Tag: 2025

PRESS RELEASE : UK and India hold high level dialogue in Delhi [June 2025]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 June 2025.

Sir Oliver Robbins met India’s Foreign Secretary in New Delhi for the annual UK-India Foreign Office Consultations.

Sir Oliver Robbins, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is in India to review progress across the UK and India’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He met India’s Foreign Secretary, Shri Vikram Misri, in New Delhi today [3 June] for the annual UK-India Foreign Office Consultations.

They welcomed the significant breakthroughs achieved across the full breadth of the partnership since consultations in London last year, including the announcement of the historic trade deal. Economic growth is the number one mission of the UK Government. Both agreed to work towards implementing the shared vision of the two prime ministers for an ambitious partnership between the UK and India over the next decade.

This year’s consultations included the inaugural Strategic Exports and Technology Cooperation Dialogue, aimed at building mutual understanding of systems and agreeing areas for future cooperation on key sectors such as technology and defence.

Sir Oliver Robbins, Permanent Under-Secretary at the FCDO, said:

I’m delighted to be in India to help advance one of the UK’s most vital partnerships in the world. In a more complex world, there is strong ambition from both governments to take this partnership to even greater heights. I’m looking forward to working with Foreign Secretary Misri to make that a reality.

During the visit, Sir Oliver is also expected to meet a wide range of Indian government partners including on the G20 and home affairs.

Further information:
- Sir Oliver Robbins was appointed Permanent Under-Secretary (PUS) at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in January 2025. As PUS, he is Head of the UK’s Diplomatic Service and the most senior policy adviser to the Foreign Secretary. The PUS is responsible for the management of the FCDO in the UK and its embassies and high commissions around the world.
- The UK and India agreed a landmark trade deal on 6 May, which will redefine the partnership for the next generation, strengthening trade links, supporting jobs, and delivering shared prosperity. The deal is expected to increase bilateral trade already worth £43 billion by another £25.5 billion.
- The UK’s Plan for Change sets out milestones the UK Government aims to reach by the end of this Parliament.
June 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Dame Vera Baird DBE KC appointed as Interim Chair of the CCRC [June 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 3 June 2025.

Dame Vera Baird DBE KC has been appointed as the Interim Chair of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC).

His Majesty the King, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, has approved the appointment of Dame Vera Baird DBE KC as the Interim Chair of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC). The appointment will commence on 9 June 2025 and will end on 8 December 2026. The CCRC Chair role has been vacant since Helen Pitcher’s resignation on 14 January 2025.

The Lord Chancellor has requested that Dame Vera carry out a thorough review of the operation of the CCRC, to increase public confidence in the organisation and the important work it undertakes investigating potential miscarriages of justice.

In order to bring stability to the organisation at this crucial time it was important to ensure that the post holder was an exceptional individual with sound knowledge and experience of examining the criminal justice system and a strong track record of leadership.

The CCRC

The CCRC was established by the Criminal Appeal Act 1995 and commenced operation in 1997. The CCRC considers – on application – cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland where a miscarriage of justice is alleged or suspected. The CCRC decides if there is any new evidence or new argument which raises a real possibility that an appeal court would quash a conviction or reduce a sentence.

The appointment of the CCRC Chair is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and this appointment complies with the Cabinet Office Governance Code on Public Appointments.

Appointments of CCRC Commissioners are made by His Majesty the King on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, who receives advice from the Lord Chancellor.

