Tag: 2025

PRESS RELEASE : Women’s rights to be championed by appointment of new UK Special Envoy [March 2025]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 March 2025.

Harriet Harman to champion gender equality worldwide as new UK Special Envoy for Women and Girls.
- Harriet Harman announced as new UK Special Envoy for Women and Girls
- appointment underlines the UK’s ongoing commitment to empowering women and girls around the world
- new role will help champion gender equality worldwide and help deliver global economic growth as part of UK government’s Plan for Change
The Foreign Secretary has today appointed Harriet Harman as the new UK Special Envoy for Women and Girls. She will begin her appointment on International Women’s Day (Saturday 8 March 2025).

For International Women’s Day 2025, this government is accelerating action to change women’s lives. This plan is built on the foundations of our Plan for Change for this country to have a strong economy.

Creating opportunities for working women runs through the milestones of this government: from breaking down the barriers to opportunity which have held women back, making our streets safer, to rebuilding our public services and delivering growth that can be felt across every part of the country.

The government is supporting stability overseas to help deliver these milestones. In her role as envoy, Harriet Harman will coordinate efforts across the globe to ensure women and girls are empowered and have their rights protected, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, access to education, and freedom from gender-based violence.

Throughout her career, Harriet Harman has been a vocal advocate for women and girls, including on issues such as women’s political representation, maternity rights, and tackling violence against women and girls.

In her previous role as Solicitor General, Harriet led a successful drive within government to make tackling domestic violence a priority. The campaign led to the introduction of a new law – the Domestic Violence Crime and Victims Act – to ensure more effective prosecutions for domestic violence and a new network of 60 specialist domestic violence courts.

Harriet’s appointment underlines the UK’s ongoing commitment to empowering women and girls in the UK and around the world.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

I am delighted to appoint Harriet Harman as the new UK Special Envoy for Women and Girls.

Accelerating action on equality for women and girls is vital to delivering the global economic growth we need and, a safer, more secure world.

Harriet has spent her career championing women’s rights and gender equality. Her record of achievement and personal commitment make her a formidable advocate for the rights and empowerment of women and girls around the world.

Minister for International Development Baroness Chapman said:

Harriet Harman is a legend on women’s rights and is rightly regarded as a pioneer and an inspiration to women in the UK and across the world, including me. I am thrilled she has been appointed Special Envoy, and I look forward to working with her on protecting hard-won rights and creating more opportunities for women.

Special Envoy for Women and Girls Harriet Harman said:

Over the last decades we have made tremendous strides towards ending women’s inequality. But the job is far from done. Women and girls are still not equal, and many still face oppression, violence and discrimination.

It’s a great honour to have been appointed UK Special Envoy For Women and Girls and look forward to driving this important work.

The UK will, in coalition with women around the world, play a key role in standing up for the rights of all women and girls at a critical time.
March 25, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Women key to unlocking growth says Minister for Women and Equalities [March 2025]
The press release issued by the Office for Equality and Opportunity on 8 March 2025.

Women are key to unlocking growth says Minister for Women and Equalities, as groundbreaking figures highlight women’s untapped potential.
- UK economy could be boosted by up to £125 billion every year, as Minister for Women and Equalities sets out partnership with business on International Women’s Day (8 March 2025).
- Women’s economic inclusion accounted for 40% of UK economic growth since 2000 the government says.
- Government accelerates action to transform the lives of all women by breaking down barriers to opportunity since the election.
Striking figures show that women could drive £125 billion of growth to the UK economy every year, as the Minister for Women and Equalities sets out plans to work with business to support women in the workplace.

The analysis shows that women’s equality and economic growth go hand in hand, with the UK economy growing by up to £125 billion every year by a 5% increase in employment among women.

Since 2000, women’s economic inclusion has accounted for 40% of UK economic growth. Through our Plan for Change, the government will go faster and further to put more money directly into women’s pockets.

Since the election, the government has ramped up action to tackle the gender pay gap by:
- introducing better protections for pregnant women and those returning from maternity leave at work
- supporting women going through menopause with simple changes at work
We are also opening up access to childcare with further expansions of free hours and wraparound care so all families can benefit from these changes.

These measures have the power to not only increase the number of women in the workforce, but to increase productivity and innovation.

