Tag: 2025

PRESS RELEASE : Wait times slashed for 80,000 thanks to boost in cancer detection [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 6 April 2025.

80,000 patients have received a quicker diagnosis or ruling out of cancer in 28 days between July 2024 and January 2025 compared to the previous year.
- Government’s record £26 billion Budget investment into the NHS sees 80,000 more people having cancer diagnosed or ruled out within 28 days
- Bold action to resolve strikes, increase funding into the NHS and get more teams working out of hours has transformed delivery for patients
- Cancer care at the heart of government plans to reform NHS through Plan for Change, with National Cancer Plan set to be published later this year
80,000 patients across the country have faced shorter waits for life-changing cancer diagnoses as a result of the government’s record investment in our NHS to cut waiting times, latest figures show.

The government’s Budget fixed the foundations of the economy to deliver a record £26 billion investment in our NHS to get it back on its feet and make it fit for the future as part of the Plan for Change. This investment, together with putting an end to industrial action, tackling waste and bringing in crucial reforms, are already transforming our NHS.

That includes a new drive to offer more appointments out of hours – which directly attributed to over three quarters (76.1%) of patients receiving their cancer diagnosis or all clear within 28 days from July 2024 to January 2025, up from 71.8% 12 months earlier.

As one of the biggest killers in the UK, it is vital that cancer patients get quick access to the testing they need. Faster diagnosis is linked to significantly improved cancer outcomes and means more patients can start treatment as quickly as possible.

Today’s figures show a clear improvement in performance, demonstrating how proper investment, along with a plan to put patients first, delivers on the commitments promised by the government to slash waiting lists – putting an end to the misery for many people who have not received the cancer care they require.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

This government made tough decisions at the Budget that put £26 billion into our NHS – and patients are already seeing the results.

Too many cancer patients are facing agonisingly long waits for diagnosis and treatment. As a survivor, I know first hand just how important it is to receive timely diagnosis so treatment can begin as quickly as possible.

We are on a mission to drive down waiting times and our Plan for Change is already getting patients seen and treated faster, with 80,000 more diagnosed or ruled out with cancer between July and January.

This is just the start and we will continue driving fundamental reform of the NHS to ensure it is delivering for all patients once again.

The government is delivering change working people can feel, with waiting lists cut by 193,000 since July – and alongside this, 2 million extra appointments including for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endoscopy, and diagnostic tests also being delivered 7 months ahead of schedule.

But the government is going further and faster. The recently published Elective Reform Plan also commits to going even further for patients, through opening more Community Diagnostic Centres, taking the total to over 170 this year across England.

These sites will all be open for 12 hours a day, 7 days a week by March 2026, located in convenient places across the country to ensure patients have greater access to the tests, checks and scans they require. And on top of this, the government is also committing £1.5 billion to equip the health service with more surgical hubs and scanners to help catch more cancers earlier.

The recently published NHS Planning Guidance has committed to getting a further 100,000 people diagnosed on time by March 2026, with the government on track to deliver this significantly ahead of schedule.

With 2.8 million people expected to be living with cancer this year in England alone, improving outcomes for patients, including quicker diagnosis, is a key part of the government’s plans to cut waiting times and deliver fundamental NHS reform through the Plan for Change.

Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, said:

Providing rapid access to tests ensures that people with cancer can start treatment as soon as possible when it is most likely to be successful, and will help to put people’s minds at rest if they don’t have cancer, so it is an important step forward that thousands more patients each month are getting the all-clear or a diagnosis within 4 weeks.

Thanks to the efforts of staff and NHS campaigns encouraging people to get worrying symptoms checked out or to take up our offer of screening, we are seeing more people coming forward than ever, and I encourage anyone who is overdue for a check or who has noticed changes in their body to contact their GP surgery as soon as possible so they can get checked.

Lord Darzi’s investigation into the NHS highlighted that the rate of improvement for cancer survival slowed substantially during the 2010s, and the government has been steadfast in its commitment to improving outcomes for patients.

Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said:

Waiting for answers can be an incredibly worrying period for anyone affected, so we welcome the government’s commitment to further cut waits for cancer diagnosis and treatment this year.