Biography

Dame Vera Baird DBE KC’s biography is as follows:
- Member of the Women’s Justice Board
- Visiting Professor in Practice at the Mannheim Centre, London School of Economics
- Honorary Fellow of St Hilda’s College Oxford
- Hon Professor of Law at Exeter and Newcastle Universities
- Hon Doctorates at Northumbria and Loughborough Universities
- Former Victims Commissioner for England and Wales (2019-22)
- DBE for Services to Women and Equalities 2017
- Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria (2012-19)
- Chair of Association of Police and Crime Commissioners 2016
- Association of PCCs’ National lead for Supporting Victims (2012-19)
- Solicitor General for England and Wales (2007-2010)
- Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice (2006-7)
- Member of Parliament for Redcar 2001-2010
- Former Practising Criminal Barrister and QC
- Author of many articles, chapters & reports, most recently The Baird Review into Greater Manchester Police.
- Patron of Respect, Operation Encompass and Board Member of Revolving Doors
Dame Vera Baird DBE KC has declared the following political activity on behalf of the Labour Party: public speaking, Chair of the Women’s Branch Hornsey and Friern Barnet Constituency (HFBC), member of the HFBC Fabian Society, member of the Labour Women’s Network and campaigning in elections.
June 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Major £5 billion technology investment accelerates UK defence innovation in a European first [June 2025]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 2 June 2025.

More than £4 billion drive towards autonomous systems to shape UK military future and boost export potential, supporting the Plan for Change.

UK troops and warships will be protected by drone and laser weapon technology through a major £5 billion investment, as the UK seeks to become the leading edge of innovation in NATO under the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) and driven by lessons from Ukraine.

The major funding package includes more than £4 billion for autonomous systems and a further investment of nearly £1 billion for Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) this Parliament – including the iconic DragonFire laser – boosting frontline capabilities while creating 300 skilled jobs across the country.

DragonFire is set to be the first high power laser capability entering service from a European nation, with the first Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer due to be fitted in 2027.

The SDR recommends that an immediate priority for force transformation should be a shift towards greater use of autonomy. To help achieve this, it says Defence must incorporate uncrewed and autonomous systems in high numbers over the next five years and make targeted investment in the development of novel directed energy weapons.

Today’s autonomous systems investment – of which more than £2 billion is new funding following the Government‘s historic uplift in defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from 2027– will see autonomous systems, including drones improve accuracy and lethality for our Armed Forces, and boost UK export potential.

It comes after major announcements ahead of the SDR publication, including: the building of up to a dozen new attack submarines for the Royal Navy; up to 7,000 new UK-built long-range weapons to procured; at least six new munitions and energetics factories in the UK; more than £1.5 billion to improve the state of military housing; and more than £1 billion for pioneering technology to spearhead battlefield engagements.

The new DEW capabilities will give the UK an edge, creating low cost and sustainable alternatives to missiles to shoot down targets, such as drones, at the speed of light, reduce collateral damage and have a low-cost per shot, reducing reliance on expensive ammunition.

The systems will be tailored to the conditions in which they will operate – whether at sea, on land, or in the air – and will work alongside crewed assets, such as current and future fighter jets.

Both investments reflect the SDR’s vision for UK innovation to be driven by the lessons from Ukraine – harnessing drones, data and digital warfare to make our Armed Forces stronger and safer.

The SDR sets a path for the next decade and beyond to transform defence and make the UK secure at home and strong abroad. It ends the hollowing out of our Armed Forces and will also drive innovation, jobs and growth across the country, allowing the UK to lead in a stronger NATO as part of this Government’s Plan for Change.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

These investments will mean the most significant advance in UK defence technology in decades. We will ensure our Armed Forces have the cutting-edge capabilities they need to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

We are delivering the Strategic Defence Review’s vision to put the UK at the leading edge of innovation in NATO, by backing British industry and fast-tracking the kit of the future into the hands of frontline troops.

This Government’s Plan for Change will harness the benefits of technology, create hundreds of new jobs and make defence a powerful engine for economic growth.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

A strong economy needs a strong national defence. That’s why we are delivering the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War—putting innovation and industrial strength at the centre of our national security strategy.

Additional funding for autonomous systems maximises the defence industry’s potential to drive long term economic growth and productivity – helping us deliver our Plan for Change while keeping the UK safe.

A new DEW will be created for the British Army this decade, alongside DragonFire being integrated on four Royal Navy warships, with the first ship due to be fitted in 2027, forming part of a layered air defence system to better protect UK forces while reducing collateral damage and reducing reliance on expensive ammunition.