This International Women’s Day, Bridget Phillipson MP, Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities, said:

This International Women’s Day, I want every woman and girl to know that this is a government of change. I am determined to make sure every young woman, no matter her income, class, or background, has the best start in life and opportunity to succeed.

Women should not be held back at work by the caring responsibilities that disproportionately affect them, or insecurity after pregnancy or maternity. That’s why we’re tackling the gender pay gap with better protections at work and more free childcare, to get more money in women’s pockets and drive up household income.

We know that employers understand that when women succeed, so does business. That is why this government will work hand in hand with employers everywhere to harness the talent, creativity and brilliance of women in their workforce. Working collaboratively to support women will allow businesses to access untapped potential which can have profound knock on effects on the economy.

This will be done through initiatives such as the Women’s Business Council, Invest in Women Taskforce, and FTSE Women Leaders, which will find new ways for women to help grow the economy.

Women’s equality is a priority for this government, which is why the Chancellor has committed to close the gender pay gap once and for all. Not only is it vital to create the incentives for more women to continue entering the labour force, it will help drive further economic growth to help build the foundations of a stronger economy.

To break down barriers for women at work, we will deliver more choices for families, with further rollouts of free childcare, new school-based nurseries, and wraparound care in free breakfast clubs at primary schools.

Through our landmark Employment Rights Bill, we are taking the first steps towards requiring employers to publish gender pay gap and menopause action plans. The bill will also improve equality for women in the workplace, by introducing more robust measures to safeguard working people, including protections from sexual harassment, and enhanced rights for pregnant workers.
March 25, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Arab Plan For Reconstruction of Gaza – foreign ministers’ joint statement [March 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 March 2025.

Foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy and the UK gave a joint statement welcoming the Arab initiative of a Recovery and Reconstruction Plan for Gaza.

Joint statement:

We, the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom welcome the Arab initiative of a Recovery and Reconstruction Plan for Gaza. The plan shows a realistic path to the reconstruction of Gaza and promises – if implemented – swift and sustainable improvement of the catastrophic living conditions for the Palestinians living in Gaza. Recovery and reconstruction efforts must be based upon a solid political and security framework acceptable to both Israelis and Palestinians, which provides long term peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians alike. We are clear that Hamas must neither govern Gaza nor be a threat to Israel any more. We explicitly support the central role for the Palestinian Authority and the implementation of its reform agenda.

We commend the serious efforts of all involved stakeholders and appreciate the important signal the Arab states have sent by jointly developing this recovery and reconstruction plan. We are committed to working with the Arab initiative, the Palestinians and Israel to address those issues together, including security and governance. We urge all parties to build on the plan’s merits as a starting point.

March 25, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Major new funding for music acts that supercharged careers of BRIT award winners [March 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 8 March 2025.

British artists are set to benefit from the latest round of government funding designed to boost music exports, drive growth and deliver the Plan for Change.
- £1.6m Music Export Growth Scheme to support 58 independent UK artists to tour the world
- Funding will boost UK’s creative industries – a key growth sector in the Government’s upcoming Industrial Strategy
- Creative Industries sector is worth almost £125 billion to the UK economy, and employs 2.4 million people
Up and coming British artists are set to benefit from the latest round of government funding designed to boost British music exports, drive faster growth and deliver the Plan for Change.

The Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS) will support 58 UK artists to tour the world thanks to a fund of £1.6 million issued by the Department for Business and Trade and the Department for Culture Media and Sport.

This funding will directly support small and medium sized music companies to deliver high-quality marketing and promotion campaigns for their artists to tour abroad and attract new fans, overseas touring opportunities and revenue.

These opportunities will open up global music markets and international audiences to home-grown talent in the UK, paving the way for the next big band or artist to usher in a new British Invasion.

The UK is already one of the largest music exporters – a key part of the UK’s soft power. However, in one of the most competitive industries on the planet, government is clear that staying ahead of the pack means backing the next generation of talent to help deliver economic growth.

Gareth Thomas, Minister for Exports and Small Businesses, said:

The UK has always led the way with its world-renowned musical acts, and this funding is vital to supporting smaller music companies to seize opportunities abroad.