The UK government has the opportunity to improve things further and faster with their upcoming National Cancer Plan for England. More people are being diagnosed with cancer than ever before, and our health service needs a long term plan to be able to properly prepare and help people live longer, better lives.

Eve Byrne, Director of National System Change at Macmillan Cancer Support, said:

We welcome these changes and the positive impact this will have on people living with cancer.

We are looking forward to working with the government to transform cancer care by developing the National Cancer Plan. This is an opportunity to make sure everybody in the UK can access world-class cancer care, whoever they are, wherever they may be based.

Alongside the 10 Year Health Plan, the government will also publish its National Cancer Plan this year, with a call for evidence now live to encourage cancer experts, people living with cancer, and medical professionals to help shape its development.

A new UK Collaborative for Cancer Clinical Research is also being launched to provide coordination, target investment, and maximise opportunities for the UK to lead in clinical research. This will help to unlock innovation and growth.
April 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Fake reviews and sneaky hidden fees banned once and for all [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 6 April 2025.

Outrageous fake reviews and sneaky hidden fees are now banned once and for all in a major win for consumers right across the UK.
- Fake reviews and hidden fees that cost consumers £2.2bn every year now banned
- CMA takes on major new powers to directly enforce new consumer laws
- Changes will protect consumers and create a more level playing field for businesses, helping to deliver economic stability as part of the Plan for Change
Outrageous fake reviews and sneaky hidden fees are now banned once and for all in a major win for consumers right across the UK. These laws will help deliver economic stability as part of the Plan for Change.

The new measures coming into force today will give the public control over their cash and save them money in the long run.

All mandatory fees, such as admin fees or ticket booking fees, must now be included in the headline price and can’t be deceptively dripped in throughout the checkout process, to dupe customers into paying more than they originally bargained for.

The ban aims to bring to an end the shock that online shoppers get when they reach the end of their shopping experience only to find a raft of extra fees lumped on top.

So, for shoppers buying train tickets – they won’t be stung by a hidden booking fee at the end of the checkout.

When buying a takeaway, the delivery and admin fees must be clear at the start of the process.

The same will apply to all online shopping experiences from concert tickets to trips to the cinema.

Every year a whopping £2.2 billion is spent by consumers on unavoidable hidden fees, which is why these new rules are coming into force.

Not only will it create greater transparency, but it will make it far easier for consumers to confidently compare products and services to make sure they are getting the best bang for their buck.

Justin Madders, Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets, said:

From today consumers can confidently make purchases knowing they are protected against fake reviews and dripped pricing.

These changes will give consumers more power and control over their hard-earned cash, as well as help to establish a level playing field by deterring bad actors that undercut compliant businesses, helping to deliver economic stability as part of our Plan for Change.

Outlandish fake reviews will also be banned today – so customers know what they are buying when they shop online.

The legislation will prevent punters turning up to a restaurant with 5-star reviews only to be served 1-star quality food. Or ordering a product online from a top-rated seller only to find it never turns up, or that when it does, it doesn’t look anything like it did in the picture, despite what previous buyers said.

Reviews were found to be used by 90% of consumers and contributed to the £217 billion spent in online retail markets in 2023, underscoring the importance of these new consumer protection laws.

New laws will also help prevent well-intentioned and compliant businesses from being under-cut by those seeking to catch out consumers with stealthy additional prices and fake reviews.

Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said:

We will use these new provisions to safeguard people from harmful and unfair treatment, and to foster the level-playing field for the vast majority of businesses who want to do the right thing for their customers. We will be tackling the more egregious practices first and working hard to support businesses with compliance, conscious that – especially for small businesses – the burden of following the rules must be proportionate.

This new consumer protection regime will be implemented by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in a way that is as simple as possible for smaller businesses to comply with.

This government is committed to taking action to reduce unnecessary burdens on business, meaning that should any new rules be required, these will be as clear as possible and only used where necessary and proportionate.

