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Tag: 2025

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK announces new action to detect hostile state activity using AI, on visit to the Arctic [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK announces new action to detect hostile state activity using AI, on visit to the Arctic [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 May 2025.

    The UK is stepping up its efforts to safeguard national security by leveraging AI to detect hostile state activity in the Arctic.

    • UK working with allies to tackle growing threats in the Arctic, and drive forward an ambitious new UK-Norway defence agreement
    • New scheme to improve monitoring capability in High North to detect hostile activity, enshrining the UK’s security – the foundation of the Plan for Change
    • UK sanctions have halted Putin’s plans to station a floating repair dock in the Arctic to service the precious icebreakers fleet.

    The UK is stepping up its efforts to safeguard national security by leveraging AI to detect hostile state activity in the Arctic, the Foreign Secretary will announce during a visit to the Arctic today (27 May 2025).

    As the UK’s two nearest Arctic neighbours and close NATO allies, what happens around Norway and Iceland affects Britain, especially our national security, the foundation of this government’s Plan for Change.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy will see first-hand how British and Norwegian ships jointly patrol the high seas of the Arctic to detect, deter and manage increasingly sophisticated subsea threats to energy, critical national infrastructure, and security posed by Russia’s Northern Fleet.

    This comes after the Prime Minister visited Norway earlier this month for a meeting of the Joint Expeditionary Force, where he discussed further support for Ukraine with allies from the Baltic and Scandinavian states.

    While in Iceland, the Foreign Secretary will announce a new UK-Iceland scheme to use cutting edge AI technology to monitor hostile activity in the region.

    As global temperatures rise and ice caps continue to melt, previously inaccessible shipping routes are opening up. This is leading to the Arctic becoming an increasingly contested area, with countries looking to exploit new reserves of gas, oil and natural minerals, fuelling security concerns.

    Areas close to the Arctic are also being used by Russia’s nuclear-powered icebreakers which are crucial to Putin’s High North ambitions, clearing paths for tankers helping fund his illegal war in Ukraine. This threatens maritime security and the environment, as Putin has resorted to using dodgy and decaying vessels which frequently break down increasing the risk of oil spills.

    UK sanctions have helped halt Putin’s plans to station a floating repair dock in the Arctic to service the precious icebreakers fleet.

    A tug boat – the Vengery – had been due to tow the platform, but its journey to the High North has now been halted after being sanctioned last week.

    Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said:

    The Arctic is becoming an increasingly important frontier for geopolitical competition and trade, and a key flank for European and UK security.

    We cannot bolster the UK’s defence and deliver the Plan for Change without greater security in the Arctic. This is a region where Russia’s shadowfleet operates, threatening critical infrastructure like undersea cables to the UK and Europe, and helping fund Russia’s aggressive activity.

    It’s more important than ever that we work with our allies in the High North, like Norway and Iceland, to enhance our ability to patrol and protect these waters. That’s why we have today announced new UK funding to work more closely with Iceland, using AI to bolster our ability to monitor and detect hostile state activity in the Arctic.

    Norway has hosted British troops’ Arctic training for more than fifty years. Our long history of defence collaboration is being taken further through a strategic agreement to strengthen both nations’ security.

    David Lammy will be the first Foreign Secretary to travel to one of the Arctic’s northernmost inhabited points when he visits the Archipelago of Svalbard witnessing how UK scientists are collaborating with Norway and partners to tackle climate change which is driving new geo-political challenges and opening new frontiers for state competition.

    Today, this work is being taken further, with new opportunities for early-career researchers on polar research vessels and at Ny Ålesund, where British scientists have been based for over 30 years. £400,000 of UK funding will support work to understand the impact of climate change and how it affects the UK – ensuring we have resilience against its effects. This follows 21 joint research projects made between the UK and Iceland during the past 18 months to strengthen our understanding of the arctic’s future.

    During the visit, the Foreign Secretary will highlight the UK’s role in securing NATO’s northern flank and protecting the region’s critical undersea infrastructure such as cables and pipelines which are crucial for stable energy supplies and telecommunications in the UK.