Not only will this help shine a spotlight on the best of British talent globally, but it will drive exports abroad, amplifying growth at home in the UK.

The support forms a key pillar of the government’s Industrial Strategy which focuses on eight essential areas identified to generate growth. This includes the Creative Industries which was worth almost £125 billion to the UK economy in 2023 and employed 2.4 million people.

The Strategy, as part of the Plan for Change, is designed to boost the UK’s industries, put more money into people’s pockets and secure jobs for the future.

Over 99% of the Creative Industries sector are highly innovative SMEs and when smaller businesses export more, the whole economy benefits.

This year, successful applicants include companies representing artists like Fat Dog, who last weekend performed at the 2025 BRIT Awards, as well as others from across the UK like Manchester’s indie-rock band Blossoms, Hertfordshire’s electronic music act Maribou State, Newcastle’s singer-songwriter Andrew Cushin, and Bangor’s indie-rock band :Panic :Over.

In the past, MEGS has also supported the international careers of top British artists including Jungle, Kae Tempest and 2025 BRIT award winners Ezra Collective, and nominees, Dave and beabadoobee.

Since the government began providing support in 2014, around £7.9 million has been given out in grants, which includes this funding round, to support almost over 4560 musical acts from across the UK.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

The Music Export Growth Scheme has helped so many of our talented homegrown artists launch their careers internationally.

As part of our Plan for Change, we are supporting our creative industries to reach their full potential including through this latest round of funding, which will help the next generation of artists to tour abroad, market themselves to new audiences and showcase the best of British culture and creativity to the world.

The music industry benefits from several other government funding schemes. In January, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport announced a £60 million fund for the Creative Industries, which included a further £2.5 million investment to support Grassroots Music which provide grants to rehearsal and recording studios, festivals and promoters, as well as live music venues.

Support for grassroots music provides an essential foundation on which future export success, as supported by schemes like MEGS, is built.

:Panic :Over said:

We’re thrilled to announce that we will be receiving funding from BPI MEGS board to help us progress our musical career! We are delighted to be able to use this amazing opportunity to play shows and gigs all across the Republic of Ireland over the rest of the year. This support means the world to us, and we can’t thank everyone involved enough for believing in our music and the journey ahead.

Dolores Forever said:

We are beyond thrilled to receive this funding from MEGS which will be a complete game changer for us. It will enable us to move forward with plans for album 2 and accept international live offers, reaching audiences which we haven’t had the resources to do so before. In the current music industry, support like this really is vital and we would like to say a huge thanks to the MEGS board.

The Bug Club said:

We’re really pleased to be a recipient of MEGS funding. In the current climate, it’s near impossible for artists to be able to broaden their horizons without additional financial support, so we would like to thank the MEGS board and everyone involved in making this happen. We’re looking forward to using the funding to embark on a headline European tour and proudly represent Wales overseas.

Punk Rock Factory said:

We are super excited to have been chosen for MEGS funding, this truly means so much to us. We are excited to be able to push our music growth outside of the UK and this funding will be a huge help to that. We would like to thank everyone on the MEGS board for their support and belief in us as a band.

Sophie Jones, BPI Chief Strategy Officer, said:

At a time where new acts face increasing global competition, the Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS) is needed more than ever to enable the next generation of British talent to reach international audiences and grow their profile. It is a genuine game-changer for the artists supported through the scheme, a critical resource for the UK’s burgeoning independent sector, and a proven financial success with a significant return on investment and boost to exports.

The 58 incredible acts supported by this latest round of MEGS funding are testament to the diverse creative talent that exists across the whole of the UK. We welcome the Government’s continued support of this essential scheme and look forward to continuing our partnership in the years to come.
March 25, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Import ban of cattle, pigs, sheep and deer from Hungary and Slovakia to protect farmers after foot and mouth case [March 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 7 March 2025.

Import ban introduced to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease.

The government has stepped up measures to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD), following a confirmed case in Hungary.

The Government has acted immediately to prevent the commercial import from Hungary and Slovakia of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and other non- domestic ruminants and porcines such as deer and their untreated products, such as fresh meat and dairy. This will protect farmers and their livestock.

The case has been found on a cattle farm in the North West of Hungary, near the border with Slovakia. Observed clinical signs were reported to national authorities who have now formally confirmed infection with FMD following testing.