Notes to editors
- Legislation only bans unavoidable hidden fees. Optional fees, such as airline seats and luggage upgrades for flights, are not included.
- Website hosts are accountable for the reviews on their page. Businesses and online platforms will be legally required to take steps to prevent and remove the publication of fake reviews that are published on their websites. This could include, for example, having adequate detection and removal procedures in place to prevent fake reviews being published.
April 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Huge income boost for millions of pensioners and working people [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 6 April 2025.

Millions of pensioners will receive as much as £470 more a year added to their State Pension from today, thanks to the government’s’ ironclad commitment to the pensions Triple Lock throughout this Parliament.
- Millions of pensioners to receive up to an additional £470 in their State Pension this year.
- Triple Lock means those receiving the State Pension are set to increase by up to £1,900 over the term of this Parliament.
- Over five million households receiving working-age benefits such as Universal Credit will also see an average boost of £150, with Plan for Change putting more money in working people’s pockets.
This comes alongside the annual uprating of working-age benefits such as Universal Credit, with people receiving those set to receive an extra £150 on average over the course of this year – an increase set to benefit 5.7 million working-age households. Disability benefits such as Disability Living Allowance, Carers Allowance and child benefits are also set to increase by the same amount.

The Triple Lock – which guarantees that the State Pension increases annually by the highest of inflation, average earnings growth or 2.5% – means the basic and new State Pensions are increasing by 4.1%, well above the current level of inflation.

These changes come alongside increases to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage, benefiting three million eligible workers across the country. With the National Living Wage increasing to £12.21 for those aged 21 and over and the National Minimum Wage for those aged 18 to 20 seeing a record increase to £10 an hour, three million workers will benefit, with eligible full-time workers set to see an increase in their annual salary of £1,400.

This support is securing Britain’s future through the Plan for Change, which is delivering security and renewal by kick-starting economic growth to put more money in working people’s pockets and rebuilding the NHS.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said:

Our ironclad commitment to the Triple Lock gives pensioners across the country the certainty and security they need to live a full life in retirement.

We are putting more money in people’s pockets and driving up household income as part of our Plan for Change.

Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said:

Raising the State Pension and rescuing the NHS – these are this government’s priorities to give all pensioners the dignity they deserve in their retirement. Those who have worked hard throughout their lives, paying into the system, are owed nothing less.

We’re improving the lives of millions of pensioners through our £7.84 billion additional funding for the State Pension this year. That means up to £470 extra in pensioners’ pockets from this week and comes alongside our work to boost Pension Credit uptake, and the £26 billion we’ve invested in the NHS that has seen waiting lists in England fall for 5 months in a row.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

With today’s increase in working-age benefits, and our ironclad commitment to pensioners through the Triple Lock, we are making the decisions that support those who need it in Britain, putting money into people’s pockets and delivering our Plan for Change.

The uprating of State Pensions and working-age benefits amounts to a cash boost of over £6.9 billion, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring pensioners enjoy the dignity and respect they deserve in retirement, while also supporting low-income families.

It also comes alongside proposals for the biggest welfare reforms for a generation. These measures are designed to ensure a welfare system that is fit for purpose and available for future generations – opening up employment opportunities, boosting economic growth and tackling the spiralling benefits bill while also ensuring those who cannot work get the support they need.

That support also includes help for pensioners. The government’s drive to support low-income pensioners has led to 50,000 extra Pension Credit awards since the summer – an increase of 64% compared to the same period last year.

Pension Credit is worth on average £4,300 a year and also unlocks support including help with Housing Costs, Council Tax and free television licenses.

Support also includes a £742 million extension of the Household Support Fund in England, from 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2026, providing support with the cost of essentials such as food, heating and bills.

Additional information:
- The majority of the new rates will apply from Monday 7 April 2025. Please see here for a full list of rising benefits: Benefit and pension rates 2025 to 2026 – GOV.UK
- Those in receipt of the State Pension and other uprated benefits will see an increase in their next payments following Monday 7 April.
- Details of when the State Pension is paid can be found on GOV.UK: The new State Pension – GOV.UK
- With uprating in effect, pensioners receiving the full basic State Pension will see their weekly payments rise from £169.50 to £176.45 per week, worth an additional £360 a year. In addition, the full rate of the new State Pension will increase from £221.20 to £230.25 per week, an increase of £470 a year.
- People in receipt of Universal Credit and other benefits including Personal Independence Payments will see their payments increase by 1.7% with 5.7 million households on Universal Credit to gain £150 on average.
- The minimum guarantee for Pension Credit – the minimum amount that someone on Pension Credit will receive – is also set to increase by 4.1% from 7 April. For single pensioners it will increase from £218.15 to £227.10. For couples it will increase from £332.95 to £346.60.
April 6, 2025
David Lammy – 2025 Statement Following the Detention of Two British MPs in Israel

The statement made by David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, on 5 April 2025.