    Earlier this year the Prime Minister announced the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War as a result of the changing global picture, now reaching 2.5% of GDP by April 2027, and with an ambition to reach 3% in the next Parliament subject to economic and fiscal conditions.

    Maritime security and the Arctic also feature in the UK’s ambitious new Security and Defence Partnership with the EU agreed last week, committing to work together to make Europe safer.

    In Iceland, the Foreign Secretary will visit Keflavik Air Base, where RAF jets have supported NATO air policing missions, ensuring the safety and security of Arctic airspace. He will learn how Icelandic scientists are working with their British counterparts to address climate change in vulnerable countries around the world.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Carer, Jamil Talukder, who sexually abused disabled child has sentence increased [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Carer, Jamil Talukder, who sexually abused disabled child has sentence increased [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 27 May 2025.

    A carer who sexually abused a disabled child in his care has had his sentence more than doubled increased following an intervention by Solicitor General.

    Jamil Talukder, 23, from Sheffield, has had his sentence increased by five years after it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

    The court heard that Talukder arrived in the UK from Bangladesh in October 2022 to study for a marketing degree.

    He was employed as a carer and began caring for a severely disabled child in October 2023. However, covert recording by the child’s mum, who became suspicious, revealed that Talukder sexually abused the child on several occasions.

    Victim personal statements reveal that the child distrusts male carers since his assault by Talukder.

    The court also heard that Talukder sexually abused another child and was caught out when it was discovered that he had recorded the abuse on his phone.

    Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said:

    Jamil Talukder preyed on a vulnerable child he was meant to be taking care of, as well as another young child.

    He abused the trust that was placed in him for his own sexual gratification, and I welcome the Court’s increase to his sentence.  I would like to extend my sympathies to his victims and their families.

    On 27 February 2025, Jamil Talukder was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment at Sheffield Crown Court for six sexual abuse offences.

    On 22 May 2025, his sentence was revised to eight years after it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Next generation of builders and carers set to rebuild Britain [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Next generation of builders and carers set to rebuild Britain [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 27 May 2025.

    Government announces radical skills reforms giving young people opportunity to develop skills in priority areas for the country.

    Young people are set to benefit from 120,000 new training opportunities as part of a radical skills revolution, giving them the chance to develop skills where they are most needed across the workforce to rebuild Britain.

    More skilled brickies, carpenters and healthcare support workers will soon be trained up as we continue our drive to get Britain working, with landmark reforms announced today that refocus the skills landscape towards young, domestic talent.

    The measures, backed by a record-breaking £3 billion apprenticeship budget, will open up opportunities for young people to succeed in careers the country vitally needs to prosper. More routes into skilled work means more people building affordable homes, more care for NHS patients and more digital experts to push our economy forward. This includes an additional 30,000 apprenticeship starts across this Parliament.

    This unprecedented investment is a critical step in delivering the government’s Plan for Change mission to create a decade of national renewal. We are backing our young people and investing in skills as an engine of economic growth – putting more money in people’s back pockets and breaking down barriers to opportunity.

    Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

    A skilled workforce is the key to steering the economy forward, and today we’re backing the next generation by giving young people more opportunities to learn a trade, earn a wage and achieve and thrive.

    When we invest in skills for young people, we invest in a shared, stronger economic future – creating opportunities as part of our Plan for Change.

    But everyone has a role to play in a thriving economy, and we’re taking our responsibility seriously providing more routes into employment, it’s now the responsibility of young people to take them.

    To support this, we are:

    • Implementing a 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge, which will deliver up to 45,000 additional training places to upskill the domestic workforce and reduce reliance on migration in priority sectors, as announced in the recent Immigration White Paper.
    • Refocusing funding away from Level 7 (masters-level) apprenticeships from January 2026, while maintaining support for those aged 16-21 and existing apprentices. This will enable levy funding to be rebalanced towards training at lower levels, where it can have the greatest impact.
    • Launched 13 new Level 2 construction courses for adults in non-devolved areas under the Free Courses for Jobs scheme.