DEW technology already supports 200 high-skilled UK jobs, with a further 300 positions to be created across the Ministry of Defence and industry partners. It’s another example of defence as an engine for UK economic growth, delivering on the Plan for Change.

In addition, a new Drone Centre will be established to accelerate exploitation of small, uncrewed air systems across all three military services, helping to deliver them to the front line faster.

The Centre will provide a central knowledge base to tackle any emerging legislative changes, develop best practice and better manage the interaction with industry. Crucially, it will apply battlefield lessons from Ukraine where drones now kill more people than traditional artillery. Detailed organisational arrangements will be developed over the coming months.

During the SDR process, 1,700 individuals, political parties, and organisations submitted more than 8,000 responses. 200 companies provided written contributions, more than 120 senior experts took part in the review and challenge panels, and nearly 50 meetings took place between the Reviewers and our senior military figures.

June 3, 2025
Lindsay Hoyle – 2025 Statement on Late Government Announcements

The statement made by Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, in the House on 2 June 2025.

Before we come to the next piece of business, I will make a brief statement. This morning, the Government published the strategic defence review. The Prime Minister made a speech and held a press conference in Glasgow, in addition to other media appearances. That follows several days of media briefing. I am disappointed that, once again, the Government appear to have breached the principle set out in paragraph 9.1 of the “Ministerial Code” that

“When Parliament is in session, the most important announcements of government policy should be made in the first instance in Parliament.”

I recognise that the timing of policy announcements is not always wholly within the Government’s control. There may be a need to co-ordinate announcements on international trade with trading partners, for example, or announcements may be delayed by last-minute legal intervention. The announcement of the SDR, however, was wholly at the Government’s discretion, so it is highly regrettable that Ministers have chosen, once again, to hold a major media event before coming to the House. That shows complete disregard for the House and for hon. Members. I note that Ministers, when they were in opposition, were not slow to complain when previous Governments made major policy announcements outside Parliament. In fact, the SDR was due at Easter, so I am sure that a day would not have mattered.

I am not responsible for compliance with the ministerial code, which is a matter for the Prime Minister—it is the Government’s code, not the House’s code—but I regard this as a particularly blatant breach. I have invited the hon. Member for North Dorset (Simon Hoare) to consider whether the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee might usefully inquire into the matter.

Ministers are elected as Members of Parliament first, before they get their ministerial roles, so they should recognise the importance of the House. It is amazing that, in opposition, Members think that everything should be discussed on the Floor of the House, but when they are in government, their memories are short on that point.

I have been here through many SDRs. In fact, in one of the major SDRs with Lord Robertson, we did not even know the effect on everybody’s constituency until it was read out from that Dispatch Box. What has changed? I will tell you what has changed: the disregard for Members who sit on the Back Benches. I am here to defend those on the Back Benches, so please, I hope we have no more of this.

All I would say is that it is the Government’s ministerial code. They should be ashamed of not enforcing it.

June 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister hails trade deal successes for Scotland [June 2025]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 2 June 2025.

From the Highlands to the Borders, Scottish people are set to benefit from the UK’s landmark trade deals with India, US and EU announced in recent weeks.
- Prime Minister visits historic distillery in Glasgow to discuss trade deal benefits for the Scotch Whisky industry
- Follows UK hat trick of trade deals with India, US and EU – improving people’s lives across the country
- Deals will help drive growth in Scotland and put more money in the pockets of the hardworking Scottish people
From the Highlands to the Borders, Scottish people are set to benefit from the UK’s landmark trade deals with India, US and EU announced in recent weeks.

The Prime Minister discussed the huge growth opportunities and benefits for Scotland during a visit Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow today.

Visit comes after Prime Minister visited BAE Govan this morning to announce the Strategic Defence Review, which will see significant investment in Scotland . More than £2 billion a year is already spent by the Ministry of Defence with industry organisations of all sizes in Scotland, supporting over 25,000 skilled jobs in Scotland.