It is unacceptable, counterproductive, and deeply concerning that two British MPs on a parliamentary delegation to Israel have been detained and refused entry by the Israeli authorities.

I have made clear to my counterparts in the Israeli government that this is no way to treat British Parliamentarians, and we have been in contact with both MPs tonight to offer our support.

The UK government’s focus remains securing a return to the ceasefire and negotiations to stop the bloodshed, free the hostages and end the conflict in Gaza.

April 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Macron of France [April 2025]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 5 April 2025.

The Prime Minister spoke with President Macron following this week’s announcement that the US will impose additional tariffs.

They agreed that a trade war was in nobody’s interests, but nothing should be off the table and that it was important to keep business updated on developments.

The Prime Minister and President also shared their concerns about the global economic and security impact, particularly in South East Asia.

Following discussions between military planners in Ukraine this week, they discussed the good progress that has been made on the Coalition of the Willing.

The Prime Minister and President agreed to stay in close contact over the coming weeks.

April 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Coalition of the Willing Military Chiefs in Ukraine ahead of crucial meetings next week [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 5 April 2025.

As part of the UK’s leading efforts to build a Coalition of the Willing to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine, the Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin met with Ukrainian and French counterparts in Kyiv.
- UK continues to lead international efforts to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine.
- Defence chiefs meet in Kyiv to coordinate military planning of multinational force to deter future Russian aggression.
- Visit comes as Defence Secretary John Healey prepares to host meetings of defence ministers in Brussels.
As part of the UK’s leading efforts to build a Coalition of the Willing to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine, the Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin met with Ukrainian and French counterparts in Kyiv.

The meetings focused on how to build on Ukraine’s current capabilities to put the country in the strongest possible position for the future.

The Defence Chiefs addressed the structure, size and composition required of any future reassurance force in Ukraine. With 30 countries expected to contribute to the Coalition, the UK’s leadership has been critical in pulling together partners and allies around the world.

Discussions will continue this coming week as the Defence Secretary hosts the next meeting of Coalition of the Willing defence ministers in Brussels with his French counterpart on Thursday and chairs the Ukraine Defence Contact Group with his German counterpart on Friday.

The UK and France will convene defence ministers from coalition nations to discuss the next stages of planning to support the security arrangements which will be needed to prevent any further Russian aggression. Discussions will build on the military planning that has taken place over the last few weeks with nations looking at contributing their own capabilities to support any future force.

Meanwhile, the Ukraine Defence Contact Group will bring together around 50 nations to drive forward additional military support for Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian attacks. The UK convened and chaired the UDCG for the first time in February, with 46 nations in attendance, raising extra 1.5billon Euros in military aid for Ukraine.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

Our coalition of nations, working at pace and willing to stand with Ukraine for the long-term, is a stark contrast to Russia who stand alone with only North Korea for a friend.

As Putin prevaricates over a ceasefire, we will continue to ramp up our military planning, exploring the air, sea and land forces that could support a lasting peace in Ukraine.

However, we will not jeopardise the peace by forgetting about the war. That’s why in the week ahead we will also convene the Ukraine Defence Contact Group to supply Ukraine with the military equipment they need to put them in the strongest possible position as they fight back brutal continuing Russian attacks.

The Chief of the Defence Staff’s visit follows a series of high-level engagements hosted in both Paris and London in the past month, with the Prime Minister travelling to Paris and hosting leaders in London and the Defence Secretary conducting simultaneous visits to France as well as joining an operational planning meeting alongside the Prime Minister at the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ).

Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said:

The UK is ironclad in our support for Ukraine, which is why we’re stepping up for a just and lasting peace.

