business practices and human rights.

The UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand are committed to working with the ILO and its constituents to secure compliance by the Myanmar regime with the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations. We call on all constituents to support the adoption of the draft resolution and ensure that the military regime urgently addresses the grave issues as laid out.

Chair, we support the draft resolution.

Thank you.

June 5, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Cornwall coast path improvements now complete [June 2025]
The press release issued by Natural England on 4 June 2025.

Path improvements along 228 miles of Cornwall’s stunning coastline from St Agnes Head along the south coast to the Tamar at Cremyll have finished.
- 228 miles of footpath heading west from St Agnes and all along the south coast now improved.
- The footpath follows the South West Coast Path for much of its length but with a number of improvements where the path has been moved nearer to the sea.
- The project creates new access rights between the path and low water.
- New provision for the path to be easily moved following coastal erosion events.
These works form part of a national programme to create a coastal path around the whole of England. Once completed, this will be the longest managed coastal walking route in the world and the UK’s longest National Trail.

Earlier this year the 75-mile stretch from Marsland Mouth on the North Cornwall coast down to Newquay was completed. This follows the route of the existing South West Coast Path (SWCP) National Trail. Now the remaining 228 miles of path are completed: heading west from Newquay, down to Land’s End and back along the south coast to Cremyll on the banks of the Tamar.

Plenty to see along the path

For anyone walking the path, there is plenty to see, with towns and villages such as Falmouth, Penzance and Polperro, along with popular spots such as Land’s End and The Lizard.

For those interested in the county’s heritage, there are castles in abundance, like St Mawes and St Michael’s Mount, alongside remnants of Cornwall’s industrial past at Botallack engine houses and the Levant mine and beam engine – to say nothing of the famous cliffside Minack Theatre.

There’s also plenty for lovers of wildlife to spot, including choughs, grey seals and peregrine falcons. And, of course, there are glorious sandy beaches to stop off at throughout the route.

Lining up the path with the coast

In establishing the new trail, Natural England sought to improve the alignment of the coast path where possible or move it closer to the sea. For example, a new route has been created on the western side of the Lizard at Porthkerris instead of the old inland route along country roads. And at Millendreath the new path has been moved away from the road to allow for more scenic views and a safer walking route. Other changes include Downderry where the main route is impassable during high tides, so an alternative follows the coastal road.

While walkers will still encounter steep climbs and descents – as well as gently undulating walking along the cliff tops – there are now more accessible areas. This includes the path between Swanpool and Gyllanvase Beach and the path around Tregantle Fort. Another change is a new legal provision for the trail to ‘roll back’ in response to coastal erosion, thereby securing people’s rights into the future and protecting the investment being made now.

‘Wowing visitors for years’

Andrea Ayres, deputy area director for Natural England, said:

This huge stretch of path along two coasts takes in some of the best views in the South West. These much-loved places have been wowing visitors for many years, as well as being loved by local residents.

We hope the improvements to the path, and the additional access rights, will mean even more people will get out and enjoy nature.

This will provide vital health and wellbeing benefits for local communities, as well attracting visitors to the county, with tourism playing a vital role in the South West economy.

‘Great to see sections of the King’s coast path open in Cornwall’

While much of Cornwall’s 300-mile section of the South West Coast Path is owned by private landowners and organisations, the path is managed by Cornwall Council. The council and Cormac, together with the National Trust, have worked to deliver the improvements around the county.

Julian Gray, director, South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA), said:

It’s great to see the final sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path open in Cornwall, which creates new open access rights around the coast to help connect people to nature.

The establishment of the KCIIIECP has brought significant investment and improvements to the route of the coast path and also gives us new powers to manage the National Trail in the face of coastal erosion.

We will continue to work with our trail partners to protect, improve and champion the South West Coast Path as one of the world’s great trails.

Local locations used in The Salt Path

The Salt Path, starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, was released last week and partly filmed in Newquay, as well as Whitsand Bay and Rame Head on the south east coast of Cornwall. Based on the memoir written by Raynor Winn, the story is about one couple’s walk around the South West Coast Path and could lead to the area attracting a whole new wave of visitors.

The King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP) is a National Trail around the entire coast of England. Existing coastal national trails will retain their branding and alongside other promoted routes form part of the KCIIIECP.