The world-renowned Scotch Whisky industry is set to boom globally – with the Scotch Whisky Association announcing they forecast £1 billion of extra exports in five years, plus 1,200 new jobs thanks to the tariff reductions as part of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement.

India is an important market for Scotland, with 457 Scottish businesses exporting a total of £610 million in goods there last year.

Under the India trade deal, tariffs have been cut on a range of iconic Scottish goods, from whisky tariffs halved from 150% to 75% and dropping to 40% after 10 years to salmon reduced from 33% to 0%. Iconic Scottish brands like Irn Bru and Scottish shortbread will also see reduced tariffs.

Scotland’s thriving life sciences and health tech hubs will be strengthened by IP commitments on areas such as trade secrets and copyright, helping companies export to India with confidence.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

Our trade deals with India, US and the EU will slash tariffs on key industries and open markets set to help drive growth in Scotland and put money in the pockets of the hardworking Scottish people, delivering on our Plan for Change.

Scotland is home to some of the most world-renowned products, which can now be enjoyed across the globe – all whilst saving Scottish businesses money.

That is why we have secured these deals, and why we will continue to go further and faster to improve the lives of everyone in the UK.

Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said:

Our trio of trade deals shows we are championing Scottish products and businesses on the global stage. From our world-renowned whisky distilleries to our cutting-edge green energy sector, Scotland has so much to offer international markets. But more importantly as part of our Plan for Change this means more money in people’s pockets.

By securing better access to the European Union, United States and India, we’re creating real opportunities for Scottish businesses to grow, supporting jobs in communities from the Highlands to the Borders.

Mark Kent, Chief Executive Officer of the Scotch Whisky Association, said:

As the UK’s largest food and drink export to 180 markets worldwide, Scotch Whisky producers welcome the work being done to reduce trade barriers around the world. The landmark UK-India free trade agreement will be transformational for the Scotch Whisky industry over the longer term and has the potential to increase exports to India by £1bn over the next 5 years and creating 1,200 jobs across the UK.

It’s also constructive to see a potential reduction in the burden on exporters through the UK agreement with the EU. We continue to support the UK government’s efforts to address the issue of tariffs with the US and establish a pathway to return to the zero-for-zero tariff arrangement we have had with the US on spirits for more than 30 years.

The new agreement with the European Union, the UK’s largest trading market, will directly address challenges faced by Scottish exporters since 2019. The Scottish salmon industry has estimated that between 2019 and 2023, Scottish Salmon export values experienced a net loss of around £75 million. The deal with the EU makes it significantly easier to sell Scottish goods to European markets.
June 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK international risk status for BSE downgraded in huge boost to farm sector [June 2025]

The press release issued by the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs on 2 June 2025.

World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) downgrades UK’s BSE risk rating to negligible.

The UK’s risk rating status for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) has been downgraded to negligible by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

In a major boost for the food and farm sector, more avenues will now be open for trade with other countries as our improved risk status for beef and bovine products is recognised.

The abattoir and meat processing industry will be able to take advantage of changes to control measures, which will reduce operational burden and release financial savings for the abattoir and meat processing industry.

The UK’s improved risk status is a reflection of the UK’s global reputation for having some of the highest standards in the world for biosecurity .

BSE, occasionally known as mad cow disease, was a considerable public health concern in the 1980s leading to long-standing bans on British beef exports. The downgrading risk status marks a major step forward, reflecting decades of rigorous controls and opening the door to expanded trade and renewed confidence in UK beef.

Farming Minister Zeichner said:

Today’s announcement is a major step forward and will deliver a real boost to our hard-working cattle farmers, who will now have more avenues open for trading our excellent beef products.

It is also a huge vote of confidence in this government’s commitment to rigorous animal health standards and biosecurity.

UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss said:

WOAH’s recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK’s strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.

This is the latest example of the UK’s global reputation as a world leader in biosecurity and our new status will improve UK trade for beef and bovine products and reduce the operational burden and create financial savings for the abattoir and meat processing industry.