Action is already underway with local authorities and traders to address possible risks from goods on the way to GB. Such goods must be pre-notified and wider border systems in place will prevent consignments entering GB. This is in addition to restrictions already in place for equivalent exports from Germany, following an outbreak in a water buffalo herd in Brandenburg on 10 January 2025.

In addition, as of 8 March, travellers will no longer be able to bring meat, meat products, milk and dairy products, certain composite products and animal by products of pigs and ruminants, or hay or straw, from Hungary and Slovakia to Great Britain.

The UK Chief Veterinary Officer is urging livestock keepers to remain vigilant to the clinical signs of FMD following the recent outbreaks in Hungary and Germany. There are no cases in the UK currently.

FMD poses no risk to human or food safety, but is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals such as wild boar, deer, llamas and alpacas. Livestock keepers should therefore be absolutely rigorous about their biosecurity.

FMD causes significant economic losses due to production losses in the affected animals as well as loss of access to foreign markets for animals, meat and milk for affected countries.

UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss said:

We remain in contact with our Hungarian counterparts to understand the latest situation following their confirmation of a single case of foot and mouth disease, measures are now being taken to contain and eradicate the outbreak.

I would urge livestock keepers to exercise the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, follow scrupulous biosecurity and report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said:

The government will do whatever it takes to protect our nation’s farmers from the risk posed by foot and mouth disease.

That is why restrictions have immediately been brought in on animal products from Hungary and Slovakia to prevent an outbreak. We will not hesitate to add additional countries to the list if the disease spreads. We will continue to keep the situation under review working closely with the Hungarian and Slovakian authorities.

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.

What you can do

If you’re an animal keeper, read about how to spot foot and mouth disease and report it.

If you’re an importer or exporter, read about the import restrictions for foot and mouth disease.

Clinical signs to be aware of vary depending on the animals, but in cattle the main signs are sores and blisters on the feet, mouth and tongue with potentially a fever, lameness and a reluctance to feed. In sheep and pigs, signs tend to manifest with lameness with potential for blistering.

While horses and companion animals are not susceptible to FMD, hay feed or straw bedding, if sourced from an infected area, could act as a fomite and therefore also prevented from entering GB.

Maintaining good biosecurity is essential to protecting the health and welfare of herds and critical to preventing the spread of diseases such as FMD and preventing an outbreak spreading.

Foot and mouth disease is a notifiable disease and must be reported. If you suspect foot and mouth disease in your animals, you must report it immediately by calling:

March 25, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement – Business Secretary and Fujitsu Services Ltd [March 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 7 March 2025.

Joint Statement by UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Paul Patterson, Director, Fujitsu Services Ltd, on Horizon redress.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds today (Friday 7 March) met chiefs for Fujitsu in Tokyo to begin talks over the cost of redress for victims of the Horizon Scandal.

As part of a two-day visit to Japan, the Business Secretary met the company’s Chief Executive Takahito Tokita and Paul Patterson, Director of Fujitsu Services Ltd, and welcomed their commitments on compensation.

The meeting comes as new statistics published today show £768 million has been paid to over 5,100 claimants across all redress schemes, representing a more than tripling of the total amount of redress paid to victims by government since the end of June 2024.

Speaking after the meeting, Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

Today’s meeting with Fujitsu in Tokyo was productive and encouraging. I welcome their agreement to begin talks on compensation ahead of the Williams inquiry’s conclusion, and that they join the UK Government in our commitment to tackling this grave injustice.

We must never forget the lives ruined by the Horizon scandal and no amount of redress can take away that pain. But justice can and must be done. This government is determined to hold those responsible to account, and will continue to make rapid progress on compensation and redress.

Since we took office, we have more than tripled the total amount of redress paid to victims, and today we took another significant step towards justice.

Joint Statement by UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Paul Patterson (Director, Fujitsu Services Ltd):

The Rt. Hon. Jonathan Reynolds MP (UK Secretary of State, Business and Trade), Takahito Tokita (CEO, Fujitsu Limited) and Paul Patterson (Director, Fujitsu Services Limited) held a positive and constructive meeting in Japan today.