    In addition to the £3 billion apprenticeship budget, we’re backing the new generation of workers through:

    • £14 million of adult skills funding for construction to be devolved to local mayors for next academic year, expected to support up to 5,000 additional adult learners.
    •  £136 million for Skills Bootcamps across a range of priority sectors in 2025-26, providing training to over 40,000 learners.
    • £100 million over four years to expand Construction Skills Bootcamps.
    • Ten Technical Excellence Colleges specialising in construction skills, opening in September 2025.

    As part of the government’s Plan for Change, the reforms are a vital step in delivering our youth guarantee and addressing skills shortages to drive growth while creating better opportunities for young people and adults across England.

    Today’s announcement comes following a dramatic fall in the number of apprenticeship starts over the last decade, and as recent ONS statistics show as many as one in eight 16-24 year olds are not in employment, education or training.

    The government is also confirming Board appointments to the new national body for skills, Skills England, which will work with employers and local leaders to shape training policy and delivery.

    Gary Riches, Vice Principal of External Relations at Hartlepool College, said:

    Foundation Apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for young people to take their first step into the world of work while continuing to learn. They offer a real sense of direction, helping students build confidence, gain practical skills, and explore career options early. At Hartlepool College, we’re proud to support this initiative and work with local, regional, and national employers to give every learner the best possible start in their working life.

    Mike Blakeley, Executive Director of Partnerships & Apprenticeships at Exeter College, said:

    Employers and young people’s demand for Apprenticeships is stronger than ever, both here in Exeter and across the wider region. The introduction of the Foundation Apprenticeship marks a vital step forward, offering targeted skills training and a clear pathway into employment for those under the age of 21, aspiring to become apprentices at our college.

    Employers in our network are already showing significant enthusiasm for Foundation Apprenticeships, recognising their value as an effective recruitment tool for the next generation of talent. By launching the programme across four key sectors, we’re addressing critical skills gaps and helping to alleviate ongoing recruitment challenges, nowhere more urgently than in the construction sector here in the South West.

    As one of the UK’s largest providers of construction training, we’re proud to work alongside a significant number of passionate employers who are investing in the workforce of the future. With the addition of Foundation Apprenticeships to our offering, these employers are now even better positioned to welcome young people into their organisations. We’re encouraged by the number of businesses already formally pledging their support for this great initiative and look forward to seeing its impact grow.

    Milton Walcott, Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality Manager at Complete Fixing Solutions Ltd, said:

    I am excited to see the government’s focus on expanding apprenticeships and skills training for young people. The introduction of Foundation Apprenticeships is a great step forward in helping young people build the skills they need for the future.

    The emphasis on getting more 16-18-year-olds into work-based learning is particularly important, and we’re looking forward to supporting these efforts to help build a strong, skilled workforce that drives economic growth.

    Rob Dodds, Controller at Unipres (UK) Ltd, said:

    What a fantastic opportunity for young people to start their careers with a Foundation apprenticeship, these reforms will remove some of the barriers that young people face when looking for an apprenticeship.

    We are looking forward to the chance to run these apprenticeships after their launch in August.

    Stephen Wilde, Managing Director at Southbourne Rubber Ltd, said:

    This is a bold and vital step forward in building real opportunities for young people and adults to build skills that matter in industries that shape our future. We’re proud to support this commitment to growing the UK’s talent pipeline.

    Sarah Yong, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Youth Futures Foundation, said:

    International evidence shows apprenticeships are a highly impactful way to support young people to prepare for and access jobs, yet participation among under-25s, especially the most marginalised, has declined in recent years.

    With stubbornly high youth unemployment and inactivity, rebalancing the apprenticeship system can encourage investment in youth apprenticeships and is a first step in enabling more young people to access good work.

    Dani Payne, Senior Researcher at the Social Market Foundation, said:

    For too long young people – particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds – have been unable to access high-quality vocational pathways. The number of young people not in education, employment, or training is not just a statistic; it represents lost potential and missed opportunities.