Our meetings looked at how we can build on the formidable capabilities of the Ukrainian Army and put them in the strongest possible position to deter Russian aggression.

I am encouraged by the strength of unity we’ve seen between our European and international allies.

This work delivers on the Prime Minister’s four-point plan to support Ukraine by ramping up delivery of weapons and equipment, boosting Ukraine’s defensive capabilities in the long term, working with allies to develop robust security assurances, and keeping up pressure on Putin.

The UK is fully committed to working with allies to step up support to ensure Ukraine remains in the strongest possible position, which is why £4.5 billion of military support will be provided this year – more than ever before.

The Defence Secretary has been clear that supporting Ukraine is vital to the security of stability of Europe, which is essential to the UK economy. The UK’s national security is a foundation for the government’s Plan for Change.

Last month, the Prime Minister announced a historic £1.6bn deal to provide more than five thousand air defence missiles for Ukraine in a boost for UK jobs and growth. The Chancellor also announced a £2.26 billion loan to bolster Ukrainian defence capabilities from frozen Russian assets.

The MOD has sent around 400 different capabilities to Ukraine, with a new £150 million package including drones, tanks and air defence systems announced on 12 February 2025, a £225 million package including drones, boats and munitions announced on 19 December 2024, and 650 lightweight multirole missiles announced on 6 September 2024.
April 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Neonatal care leave and pay right for thousands of new parents [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 5 April 2025.

New entitlement will give thousands of eligible new parents each year with children in neonatal care a right to additional leave and pay.
- New right to neonatal care leave and pay enters into force this weekend.
- Parents of babies in neonatal care are entitled to an additional 12 weeks of leave and pay if eligible, on top of parental leave, as of tomorrow (6 April)
- The Government is supporting working families and protecting working people’s payslips, delivering on our Plan for Change.
Thousands of new parents each year will gain a day one right to leave and pay, if eligible, if they have a child in neonatal care as of tomorrow [Sunday 6 April].

Our Plan for Change relies on families having security in work. By protecting payslips and providing them with the support at work they need through these measures, we’re putting more money into the pockets of working people, delivering national renewal and growing the economy.

These measures will change the dial from where it is now, where working families have been faced with the challenge of going to work whilst their newborn baby is sick in neonatal care.

They will allow eligible parents to take up to 12 weeks of leave (and, if eligible, pay) on top of any other leave they may be entitled to, including maternity and paternity leave.

In a meeting between Justin Madders, the Employment Rights Minister, and campaigners from the charities The Smallest Things, Bliss and Working Families,

Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders said:

The campaigners and parents who have had to experience their children in neonatal care are an inspiration to us all and show just how much this new leave and pay entitlement is needed for families up and down the UK.

We know that many employers already go above and beyond the statutory minimum, which is why as part of our Plan for Change we’re creating a level playing field that ensures parents, wherever they work, have the vital relief they need to switch off from work and focus on their newborn baby.

Women’s Health Minister Baroness Merron said:

No parent should have to choose between being with their vulnerable newborn or returning to work. Our action today will make all the difference to families going through an incredibly stressful time.

We are giving parents peace of mind so they can focus on their family. At the same time, we are reforming the NHS and maternity and neonatal services to ensure that everyone receives the personalised, compassionate care that they deserve.

The new Neonatal Care Leave will apply to parents of babies who are admitted into neonatal care up to 28 days old and who have a continuous stay in neonatal care of 7 full days or longer.

These measures will aim to relieve some of the pressure on working families, providing the support families need to allow them to be by their child’s side without having to work throughout or use up their existing leave.

The Government’s Employment Rights Bill, which is currently making its way through Parliament, was introduced to upgrade workers’ rights across the UK, tackle poor working conditions and benefit businesses and workers alike. This includes bringing forward employment reforms, such as establishing day one rights for paternity, parental and bereavement leave for millions of workers.

Other measures being introduced by this Government include support for employers through the menopause and strengthened protections against unfair dismissal for pregnant women and new mothers.

Catriona Ogilvy, founder of parent-led charity The Smallest Things said:

The Smallest Things is thrilled that Neonatal Care Leave and Pay will finally be available to families from tomorrow (6 April).