The UK Government welcomes Fujitsu’s repeated commitment to its moral obligation to contribute to the Government’s compensation for the victims of the Post Office scandal. Ahead of the completion of Sir Wyn Williams’ Horizon IT Inquiry, the Secretary of State and Mr Patterson agreed to progress discussions regarding Fujitsu’s contribution, acknowledging many parties are involved.

Officials from the Department for Business and Trade will continue to engage with Fujitsu representatives in full. The UK Government will not make a running commentary on these discussions but welcomes them and is grateful for Fujitsu’s engagement with Sir Wyn Williams’ Inquiry and its continued focus on delivering its public services commitments in the UK.

March 25, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Prison expanded to create UK’s largest public sector jail and make streets safer [March 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 7 March 2025.

More dangerous criminals will be taken off the streets thanks to a 700-place expansion which will turn a Suffolk jail into the UK’s largest public sector prison.
- three new houseblocks to be built at HMP Highpoint in Suffolk by summer 2027
- key milestone in efforts to deliver 14,000 extra prison places nationwide by 2031
- part of Government’s Plan for Change to create safer streets
The three new, four-storey houseblocks at HMP Highpoint will boost its capacity by more than 50 percent– and is the latest step in Government action to create safer streets.

The houseblocks will include innovative workshops and teaching facilities to train prisoners with skills to secure a job on release and turn their backs on crime for good. The new cells will be fully operational by summer 2027.

The construction is a significant milestone in the Government’s plan to deliver 14,000 more prison places by 2031 to lock up dangerous offenders and keep the public safe.

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

This government is fixing the broken prison system it inherited – wasting no time in getting shovels in the ground to deliver the spaces needed to protect the public.

These new houseblocks have been designed with a laser-focus on cutting crime and are a major step in our plan to deliver 14,000 more prison places by 2031.

But we cannot simply build our way out of this crisis, which is why we’re also reviewing sentencing so we can lock up dangerous offenders, cut crime and make our streets safer.

HMP Highpoint Prison Governor Nigel Smith said:

The expansion at Highpoint will provide much-needed prisoner places in our region.

The new accommodation will provide a safe and secure environment for us to rehabilitate prisoners and get them ready for release.

We are pleased that the construction work has officially begun and we look forward to working with our contractors to get things delivered.

The build will be delivered by Wates Group, a leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance company. Once completed Highpoint will be the largest public sector prison in terms of land size in North-West Europe and the largest in the UK based on prisoner population.

It will help provide an economic boost to East Anglia with hundreds of jobs created during construction and over 200 permanent jobs at the prison once built. Construction alone will bring investment into local businesses with 30% of materials/subcontractors coming from within a 50-mile radius.

Phil Shortman, Regional Managing Director at Wates said:

We are proud to be involved in the major programme of delivering much-needed prison spaces.

Through the construction of this project, around 2,000 building components have been crafted in prison workshops, providing meaningful employment opportunities, helping develop valuable skills and supporting brighter futures.

We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the government delivering additional prison capacity with a focus on rehabilitation, sustainability and social value for the local community.

The development is part of the government’s 10-year prison capacity strategy published in December. It includes 6,400 places through new houseblocks and 6,500 places via new prisons. One thousand rapid deployment cells will be rolled out across the estate while more than 1,000 existing cells will be refurbished.

A 1,500-capacity prison in Yorkshire, HMP Millsike, will be opened in the coming weeks. The government is investing £2.3 billion to deliver these prison builds, while a further £500 million will go towards vital building maintenance across prisons and the probation service.

The strategy will work alongside the Independent Sentencing Review to ensure the most serious offenders can always be sent to prison to protect the public.
March 25, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : The UK deepens cooperation with France on people smuggling [March 2025]
The press release issued by the Home Office on 7 March 2025.

The UK and France sign a roadmap to deepen cooperation on people smuggling.

The UK and France have further deepened their small boats cooperation with the signing of the Upstream Working Group Roadmap yesterday (6 March) at the Ministry of Interior.

The UK’s Border Security Commander, Martin Hewitt, and France’s Special Representative on Immigration for the Minister of State, Patrick Stefanini, met in Paris to agree stronger measures, focussing on stemming irregular migration flows into both France and the UK.