Natasha Smith, Deputy Director of Food Policy at the Food Standards Agency said:

This good news reflects that our strict controls in place to protect consumers such as controls on animal feed, and removal of the parts of cattle most likely to carry BSE infectivity, have helped make sure there is no food safety risk.

Although the meat industry will be now able to use more of the carcass, consumers can be reassured that strict food safety controls remain in place. Food Standards Agency Official Veterinarians and Meat Hygiene Inspectors working in all abattoirs in England and Wales will continue to ensure that the safety of consumers remains the top priority.

Nan Jones, British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) Technical Policy Manager said:

This milestone is of significant value to the industry. To illustrate, the ability to recover mesenteric fat alone could generate value of approximately £10 million per year. Given the substantial benefits this change brings to our members, we hope that the improving UK–EU relationship offers an opportunity to seek earlier EU recognition of our status.

Jonathan Eckley, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) International Trade Development Director, said:

This is welcome news for the UK beef sector. It highlights the strength of our animal health and food safety systems, reinforces the UK’s reputation for high-quality beef, and supports ongoing efforts to grow our export markets.

June 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Fruit and veg import checks scrapped ahead of UK-EU deal [June 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 2 June 2025.

The government will scrap border checks on fruit and veg imported from the European Union in an early move to ease trade ahead of its new SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) deal with the EU.

The agreement will establish a UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary zone, slashing costs, easing pressure on food prices and eliminating routine SPS border checks for food exports and imports.

This means that checks on medium-risk fruit and vegetables (including tomatoes, grapes, plums, cherries, peaches, peppers, and more) imported from the EU will not be required – and will therefore not be brought into force this summer.

In the short term, businesses can continue importing medium-risk fruit and vegetables from the EU without the products being subject to import checks or being charged associated fees.

The SPS agreement will make food trade with the UK’s biggest market cheaper and easier. Cutting excessive red tape and fees for traders exporting to and importing from the EU will strengthen supply chains and reduce prices for businesses and consumers.

Biosecurity Minister Baroness Hayman said:

This government’s EU deal will make food cheaper, slash bureaucracy and remove cumbersome border controls for businesses.

A strengthened, forward-looking partnership with the European Union will deliver for working people as part of our Plan for Change.

The easement of import checks on medium-risk fruit and vegetables from the EU was introduced as a temporary measure to provide businesses time to prepare for their implementation, and ensure a smooth flow of essential goods across the UK border.

The easement of checks has now been extended from 1 July 2025 to 31 January 2027 as a contingency measure, following the government’s announcement that it will agree a new SPS deal with the EU.

The details of the SPS agreement are now to be negotiated; traders must continue to comply with the UK’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).

Protecting UK biosecurity remains a key government priority, and risk-based surveillance will continue to manage the biosecurity risks of these products.

Defra will continue to work with the Animal and Plant Health Agency and Border Control Post operators to maintain UK biosecurity while minimising disruption to the flow of goods.

June 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Failed Covid contracts cost British taxpayer £1.4 billion [June 2025]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 2 June 2025.
- New report commissioned by Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, reveals £multibillion price British taxpayers paid for reckless handling of Covid contracts
- Previous government failure to test defective PPE leaves millions of taxpayer pounds unrecoverable
- It comes as Reeves drives work to recover £468 million for communities and public services, underlining commitment to investigate and account for every penny spent during the pandemic under the Plan for Change
Failed pandemic-era PPE contracts cost the British taxpayer £1.4 billion, as an interim report commissioned by Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, lays bare the scale of the scandal.

The Covid Counter Fraud Commissioner’s report reveals the price the British public has paid for undelivered contracts which saw taxpayer cash squandered on unusable PPE.

The last government’s over-ordering of PPE, and delays in checking it, mean that £762 million is unlikely to ever be recovered. These failures saw substandard PPE – gowns, masks and visors – not inspected for two years, meaning public money could no longer be recouped.

Now Reeves is going further and faster to recover the £468 million that could still be recovered from suppliers – money which the government will put back into communities and public services including the NHS, police and armed forces.

