Tag: 2025

PRESS RELEASE : Nearly fifty thousand extra pensioners receiving vital Pension Credit support following surge in claims processed [February 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 27 February 2025.

New figures published today [Thursday 27 February] show a significant spike in Pension Credit applications following a DWP campaign to boost uptake, the highest since comparisons began in 2020.
- Record high number of Pension Credit applications with updated online claim form taking an average 16 minutes to complete
- DWP processing record number of claims a week, bringing down outstanding applications and giving the poorest pensioners vital support
- Support comes as the State Pension is set to rise by up to £1,900 for millions thanks to the government’s commitment to the Triple Lock
The department has now processed a record number of claims, reducing the number of applications yet to be cleared from its peak of 85,500 to just 33,700 by 23 February, which is in line with normal levels of Pension Credit claims waiting to be processed.

This has resulted in a record 117,800 applications being awarded – an increase of 45,800, or 64% – since the Chancellor’s announcement compared to the same period last year.

The department has also successfully boosted the numbers applying for Pension credit with a record 300,000 Pension Credit applications received this year alone. In response to the surge in applications, the DWP deployed 500 additional support staff to process them, resulting in a near doubling of cleared claims between 29 July 2024 and 23 February 2025.

The Pension Credit campaign and commitment to the Triple Lock deliver on this government’s Plan for Change, demonstrating our commitment to raise living standards for pensioners and provide security in retirement.

Building on the success of the campaign last autumn to boost Pension Credit applications, DWP is exploring further options to drive up claims by reaching the most isolated and poorest pensioners who are eligible for support, including:
- Writing to all pensioners who make a new claim for Housing Benefit and who appear to be entitled to Pension Credit – directly targeting this group to make a claim
- Starting new research on the triggers and motivations that encourage people to apply for Pension Credit and to understand what the barriers to claiming are – interviewing pensioners to hear their views and learn from their experiences
- Working across departments including HMRC to access databases with detail on household income, enabling us to identify pensioner households most likely to be eligible for Pension Credit and targeting them directly.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall said:

I’m delighted we’ve been able to reach so many pensioners who need to be on Pension Credit, which can be a lifeline to so many on low incomes.

The record high number of claims awarded follows months of work to drive awareness of Pension Credit and then to process the huge spike in applications we received, and now thousands more pensioners are accessing the range of support on offer.

We won’t stop there. We are absolutely committed to ensuring every pensioner is supported in their retirement – whether through our ongoing Pension Credit campaign, extending the Household Support Fund and our commitment to the Triple Lock on the State Pension.

Pension Credit provides a lifeline in retirement to pensioners on low incomes, providing access to additional support, including housing costs, council tax and the Winter Fuel Payment.

The online claim form – updated by the Work and Pensions Secretary after listening to the views of pensioners– means it now takes just 16 minutes on average to apply for Pension Credit and be eligible for up to £4,300, with 90 percent of new customers applying using the simple online form, or over the phone.

The Government is forecast to spend £174.8 billion on benefits for pensioners in Great Britain in 2025-26. This includes spending on the State Pension which is forecast to be £146.6 billion in 2025-26. Crucially the government’s commitment to the Triple Lock for the entirety of this Parliament means that spending on people’s State Pensions is forecast to rise by over £31 billion.

Sarah Pennells, consumer finance specialist at Royal London said:

There was a lot of focus on December’s deadline to claim Pension Credit in order to qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment for 2024, but people can apply for Pension Credit any time, and it could be worth over £4,000 a year.

Our research shows that many people are missing out because they haven’t checked to see if they qualify. Three in ten people over State Pension age who were on a low income hadn’t checked to see if they were entitled to Pension Credit, while one in ten pensioners who had been told they qualified for Pension Credit have yet to apply.

You can backdate your claim for Pension Credit by up to three months, and the sooner you claim, the sooner you could start receiving payments. Not only that, but, if you’re entitled to Pension Credit, you’ll be able to get extra help with costs such as rent and Council Tax, which could make a big difference.

Anyone who knows a low-income pensioner who may be isolated and needs support has been urged to remind or assist family members and friends to check their eligibility and apply today. Eligible claims can also be backdated by up to 3 months, ensuring pensioners do not miss out on the support they are entitled to.

To better support DWP customers, State Pension and Pension Credit teams have been working more closely together to support customers. When someone contacts the State Pension claim line, DWP staff identify those with potential eligibility for Pension Credit and take a claim there and then. This means customers don’t have to call both claim lines, getting new pensioners onto Pension Credit as soon as they are eligible.
March 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Preferred candidate to lead Office for Students confirmed [February 2025]

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

Professor Edward Peck CBE named as preferred candidate to be the next Chair of the Office for Students by Education Secretary.