    Ensuring that there is appropriate funding for young people wishing to pursue apprenticeships is a crucial step in ensuring that all young people, regardless of their background, can access suitable, hands-on training that aligns with industry needs. It’s an investment in their future and in the economic resilience of our nation.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Update on Zimbabwe – Lifting sanctions on 4 individuals and 1 entity [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Update on Zimbabwe – Lifting sanctions on 4 individuals and 1 entity [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 May 2025.

    The UK has delisted sanctions against 4 individuals, and the entity Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI).

    The UK announces the delisting of sanctions against individuals Owen Ncube, Isaac Moyo, Godwin Matanga, Anselem Sanyatwe, and the entity Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI).

    The revocations follow a similar move from the European Union in February 2025, when they delisted their last remaining entity (ZDI) whilst renewing their existing Zimbabwe sanctions framework. The US also removed a number of designations in March 2024.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Chad – Helena Owen [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Chad – Helena Owen [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 May 2025.

    Ms Helena Owen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Chad in succession to Mr Ross Matthews who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Owen will take up her appointment during August 2025.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Helena Owen

    Year Role
    2023 to 2025 FCDO, Deputy Head of Unit (Sudan), Sahel, Sudan and South Sudan Department
    2021 to 2023 Abidjan, Development Counsellor
    2020 to 2021 FCDO, Team Leader, NGO COVID-19 response, then Deputy Head, Humanitarian Response Group
    2019 to 2020 DFID/FCO/DIT, Head of Briefing Hub, UK-Africa Investment Summit
    2017 to 2019 Abuja, Head of Conflict, Stability and Security Fund West Africa
    2014 to 2017 Libya Office in Tunis, HMG Libya Programme Representative, then Head of Libya Programmes
    2013 to 2014 New York, UK Mission to the UN, Senior Policy Adviser, Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation
    2011 to 2013 DFID, G20 Team Leader and France Desk Officer, Global Partnerships’ Department
    2004 to 2010 HM Treasury, Various posts
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK-Funded Livelihoods Strategy and Action Plan project celebrates milestones in Belize [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK-Funded Livelihoods Strategy and Action Plan project celebrates milestones in Belize [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 May 2025.

    The UK FCDO granted $32 million to the UKCIF Coastal Road Upgrading Project to support economic resilience and create sustainable livelihood opportunities in Belize.

    The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK FCDO), in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH) of Belize, the Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF), and The Belize Trade & Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), proudly highlights the achievements and upcoming milestones of the Livelihoods Strategy and Action Plan (LSAP) under the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF).

    The UK FCDO provided a grant of $32 million to the UKCIF Coastal Road Upgrading Project. Via LSAP, this aims to build economic resilience and create sustainable livelihood opportunities in Gales Point Village and Mullins River Village in Belize.

    Key achievements to date include:

    • formalization and registration support for 80 Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), including 43 female-owned and 37 male-owned businesses
    • entrepreneurial development training for 72 participants of which 59 completed the certification
    • an upcoming Buy Belizean exhibition in Dangriga Town on June 14, 2025, featuring 14 MSMEs and 6 formalization and support agencies

    On May 24, 2025, a certificate ceremony was held at Gales Point Village Primary School to recognize the accomplishments of 59 participants who completed the Entrepreneurial Development Training Program. This training focused on sustainable, community-based business development and was facilitated by BELTRAIDE through its Small Business Development Centre (SBDCBelize).

  • PRESS RELEASE : Fresh UK-EU collaboration on AI to unlock new avenues for innovation and research [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Fresh UK-EU collaboration on AI to unlock new avenues for innovation and research [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology on 27 May 2025.

    Building on the UK’s new deal with the EU, plans launched to supercharge AI collaboration across Europe.

    • Building on the UK’s new deal with the EU, plans launched to supercharge AI collaboration across Europe
    • Organisations are invited to step forward to become Britain’s link to the continent’s top supercomputers
    • Collaboration with dedicated ‘AI Factories’ to accelerate breakthroughs and support new jobs across the UK as part of the government’s Plan for Change

    Healthcare treatments, clean energy technologies and advanced breakthroughs that could transform lives across the UK are within reach, as the government backs plans for a new AI collaboration with Europe – driving growth and delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.