The signing follows the Home Secretary’s visit to the Northern French coast last week where she met with French Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, to agree a series of new, stronger enforcement measures.

The Franco-British Upstream Working Group marks a significant step in ongoing efforts to combat organised immigration crime. The roadmap has 4 priority issues:
- disrupting the criminal gangs at the heart of organised immigration crime
- deterring illegal migrants from taking the dangerous journey to France and the UK
- ensuring the effective and prompt return of irregular migrants to source and transit countries
- tackling the root causes of irregular migration
The 2 co-chairs welcomed British and French joint efforts and set a date for the next Upstream Working Group plenary meeting, due to take place in May 2025.

Border Security Commander, Martin Hewitt, said:

When I first took on my role as Border Security Commander, one of my key priorities was to strengthen our work with partners across the world to tackle the criminal networks facilitating illegal migration to the UK.

In just a few short months, we have fundamentally enhanced our international cooperation, but it is our close cooperation with French partners that remains, as ever, the cornerstone to stopping the gangs and preventing loss of life.

Beyond France, the Border Security Command has deepened coordination with law enforcement to smash the criminal people smuggling gangs, securing vital agreements with other international partners including Germany, Western Balkan nations and Iraq.
March 25, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Free Welsh language learning for UK civil servants [March 2025]

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 7 March 2025.

Welsh language training now available to all civil servants through the Civil Service Learning website

Every civil servant in the UK can now access free Welsh Language training thanks to a new initiative.

Government Skills has been collaborating with the National Centre for Learning Welsh to offer civil servants easy access to free Welsh Language training—provided by the Welsh Government—via a programme called Work Welsh.

It is the first time every civil servant in the UK has been given access to free learning on Civil Service Learning, which is specifically focused on helping them learn a new language.

Promoting the Welsh language

Dame Antonia Romeo DCB, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice and Permanent Secretary Place Champion for Wales and a Welsh language learner herself, said:

“This initiative underpins our commitment to promote the Welsh Language and ensure its presence across all Government departments – supporting the Welsh Government vision to have one million people speaking Welsh by 2050.”

This opportunity is the result of an initiative led by Professor Kim Ann Williamson MBE, Strategic Advisor to the Wales and the Northern Ireland Head of Place with the great support of Rich Williams (Ministry of Justice), Alison Dods (Department of Work and Pensions), Dave Martin (Government Skills) and our Joint Heads of Place for Wales Ross Maude (DCMS) and Professor Tom Crick MBE (DCMS).

An important milestone

Kim Ann, who herself relocated from London to Wales some 28 years ago, said she believes that learning a new language can be a vital part in staff development.

“It’s an important milestone to be able to offer civil servants this opportunity and it highlights our determination to support diverse and thriving civil service communities in regions and nations across the UK.

“Learning Welsh can help foster inclusive teams, particularly where there are Welsh-speaking colleagues. It’s also a wonderful way to forge closer links with the local community and support the Welsh language, heritage and culture.”

Launch in Cardiff

The learning is among a range of courses available on the National Centre for Learning Welsh’s website. But, by providing access via Civil Service Learning, Government Skills is ensuring that civil servants get easy access to the free learning. It can also monitor numbers accessing the learning from the Civil Service.

Representatives from more than 14 government departments attended the launch of the Work Welsh language learning in Cardiff and had the opportunity to hear from Dame Nia Griffith MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Wales speaking in support of this new learning opportunity.

Work Welsh is accessible via Civil Service Learning.

March 25, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission [March 2025]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 7 March 2025.

The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission and the leaders of Canada, Turkey, Norway and Iceland this morning.

The Prime Minister applauded the progress the European Union had made at the European Council yesterday, saying it was a historic step forward and another sign of Europe stepping up.

Closer collaboration between the European Union, its partners and our combined defence industrial base was vital as Europe stepped up to counter egregious Russian aggression, the Prime Minister added.

Updating on the intensive diplomacy between the US, UK, France and Ukraine, the Prime Minister welcomed the potential for peace talks in Saudi Arabia next week.

The leaders also discussed the Coalition of the Willing and looked ahead to the Chiefs of Defence meeting in Paris on Tuesday. It would be another important moment to drive forward planning, they agreed.

The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

March 25, 2025