Recovery action has so far resulted in £182 million being returned to the public purse, and PPE suppliers referred to the National Crime Agency for suspected fraud.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said:

The country is still paying the price for the reckless handling of Covid contracts which saw taxpayer pounds wasted and criminals profit from the pandemic.

This investigation and plan to recover public money underlines our commitment to ensure that every penny spent during the pandemic is fully accounted for.

We have always been clear that money poorly spent or fraudulently claimed belongs to the British people. This Government will bring criminals to justice and put taxpayer’s money back where it belongs – in the NHS, police and armed forces.

Most of the wasted money went on surgical gowns. Over half (52%) were non-compliant, but because much of the defective PPE was not quality tested until after warranties had expired, there is little chance of recovering the money.

This interim report marks the end of Phase one of Commissioner Tom Hayhoe’s investigation– scrutinising PPE contracts. The Commissioner has now begun work on Phase two, which will see it investigating fraud and error in other pandemic spending programmes such as furlough, bounce-back loans, Business Support Grants and Eat Out to Help Out.

The Commissioner will provide a full update in a final report to the Chancellor at the conclusion of his term in December 2025.
June 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Electronic ID for Cattle mandatory in step forward for UK biosecurity [June 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 2 June 2025.

Changes introduced to cattle identification, registration, and reporting for cattle in England.

Cattle identification and traceability in England will change over the next 2 years, in a major step forward in disease control and trade across the farming sector, Defra has announced today (Monday 2 June).

From Summer 2026, Defra will introduce changes to cattle identification, registration and reporting that will improve the government’s ability to respond effectively to disease. These changes will also simplify regulations and support industry to boost productivity, food security and international trade.

New requirements will see Electric ID (EID) mandatory for all new-born calves from 2027, using low frequency (LF) technology. This means animals with eID eartags are able to be scanned when animals are moved, rather than a visual read and manual input of the tag number. Electronic cattle traceability will strengthen the UK’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to animal disease outbreaks, protecting farmers and the rural economy.

This will be supported by a new cattle movement reporting system which will be easier to use for farmers, markets, abattoirs and regulators alike. This will simplify existing regulations and support the livestock industry to boost productivity, food security and international trade.

This comes as the government announced a £200 million investment in the UK’s main research and laboratory testing facilities at Weybridge to bolster protection against animal disease, and the recent announcement that livestock farmers in England can apply for a series of free annual vet visits on farm to check for diseases and receive biosecurity recommendations and tailored animal health and welfare advice.

Biosecurity Minister, Baroness Hayman said:

This is a significant milestone in modernising how we manage cattle health, welfare and traceability in England.

These reforms strike the right balance in supporting farmers with clearer, simpler rules while helping the sector strengthen its productivity, resilience and global competitiveness.

UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Christine Middlemiss said:

Electronic identification is a game-changer for disease traceability. It allows for faster, more accurate tracking of cattle movements, which is crucial in responding to outbreaks and maintaining our high biosecurity standards.

This shift puts England in step with best global practice and today’s early confirmation will provide the livestock industry the clarity it needs to begin preparing now — ensuring that the right tags, readers and systems are available at scale ahead of rollout.

Defra will also take a more proportionate approach to enforcement, which will give keepers the opportunity to correct issues before further action is considered, as part of a broader move to reduce red tape while strengthening biosecurity.

Following the wide-reaching sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal recently agreed at the UK-EU summit, this decision will further benefit livestock businesses in England by reducing trade friction and boosting their ability to export agri-food products abroad.

Today’s changes follow the UK Government’s Cattle Identification Consultation 2023 which has been published today, which signalled strong industry support for the measures introduced.

June 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Nearly £1 billion for NHS frontline after agency spend crackdown [June 2025]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 2 June 2025.

Government crackdown on rip-off temporary staffing agencies delivers unprecedented savings, as NHS trusts are urged to eradicate agency spending altogether.
Reforms delivered through Plan for Change deliver mammoth NHS savings – with funding going to better patient care and staff pay

Major milestone in government pledge to completely eliminate all spending on temporary NHS agency staff

Health Secretary and NHS England Chief Executive will consider legislative action if further progress not made

NHS patients and staff are benefiting from an almost £1 billion boost for the frontline, as a government crackdown on rip-off temporary staffing agencies delivers unprecedented savings.

The Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting announced strict agency spending limits last November and ordered trusts to reduce their spend on agency staff by 30% in the short term so more money could be reinvested in the frontline and the wider NHS workforce.

Latest figures show spending on agency staff has already fallen by almost £1 billion in 2024 to 2025 – a huge reduction which has helped funding go towards improving the quality of care patients receive, helping to reduce waiting lists, and enhancing safety – as reducing reliance on agency staff has been shown to decrease clinical incidents.

The savings are part of a package of reforms delivered by this government which have collectively allowed above-inflation pay rises to all NHS staff, including resident doctors and nurses, this year to be fully funded.

The Secretary of State and NHS England Chief Executive Jim Mackey have today written to all trusts and integrated care boards (ICBs), urging them to build on this progress and ultimately eradicate agency spending altogether. If the government does not feel further progress has been made by the autumn, it will consider taking further legislative action.

Health Minister Ashley Dalton said:

The taxpayer has been footing the bill for rip-off agencies for too long – while patients have languished on waiting lists and demoralised staff faced years of pay erosion.

That’s why we are pledging to eliminate this squander, and through our Plan for Change we are making major progress and seeing a radical reduction in costs.

We’re already backing our health workers with above-inflation pay rises and now nearly £1 billion is being reinvested back to the frontline, getting patients off waiting lists and putting money back into our workforce’s pocket.

The NHS was forced to spend a staggering £3 billion on agency staff in 2023 to 2024, money that could have been used to tackle record waiting lists and improve patient care. Recruitment agencies have charged NHS trusts up to £2,000 for a single nursing shift, thanks to the 113,000 staffing vacancies across the service.

The government’s laser focus on reducing waste means all NHS workers, including doctors and nurses, will receive real terms pay rises for the second year in a row, fully funded from central budgets.

It is funding a pay rise of 4% for consultants, specialty doctors, specialists and GPs, with dentists also receiving a contract uplift to increase their pay.

Resident doctors will see their pay rise by an average of 5.4% (a 4% rise plus a consolidated payment of £750) and we expect the average full-time basic pay of a resident doctor will reach about £54,300 in 2025 to 2026. Agenda for Change (AfC) staff, which includes nurses, health visitors, midwives, ambulance staff, porters and cleaners, will see their pay rise by 3.6%. The starting salary for a nurse will now be around £31,050, up from around £27,050 in 2023.

A new delivery group is being established across the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England to monitor progress on tackling agency spending, and ensure trusts are taking robust action.

Trusts were previously ordered to reduce ‘Bank’ use – NHS staff who work temporary shifts at hospitals – by at least 10%, on top of strict agency spending limits across the health service. They have now been told to evaluate them against the local market to ensure they are not more than the average equivalent agency rate.

Elizabeth O’Mahony, Chief Financial Officer at NHS England, said:

The NHS is fully committed to making sure that every penny of taxpayers’ money is used wisely to the benefit of patients and the quality of care they receive.

Our reforms towards driving down agency spend by nearly £1 billion over the past year will boost frontline services and help to cut down waiting lists, while ensuring fairness for our permanent staff.

Nicola McQueen, Chief Executive at NHS Professionals, said:

We strongly welcome today’s bold and progressive workforce policy announcement from the Secretary of State to significantly reduce external agency spending and put more investment back into patient care.

NHS Professionals was created with the core purpose of reducing the NHS’s reliance on expensive external agencies. NHS Bank services are transforming workforce deployment, boosting productivity, and driving substantial cost reduction across the NHS.

Last year we displaced over £680 million of external agency fees across NHS trusts and healthcare organisations, providing more than 40 million hours of patient care. We look forward to working closely with our NHS client trusts and partners to deliver even more savings across the NHS.
June 3, 2025