This new law is the result of a decade of tireless campaigning by those who truly understand – neonatal parents themselves.

They know the journey doesn’t end when babies come home from hospital. Neonatal Leave will give families back stolen time. Time to be with their baby without the worry of work or pay. Time to bond. And time to begin to recover – both physically and mentally.

Neonatal parents and carers needed more time. From tomorrow, they’ll get it.

Bliss Chief Executive Caroline Lee-Davey said:

At Bliss we know just how important it is that babies born premature or sick have both parents at their side in neonatal care during their challenging first weeks and months of life, playing a hands-on role in their care.

That is why Bliss is so proud to have led campaigning for the introduction of the Neonatal Care (Leave & Pay) Act, which will provide thousands of employed parents every year with the assurance that they can take the time to be with their sick baby when they need it most.

We now look forward to working with the Government and employers to ensure that all parents who are eligible know about this new entitlement, as well as the wider information and support that they can access from Bliss throughout their neonatal journey.

Jane van Zyl, Chief Executive, Working Families said:

We are delighted to see the introduction of this new entitlement after having worked with policymakers on its development.

Having additional leave and pay will mean parents can be by their baby’s side when they need them most. By giving families some breathing space and the ability to manage childcare for older siblings, this policy will help relieve some of the financial and emotional strain families are under.

We hope employers will build on this support by developing enhanced neonatal polices, as many compassionate employers have already, and consider flexible working, a little of which can go a long way in supporting families.

Nisha Marwaha, Director of DE&I at Virgin Media O2 said:

Introducing paid neonatal care leave as a day one right is a lifeline for parents whose babies require medical care shortly after birth.

At Virgin Media O2, we’re proud to have been one of the first UK businesses to introduce paid neonatal leave more than two years ahead of it becoming a legal requirement. We’ve seen first-hand the difference it has made to our employees, allowing them to focus on caring for their sick baby and take time away from work with our full support.

That’s why we welcome the introduction of the legislation that will benefit around 60,000 new parents each year so they can be there for their loved ones when it counts, without having to worry about work.

Liz Jeffery, Vice President for People Experience at Sony Music, said:

When a baby is born prematurely or requires neonatal care after birth, it can be a very difficult time for parents.

Since 2018, Sony Music staff have been entitled to full pay during the period in which a baby is born before full term or spends time in neonatal care, ensuring they are financially supported until parental leave begins.

This policy has been a huge benefit for our employees over the past seven years and we are pleased to see that the law is changing to support other families going through these experiences.”

Jackie Henry, managing partner for people and purpose at Deloitte UK, said:

Family-friendly policies can have a profound impact in supporting people in the modern workplace.

That’s why at Deloitte UK, we provide 12 weeks’ paid neonatal care leave as part a wider package of policies and benefits, including six months’ paid family leave, and paid time off for caring responsibilities and fertility treatment.

Families come in all shapes and sizes, so policies like these allow our people to focus on what matters during some of the most important moments of their lives.
April 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : England’s non-woodland trees freely mapped for first time [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 5 April 2025.

England’s trees outside woodlands have been mapped by satellite and laser are freely available for first time revealing they make up 30% of nation’s tree cover.
- Some of the most iconic trees in our landscape highlighted in unique survey.
- Mapping will help to accurately identify locations of nature depletion and allow for more targeted tree planting
England’s non-woodland trees have been mapped for first time, revealing these trees make up nearly third of our nation’s tree cover.

Using one of the very latest methods of laser detection and satellite imagery, the country’s top tree scientists at the UK Government’s Forest Research agency built a comprehensive picture of non-woodland trees across England.

The innovative map goes live today (Saturday 5 April).

By providing a better national picture, the groundbreaking map will allow conservation groups and local authorities to target tree planting efforts more accurately. The map can pinpoint lone trees that could be connected to nearby wooded areas to create better habitat for wildlife in support of the Government’s manifesto commitment to expand nature-rich habitats and help achieve our legal target to increase England’s woodland canopy to 16.5%.