You can plan your walk on the KCIIIECP, which follows the enhanced route of the SWCP between Newquay and Cremyll, by visiting the KCIIIECP or the South West Coast Path pages of the National Trails website.

Background

The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 places a duty on the Secretary of State and Natural England to secure a long-distance walking trail around the open coast of England, together with public access rights to a wider area of land along the way for people to enjoy.

Natural England is working at pace to ensure completion of the KCIIIECP. 1,400 miles were open by the end of 2024.Subject to resources we expect to complete the KCIIIECP by spring 2026.
- To plan their visit walkers can access route maps of all opened sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path and any local diversions on the National Trails website and check for any restrictions to access at Natural England’s open access maps.
- You can promote your business, service, event or place of interest for free on the National Trails website, inspire people to spend more time in your area and benefit from the economic impact of visitors.
- National Trails, marked by the acorn symbol, pass through spectacular scenery, support local tourism and offer a range of routes from short circular walks to long distance challenges.
King Charles III England Coast Path:
- Here is a map showing progress to complete the King Charles III England Coast Path.
- The King Charles III England Coast Path will be our longest, National Trail, passing through some of our finest countryside, maritime and industrial heritage, coastal settlements and rural locations.
- It will also be the world’s longest managed coastal trail (i.e. the trail is maintained to National Trail standards).
- It will secure legal rights of public access for the first time to typical coastal land including foreshore, beaches, dunes and cliffs that lies between the trail and the sea.
Improvements to existing access to the coastline include:
- a clear and continuous way-marked walking route along this part of the coast, bringing some sections of the existing coastal footpath closer to the sea and linking some places together for the first time.
- Targeted adjustments to make the trail more accessible for people with reduced mobility, where reasonable.
- Uniquely amongst our National Trails the KCIIIECP may be moved in response to natural coastal changes, through ‘roll back’ if the coastline erodes or slips, solving the long-standing difficulties of maintaining a continuous route along the coast – and making a true coastal path practicable. The legal provision for roll back is proposed to sections of the trail where a need has been foreseen but can be retrospectively applied to other parts of the route if deemed necessary.
- The route of the trail can also be altered through planning proposals and where coastal and flood defence works or habitat creation would impact on the proposed or open route of the KCIIIECP.
- You can find out more about progress near you to create the King Charles III England Coast path.
- We work closely with a broad range of national and regional stakeholders around the country including wildlife trusts, National Trust, RSPB, NFU, CLA, RA, OSS, Environment Agency and local authorities.
June 4, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Dorset path improved from Kimmeridge Bay to South Haven Point
The press release issued by Natural England on 4 June 2025.

The path around Dorset’s stunning coastline is better than ever thanks to 21 miles of improvements between Kimmeridge Bay and South Haven Point.
- 21 miles of footpath from Kimmeridge Bay to South Haven Point now improved.
- The footpath largely follows the South West Coast Path and creates new access rights between the path and low water.
- New provision for the path to be easily moved following coastal erosion.
These works form part of a national programme to create a coastal path around the whole of England. Once completed, this will be the longest managed coastal walking route in the world and the UK’s longest National Trail.

Stretching from Kimmeridge Bay on the Dorset coast and east to South Haven Point, some 21 miles in total, the path follows the route of the existing South West Coast Path (SWCP) National Trail.

Wonderful locations along the path

For anyone walking the path, there is plenty to see, not least Kimmeridge Bay which is one of the most loved locations on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and Studland Bay, recently designated a Marine Conservation Zone, marks the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast. The path follows the coast of the Isle of Purbeck with its dramatic landscape features and impressive coastal views and throughout this stretch of the path there are glorious beaches if you want to feel sand between your toes.

Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve is a great place to see wildlife, which might include bottlenose dolphins, sunfish, jellyfish, seals and a variety of seabirds. A live cliff camera records Durlston’s impressive guillemot colonies – they are both the most easterly and second largest on the South Coast. The country park is an easily accessible section of coast path, and also has, for lovers of history, a castle, along with parking and cafe, the Anvil Point lighthouse and the Great Globe stone sphere plus magnificent views.