    From today, public research organisations can apply to host the UK’s AI Factory Antenna – a facility that, if approved, would link British research expertise to its advanced supercomputers across Europe.

    Access to cutting-edge compute power – the high-performance processing capability needed to handle vast data and complex models – is the engine of progress in AI. Greater collaboration will help address global challenges like climate change and disease, support the development of advanced AI systems used in healthcare and energy, and drive economic growth – the government’s core mission under the Plan for Change. That is why expanding international collaboration on compute is a key recommendation of the UK government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan – a blueprint to accelerate the use of AI across the economy.

    Today’s announcement follows the new UK-EU agreement, secured by the Prime Minister earlier this month, which will boost British jobs, help businesses thrive, and put money back in people’s pockets. It underlines the UK’s renewed partnership with Europe – delivering real opportunities, driving economic growth, and building stronger relationships in the national interest.

    Minister for AI, Feryal Clark, said:

    Supercomputers are the turbo-chargers of discovery. By strengthening our partnership with Europe, we’re giving British innovators the compute power to solve climate and health challenges, grow the economy, and deliver our Plan for Change.

    This is about more than faster processing – it’s about putting the UK at the forefront of global AI. With access to some of Europe’s most advanced systems, our researchers and startups will be equipped to lead on cutting-edge breakthroughs and strengthen Britain’s role as a trusted partner in international AI development.

    This expression of interest, open to individual public research organisations or consortia, will identify the UK’s government-backed bid to apply to EuroHPC’s call – with up to €5 million available.

    If successful, the chosen organisation will become the UK’s AI Factory Antenna, acting as the gateway to top European supercomputers through a partnership with an AI Factory on the continent – a site combining EuroHPC compute with access to data, training and software support.

    This will enable UK scientists, startups and public institutions to build larger, more complex AI models – shortening development cycles, accelerating innovation, and creating high-skilled jobs across the country.

    The programme builds on the UK’s growing momentum in compute infrastructure, with £44 billion invested in data centres since July last year, and forms part of wider efforts to ensure the UK has the compute needed to thrive in the age of AI.

    This summer, the government will confirm the next sites for AI Growth Zones – specialist clusters designed to host AI infrastructure, unlock billions in private investment, and create thousands of skilled jobs. These actions will be underpinned by the Compute Strategy, a ten-year roadmap to increase national compute capacity twenty-fold, due later this year.

    Notes to editors

    The EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) is an EU-led initiative that pools resources from the EU and participating countries to develop European computing infrastructure and research capabilities. It brings together world-class supercomputing systems from 35 countries, including all 27 EU member states, Norway and Turkey, to drive the next generation of computing technologies.

    The UK joined the EuroHPC JU in May 2024, giving UK researchers free access to EuroHPC’s supercomputers via the UK’s association to Horizon Europe.

    The Expression of Interest (EOI) launched today invites eligible UK public research organisations or consortia to apply to host the UK’s AI Factory Antenna. If successful, the host organisation will form a partnership with an EU-based AI Factory – a site that combines EuroHPC compute with access to data, training and software support for AI development.

    Applications must be submitted by Wednesday 11 June. The EOI process will identify a single organisation or consortium to be endorsed by the UK government for submission to EuroHPC’s call for AI Factory Antennae. The UK government is allocating up to £2.5 million in funding, which will be matched by the EU if the application is successful.

    This is part of a broader effort by the UK government to expand collaboration with the EuroHPC JU –  a recommendation of the UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan. Earlier this year, the government also committed to match-fund upcoming EuroHPC research grants for UK researchers and businesses.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK’s Trade Envoy visits Paraguay [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK’s Trade Envoy visits Paraguay [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 May 2025.

    Fabian Hamilton, United Kingdom’s Trade Envoy for Southern Cone, visited Paraguay for the first time.