Forestry Minister Mary Creagh said:

Our precious street trees improve air quality, mark the changing seasons and provide us with peace, shade and joy. Their value simply cannot be overstated.

“This groundbreaking new tree census will not only help us better understand our current tree canopy cover, but allow us to identify areas where we can create more nature rich habitats for wildlife and people to enjoy as part of our Plan for Change”

Sir William Worsley, Chair of Forestry Commission said:

“This has been a real endeavour by the team – the results are spectacular and will be invaluable to us as we strive to meet our legal target to increase tree planting cover.

“The map fills critical data gaps about our national tree assets, helping us understand this natural resource and the benefits it brings, including carbon storage. Many people – from citizens to governments – will use the map to make evidence-based decisions to improve management and protection of our trees.”

Freddie Hunter, Head of Remote Sensing at Forest Research, said:

Freddie Hunter, Head of Remote Sensing at Forest Research, said:

“This is an exciting moment. By using a combination of aerial and satellite technology, we have been able to locate and measure all trees outside of woodland (TOW) for the first time. By combining the National Forest Inventory woodland map and the TOW map we have a complete picture of tree canopy in England.

“We used laser technology mounted on planes and images of the Earth’s surface captured by satellites to identify tree canopy cover across the breadth of the country. This will be vital in informing future tree-planting and monitoring.”

Trees outside woodlands are defined as single trees in urban and rural areas and are some of the most iconic trees in our landscape, ranging from sprawling tree-lined hedgerows to the much-loved trees on our streets and in our parks. These trees play an important role in storing carbon, regulating temperatures, and mitigating against the impacts of climate change, such as flooding and over-heating of our towns and cities. They also have a huge role in improving health and wellbeing – not least by reducing the impacts of air pollution.

The project is funded by Defra’s Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) programme. The government is committed to turbocharging nature’s recovery and the launch of the new map is the latest step to improve nature and tree-planting across our communities as part of the Plan for Change. This follows recent announcements on a new national forest, increasing timber in construction to boost forestry and sustainable housebuilding, and the establishment of a dedicated tree-planting taskforce. The government has also recently announced up to £400 million for trees and peat, as part of the Nature for Climate Fund.

The map is fully automated thanks to its use of spatial datasets and can be updated regularly to capture changes in tree canopy cover. For more information, visit Trees Outside Woodland Map – Forest Research. The map can be viewed online on the NCEA ArcGIS Online web portal (Trees Outside Woodland), and is free to download from the Forestry Commission open data download website National Trees Outside Woodland Map.

Additional Information:
- Forest Research is Great Britain’s principal organisation for forestry and tree-related research and is internationally renowned for the provision of evidence and scientific services in support of sustainable forestry.
- The map is derived from LIDAR data from 2016 to 2022 and satellite data from 2021 to 2024. It is therefore not fully representative of trees in 2025.
- The map is based on remote sensing, data analysis and algorithmic prediction combined with expert calibration, meaning an algorithm has predicted which of the features on the input data were trees. The feature detection accuracy of trees outside woodlands is 95%.
- The data set was derived from the Vegetation Object Model (VOM) LIDAR Vegetation Object Model (VOM), The National Lidar Survey (National LIDAR Programme – data.gov.uk), and Sentinel-2 (Sentinel-2 – Sentinel Online) imagery using spatial algorithms.
- The map will also be available via open web services from Defra’s Data Services Platform (DSP) later this month.
April 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK assistance reaches 15,000 people after Myanmar earthquake, with further £10m pledged [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 April 2025.

UK now providing up to £25 million for vital humanitarian assistance.
- The UK has bolstered its support to Myanmar earthquake, allocating a further £10 million to the ongoing humanitarian response
- This brings the UK total to up to £25 million of support, including up to £5 million to match donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal and £10 million announced on 29 March
- UK-funded supplies are already reaching areas devastated by the quake, helping over 15,000 people so far
Lifesaving support for those directly affected by the severe earthquake in Myanmar will now go even further, with the UK now providing up to £25 million for vital humanitarian assistance.

The increase is the result of an additional £10million of UK funding directed towards the humanitarian response.