Ready to ‘roll back’

In establishing the new trail, Natural England has sought to improve the alignment of the SWCP where possible or move it closer to the sea. It also brings legal provision for the trail to ‘roll back’ in response to coastal erosion, thereby securing people’s rights into the future and protecting the investment being made now.

For example, at Chapman’s Pool there was a significant landslip meaning walkers had to take a lengthy diversion. Natural England worked closely with Dorset Council and the landowner to agree a new route that would solve the long-standing difficulties of maintaining a continuous route along this section of the coast.

You will still encounter steep climbs and descents as well as gently undulating walking along the cliff tops.

‘Safe and scenic route along the Jurassic Coast’

Tim Hall, Wessex Coast and Seas senior manager for Natural England, said:

We’re pleased to open this new section of the England Coast Path today, 21 miles of spectacular views boasting some of our region’s most iconic wildlife and landscape.

It will provide both the local community and visitors from further afield more opportunities to access the coast and connect with nature.

Julian Gray, director, South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA), said:

We’re really excited by the improvements to the coast path route and signage, helping create a more coastal walking experience in the area.

As the charity championing the coast path we’re looking forward to seeing the remaining Dorset sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path completed.

Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for Place Services, said:

This is wonderful news for Dorset. It not only provides a safe and scenic route for people to enjoy this stunning part of the Jurassic Coast, but it also gives our residents and visitors even more opportunities to connect with nature.

South West Coast Path, part of the King Charles III England Coast Path

The King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP) is a National Trail around the entire coast of England. Existing coastal national trails and other regional walks make up parts of the KCIIIECP and this newly improved stretch of the South West Coast Path forms part of it.

You can plan your walk on the KCIIIECP, which follows the enhanced route of the SWCP between Kimmeridge Bay and South Haven Point, by visiting the KCIIIECP or the South West Coast Path pages of the National Trails website.

Background

The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 places a duty on the Secretary of State and Natural England to secure a long-distance walking trail around the open coast of England, together with public access rights to a wider area of land along the way for people to enjoy.

Natural England is working at pace to ensure completion of the KCIIIECP – 1,400 miles were open by the end of 2024.Subject to resources we expect to complete the KCIIIECP by spring 2026.
- To plan their visit walkers can access route maps of all opened sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path and any local diversions on the National Trails website and can check Natural England’s open access maps for any restrictions to access.
- You can promote your business, service, event or place of interest for free on the National Trails website, inspire people to spend more time in your area and benefit from the economic impact of visitors.
- National Trails, marked by the acorn symbol, pass through spectacular scenery, support local tourism and offer a range of routes from short circular walks to long distance challenges.
King Charles III England Coast Path
- You can follow progress to complete the King Charles III England Coast Path at King Charles III England Coast Path: improving public access to the coast.
- The King Charles III England Coast Path will be our longest, National Trail, passing through some of our finest countryside, maritime and industrial heritage, coastal settlements and rural locations.
- It will also be the world’s longest managed coastal trail (i.e. the trail is maintained to National Trail standards).
- It will secure legal rights of public access for the first time to typical coastal land including foreshore, beaches, dunes and cliffs that lies between the trail and the sea.
Improvements to existing access to the coastline include:
- A clear and continuous way-marked walking route along this part of the coast, bringing some sections of the existing coastal footpath closer to the sea and linking some places together for the first time.
- Targeted adjustments to make the trail more accessible for people with reduced mobility, where reasonable.
- Uniquely amongst our National Trails the KCIIIECP may be moved in response to natural coastal changes, through ‘roll back’ if the coastline erodes or slips, solving the long-standing difficulties of maintaining a continuous route along the coast – and making a true coastal path practicable. The legal provision for roll back is proposed to sections of the trail where a need has been foreseen but can be retrospectively applied to other parts of the route if deemed necessary.
- The route of the trail can also be altered through planning proposals and where coastal and flood defence works or habitat creation would impact on the proposed or open route of the KCIIIECP.
- We work closely with a broad range of national and regional stakeholders around the country including wildlife trusts, National Trust, RSPB, NFU, CLA, RA, OSS, Environment Agency and local authorities.
The  Countryside Code is the official guide on how to enjoy nature and treat both it, and the people who live and work there, with respect.