    UK Trade Envoy for Southern Cone Fabian Hamilton visited Paraguay and met with Paraguayan authorities and stakeholders to explore new partnership opportunities in sectors including trade, investment, sports, clean energy, and sustainable development.

    The visit demonstrates the UK’s commitment to its Plan for Change by enhancing international relationships that create mutual economic benefits.

    Hamilton’s designation as Trade Envoy for the Southern Cone reflects the UK’s renewed focus on Latin America, a region with high potential for bilateral trade growth.

    “Delighted to welcome the British Parliament’s Trade Envoy to the Southern Cone to Paraguay. His visit marks an important step towards strengthening trade relations and exploring new partnership opportunities”, expressed Danielle Dunne, British Ambassador to Paraguay

    The visit explored several sectors where British expertise can support Paraguay’s sustainable development goals while creating new export opportunities for UK businesses.

    The UK is actively broadening its diplomatic presence worldwide as part of its effort to enhance trade relationships and British interests globally. Paraguay represents an important market within the Southern Cone region, where the UK seeks to increase commercial engagement as part of its broader international trade strategy.

    The United Kingdom’s Trade Envoy programme is a network of parliamentarians integral to supporting the government’s growth mission by providing additional international trade and investment support to ministers.

    There are 32 Trade Envoys covering 79 markets across 6 continents who engage on substantial trade opportunities identified by government. They will play a crucial role in supporting the Department for Business and Trade’s growth priorities, in particular through helping deliver the industrial and trade strategies and attracting foreign direct investment to every region in the UK. They complement the work of our Ambassadors, High Commissioners and His Majesty’s Trade Commissioners in their respective markets.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Cabinet Office Board Lead Non-Executive Board Member [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Cabinet Office Board Lead Non-Executive Board Member [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 26 May 2025.

    John Fallon has been appointed as the new Cabinet Office Lead Non-Executive Board Member (NEBM) for a period of three years, concluding in April 2028.

    John is an executive and academic currently holding positions as a Professor of Practice and senior adviser at Northeastern University, an Executive Fellow at London Business School, and Chair of WarChild UK and Blackpool Pride of Place. He served as CEO from 2013 to 2020 at Pearson Plc. John has also held senior roles at PowerGen plc, Centro, and the House of Commons.

    The Cabinet Office Board provides strategic leadership for the department, comprising Cabinet Office ministers, senior executives, and non-executives from outside government. Its purpose is to advise on strategy, monitor performance, and assess significant risks.

    The role of the Cabinet Office Lead NEBM is to provide strategic oversight and leadership for the department’s team of Non-Executives. The Lead NEBM supports ministers and officials by providing expert advice and challenge on delivery and performance. As well as their formal role on the Board and its sub-committees, the Lead NEBM also maintains close working relationships with the Permanent Secretary and the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to support the delivery of their priorities.

    The Lead NEBM works with the department to ensure the NEBMs are assigned to work on issues where they will have the most impact and can best support the delivery of the department’s strategic priorities.

    Chief Operating Officer for the Civil Service and Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Office, Cat Little said:

    Lead Non-Executive Board Members provide vital scrutiny and challenge to departmental boards, guiding our work and helping us deliver for people across the country.

    John Fallon will bring a wealth of experience in systems and transformation leadership within complex organisations. I look forward to working with him to deliver the Cabinet Office’s priorities.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Cabinet Office Board Non-Executive Board Member [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Cabinet Office Board Non-Executive Board Member [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 26 May 2025.

    Lisa Tremble has been appointed as a Cabinet Office Non-Executive Board Member for a period of three years, concluding in April 2028.

    Lisa is currently the Chief People, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer, and a Member of the Management Committee at British Airways. Prior to that, she was a Group Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director at Direct Line Group Plc and the Director of External Affairs at Mishcon de Reya LLP.

    The Cabinet Office Board provides strategic leadership for the department, comprising Cabinet Office ministers, senior executives, and non-executives from outside government. Its purpose is to advise on strategy, monitor performance, and assess significant risks.

    The Non-Executive Board Members are responsible for providing support and challenge to the department’s ministers and senior officials on the delivery of key policies and programmes.