It comes as UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West, this afternoon (4 April) visited the offices of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) in London, to hear about the realities of delivering aid to the most vulnerable across Myanmar.

The UK has already pledged to aid match every pound donated by the British public to the DEC appeal, up to £5million.

UK funds, delivered through partners on the ground, are already helping to provide immediate support to the most vulnerable areas and people, including first aid, emergency and trauma care and primary healthcare, food, water, shelter and hygiene kits. The additional £10 million directed to the response will provide a further boost to these efforts, saving lives and supporting livelihoods across Myanmar. No UK support goes to the Myanmar regime.

Catherine West, Minister for the Indo-Pacific, said:

Even before this earthquake struck, Myanmar was already facing one of the world’s biggest humanitarian crises after four years of conflict.

It is right that we step up to help. The rapid UK response means lifesaving supplies are already reaching those worst-affected by the quake – and new funding will enable partners on the ground to reach even more people in need.

We thank the British public who continue to generously support the Myanmar people through the DEC appeal.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) works with a network of specialist partner organisations to deliver targeted support on the ground. This means UK support is able to reach those most in need, despite the challenges of operating in Myanmar.

The UK government has a strong track record of providing humanitarian assistance in Myanmar, with total UK support since the 2021 military coup standing at over £170 million. Our modern approach to aid not only supports some of the world’s most vulnerable people but also helps address global challenges from health to migration, ultimately contributing to the UK’s security and prosperity.

In addition to humanitarian assistance, the FCDO continues to provide consular assistance to British nationals in both Myanmar and Thailand, which was also affected by last week’s earthquake.

Notes to editors

Funding the UK has committed to the Myanmar earthquake response includes:
- An initial package of up to £10m to support the emergency response;
- £5m to match donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee public appeal for Myanmar, launched Thursday 3 April;
- A further £10m funding directed for humanitarian assistance, announced today.
UK humanitarian support for Myanmar’s citizens will not support Myanmar’s military regime.
April 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Second Pall Mall Process Conference in Paris – Minister Doughty’s welcome remarks [April 2025]

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

Stephen Doughty, Minister for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories, gave these welcome remarks by video to the second Pall Mall Process Conference in Paris.

Good afternoon everyone, I’m sorry I can’t join you in person, but I am delighted to join my good friend, Minister Delegate Haddad, in participating virtually.

And I’m hugely grateful to France for hosting this conference – testament to our strong friendship and commitment to global security, which we are demonstrating in so many ways at the present time.

And I am glad that this is bringing together so many experts from government, the private sector, academia, and civil society.

Your diverse perspectives are crucial in tackling a major challenge of our time – the proliferation and irresponsible use of cyber intrusion capabilities.

In this dangerous era of contest and competition, cyber threats are testing our security and resolve on a daily basis.

Of course, new technologies bring vast opportunities for security, prosperity, and democracy.

Yet, they also make us more vulnerable to criminals, hackers, and reckless hostile states. And intrusive tools are becoming cheaper and more accessible.

While these tools play a vital role in protecting our national and cyber security, they also bring significant challenges, as you all know.

It is easier than ever for those who do not share our values to target human rights defenders, politicians, and journalists, among many others.

We have also seen reckless attacks on our governments, our parliaments and critical infrastructure – from banks and power grids to hospitals and defence systems.

And that’s why I’m so pleased you will be working together to address these threats and get the balance right.

Since the first Pall Mall Process meeting last year, we’ve made real progress.

So today, I’m proud to announce a major step forward – the formal launch of our new Code of Practice for governments.

This bold package of commitments will help us to regulate the market, mitigating against harms that hacking tools can cause.

And this will be good for us as States – making it easier to protect national security while ensuring a stable cyberspace.

And it will be good for the industry too. By providing a clear view of what responsible activity looks like, we can make it easier for legitimate companies to operate in the right way.

But this commitment must translate into action.

Over the coming days, we must focus on how to put these measures into practice, track progress, and hold ourselves accountable.

This is how we can protect our citizens and ensure that cyberspace remains free, open, peaceful, and secure.

I wish you all the best for your discussions and I very much look forward to hearing the outcomes.

Merci beaucoup, thank you very much.

April 6, 2025