For landowners:

Landowners who have KCIIIECP coastal access rights on their land enjoy the lowest liabilities in England.
June 4, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Regulator issues Official Warning to charity and disqualifies trustee over inflammatory social media activity
The press release issued by the Charity Commission on 4 June 2025.

A charity set up to support Palestinian refugees, particularly in Lebanon, has been issued with an Official Warning after posting “divisive and inflammatory” political material on social media.

The Commission has also issued an Order disqualifying one of the charity’s trustees from being a trustee and from holding a position with senior management functions, for a period of eight years.

Palestinian Refugee Project was registered in 2021, with objects to benefit the Palestinian diaspora in refugee camps through poverty relief, advancing education, relieving sickness and providing social welfare and leisure facilities.

The Charity Commission, the regulator of charities in England and Wales, began examining the charity in December 2023, after concerns were raised about its social media activity. The regulator also identified that all of the charity’s then trustees appeared to be related, with one serving as CEO, giving rise to concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

The trustees’ responses to the Commission’s questions raised further concerns, for example, that they lacked an understanding of their legal duties and responsibilities, including the importance of trustees acting and making decisions collectively.

The regulator established that, as a result of governance failings, Mrs Taghrid Al-Mawed-Layton – who was also acting as the charity’s voluntary CEO – had sole responsibility for the charity’s social media activity and used the charity’s platforms to promote political material, which was not in furtherance of the charity’s aims, and / or was divisive and inflammatory.

This included posts that could be interpreted as downplaying acts of terrorism, and which tried to raise support for a change to Israel’s recognition as a state. The charity failed to implement a formal social media policy and the remaining trustees lacked oversight in relation to its social media activity.

The Commission has disqualified Mrs Al-Mawed-Layton for eight years due to her role in mismanagement and / or misconduct of the charity, including social media activity on behalf of the charity. The Order disqualifies Mrs Al-Mawed-Layton from being a trustee and holding a senior management position in any charity.

Joshua Farbridge, Head of Compliance Visits and Inspections at the Charity Commission said:

We found a number of serious failings at Palestinian Refugee Project, which put the charity’s finances and reputation at risk. The charity, in effect, was being run by a single trustee who either did not understand, or failed to adhere to, basic trustee duties.

It’s important to stress that the Commission does not seek to encroach on any individual’s right to freedom of speech, expression, or beliefs. And we recognise that events in the Middle East over recent months and years have been deeply emotive and distressing.

However, trustees have clear legal obligations, including to act in line with the charity’s purpose and best interests, and act reasonably and prudently. Sadly, the good aims this charity set out to achieve was seriously undermined by the conduct and failings of its trustees.

As part of its case, the regulator also established that a failure to implement financial controls meant that funds were spent without proper authorisation or controls. The charity is overdue in filing its accounts for the years ending April 2023 and 2024.

The Charity Commission’s case involving the charity will remain ongoing allowing the regulator to follow up on the remedial actions set out in the Official Warning.

Ends

Notes to editors:
1. The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its ambition is to be an expert regulator that is fair, balanced, and independent so that charity can thrive. This ambition will help to create and sustain an environment where charities further build public trust and ultimately fulfil their essential role in enhancing lives and strengthening society.
2. The Official Warning and disqualification order were issued as part of a regulatory compliance case into the charity, which remains ongoing. These cases allow us to gather evidence and make findings, and to help trustees address any failures or weaknesses that we might identify.
3. The Charity Commission maintains a searchable register of removed trustees.
June 4, 2025
Victoria Atkins – 2025 Speech on Thames Water

The speech made by Victoria Atkins, the Shadow Environment Minister, in the House of Commons on 3 June 2025.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for granting this urgent question. May I begin by correcting the Secretary of State? When he refers to private sector investment, he is in fact referring to the bill increases that each and every one of us will pay—£31 a year—so when he talks about private sector investment, he means bill payers’ investment.

Some 16 million residents and bill payers will have been concerned by this morning’s news that the private equity firm KKR has pulled out of its rescue deal with Thames Water. According to a source close to KKR, one of the reasons it pulled out was its concern about negative rhetoric directed at Thames Water and the rest of the industry in recent weeks by the Secretary of State and other Ministers. In other words, the Secretary of State and his Ministers have talked themselves out of this rescue deal. I am bound to say, if only they could do the same thing with the Chagos islands deal.

On which date did the Secretary of State discover that KKR was thinking of pulling out of this deal, and what involvement did he have in the phone calls over the weekend between KKR and No. 10 spads to try to rescue it? I ask because in recent weeks there have been briefings to the press that he is considering temporary renationalisation. The Treasury has apparently instructed him that he will need to find up to £4 billion from the budget of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to cover the cost of this manoeuvre. Let me put that in context: the entire farming budget for this year is roughly £2.5 billion.

Can the Secretary of State therefore explain the options to which he has just referred, and do they include a plan for temporary renationalisation? From which budget would a temporary renationalisation come: DEFRA or central funds? That question is particularly relevant in view of the upcoming spending review, on which there has been detailed briefing, including the suggestion that the DEFRA budget is to be slashed.

The Secretary of State referred to the Cunliffe report, which we will of course look at very carefully, but can he confirm—this recalls yesterday’s shambolic defence review announcement—that there is no funding for this latest review, and that it will do nothing to resolve the immediate issue of Thames Water’s solvency, which he has mishandled, just as he has mishandled the family farm tax, the fishing industry and the sustainable farming incentive?

Steve Reed

I am grateful to the shadow Secretary of State for making it clear to the House that she does not understand the principles of private sector investment, and neither is it particularly clever to stand at the Opposition Dispatch Box and make up figures to attack.

This Government stand ready for all eventualities, but I will make no apology for tackling the poor behaviour of water companies and water company executives that took place under the previous Government and that we are correcting. We even heard stories, which have been confirmed to me by water companies, of previous Conservative Secretaries of State shouting and screaming at water company bosses but not actually changing the law to do anything about the bonuses that they were able to pay themselves. This Government are taking action, working with customers, water companies and investors to ensure that we have a successful water sector that works for the environment, customers and investors in a way that it completely failed to do under the previous Conservative Government.

June 4, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK commitment to the Indo-Pacific reaffirmed at global summit in Singapore [June 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 June 2025.

In the face of an unpredictable geo-political landscape, the UK’s approach to the Indo-Pacific reflects its determination to be a dependable and forward-looking security partner in the region.

The United Kingdom has reinforced its long-term strategic commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, emphasising the critical importance of enhancing security cooperation and defence partnerships across this vital geo political space.

At the annual Shangri-La Dialogue hosted by IISS, Lord Coaker and the Chief of Defence Staff led a delegation from the UK who demonstrated the UK’s continued determination to working alongside partners to address shared security challenges and uphold the rules based international system.

This commitment will be further demonstrated this summer as the UK’s Carrier Strike Group visits the region – providing another opportunity to reinforce the UK’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

And all this engagement is helping to strengthen the UK’s industrial base and create high-skilled jobs while also driving mutual prosperity and security across the Indo-Pacific.

Colonel Eddie Maskell-Pedersen, Head of the British Defence Staff in South East Asia said:

It’s been a great year for UK Defence activity in this region already. In Singapore alone we’ve had the Commander of UK Strategic Command attending the Defence Technology Summit, a bilateral visit from our Chief of the Air Staff, the Director of Development from the Royal Navy attending IMDEX along with a formal port call from HMS SPEY.

Our Defence cooperation with Singapore and with our partners across this region is going from strength-to-strength and our Global Defence Network looks forward to continuing to support the positive momentum we have across Southeast Asia.

British High Commissioner to Singapore Nik Mehta said:

Singapore has yet again played host to a fantastic opportunity for regional defence engagement, and the UK delegation has had the chance to strengthen our relationships with this critical part of the world and underline our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Following hot-on-the-heels of this event we have our Carrier Strike Group visiting the region, providing a crowning moment for our relations with Singapore and across the Indo-Pacific.

His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific Martin Kent said:

The security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific is indivisible from that of the Euro-Atlantic – and closer partnership has never been so vital.

The UK is a defence industrial superpower, with defence and security exports to Asia Pacific worth over £2.1bn in 2023. The UK delegation at this year’s Dialogue and the upcoming visit of the Carrier Strike Group highlight the strength of our defence industrial base, and our commitment to building mutual security and prosperity with the region.

June 4, 2025