The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has named Professor Edward William Peck CBE as her preferred candidate to be the next Chair of the Office for Students.

Professor Peck will now go on to attend a pre-appointment hearing before the Education Select Committee on 4 March.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the independent regulator of higher education in England. It is responsible for ensure that every student has a fulfilling university experience that enriches their lives and careers. Following last year’s election one of its top priorities has been monitoring the financial sustainability of the sector.

Professor Peck has been selected following a rigorous assessment process conducted in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments. He currently serves as Chair of the HE Mental Health Implementation Taskforce and is the DfE’s Student Support Champion, and will stand down as Vice Chancellor of Nottingham Trent University this summer.

If appointed Professor Peck will take over from Sir David Behan, who was appointed interim chair last year following Lord Wharton of Yarm’s resignation. Sir David’s independent review, Fit for the Future, was published in July and is informing the OfS’s priorities on financial sustainability and quality.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

Professor Peck has played a key role in supporting students and has a wealth of experience that will be instrumental in guiding the OfS forward. I look forward to finalising his appointment.

He will play a vital part in supporting higher education providers’ financial sustainability and breaking down barriers to opportunity. Through our Plan for Change we want to ensure students from all backgrounds are at the heart of the higher education system, and receive a high quality education that will help them drive growth as we fix the foundations of our economy.

I would like to thank Sir David for his independent review and the work he has done as interim chair which will inform the strategic direction of the OfS as it implements his core recommendations.

The Chair leads the OfS at board level, working with Ministers and the Chief Executive to provide clear leadership and priorities for the next phase of the OfS’ critical work.

Since 2014 Professor Peck has served as Vice Chancellor of Nottingham Trent University, and currently holds roles as a trustee of UCAS, Chair of the HE Mental Health Implementation Taskforce and the DfE’s first Student Support Champion. Following his appointment he will stand down from these roles.

He has also served on the Independent Advisory Panel for Post-18 Education and Funding (the Augar Review), and from 2008-2014 was Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Social Sciences at the University of Birmingham.

Following his pre-appointment hearing, the Education Select Committee will publish their recommendations, which the Education Secretary will consider before deciding whether to finalise the appointment.

March 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Ministers approve long awaited A47 road scheme to support over 40,000 homes and 30,000 new jobs [February 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 27 February 2025.

Road scheme will speed up journeys and revive economic growth across Norwich.
- A47 road scheme which was held up in the courts given the green light for construction as the government delivers another vital road project
- long-awaited A47/A11 Thickthorn junction scheme will speed up journey times, support 44,000 new homes in the area and creating 33,000 new jobs as part of the wider city deal
- over £200 million set aside for the scheme as part of the government’s commitment to renew national infrastructure and drive growth as part of the Plan for Change
Norwich residents are set to see faster journeys and thousands of new homes and jobs in the region as ministers approve the long delayed A47/A11 Thickthorn Junction scheme, the government has announced today (27 February 2025).

Backed by over £200 million, this road development will significantly speed up journey times, reduce pressure on the junction and save commuters, businesses and freight hundreds of hours off journeys each week.

On the eastbound A11 to A47, drivers will save 3 to 4 minutes off journeys in the morning and afternoon travel peaks. Along the A11, the route will also shave off 2 to 3 minutes in the morning and afternoon peaks.

The scheme is supporting the Greater Norwich City Deal, attracting more businesses to operate in Norwich and is expected to create over 44,000 homes, 33,000 new jobs and 360 additional hectares of new commercial land by 2038.

Today’s announcement follows the Prime Minister’s commitment to ‘clear the path to get Britain building’ by overhauling rules that allow vital infrastructure projects including the A47 to be challenged in courts 3 times – causing years of delays and costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of pounds.

The A47 is an example of an infrastructure project which has been delayed by over a year due to expensive legal challenges which have been dismissed by the courts as having ‘no logical basis’ – preventing areas like Norwich from unlocking their full potential.

Ministers have now finally given the go ahead to the project as part of a wider drive to unblock vital transport infrastructure development. Since entering office, the government has approved the A130 Fairglen Interchange, the A647 scheme in Leeds and is supporting expansion of Heathrow Airport.

This is an important milestone for this pro-growth and pro-infrastructure government, cutting the red tape which has for too long held up vital schemes and cost the taxpayer millions as part of the Plan for Change.

To mark this significant milestone for drivers in Norwich, the Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, has visited the A47 to mark the approval of the scheme and understand its impact on the local economy.

The Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said:

This scheme is finally getting to go-ahead it deserves, after years of expensive legal blocks, as we are now able to unlock this vital scheme that Norwich has waited long for. We are determined to get Britain building again as this scheme is set to not only improve journeys but create thousands of new homes and jobs.

To help deliver our Plan for Change, we’re investing in more vital road schemes such as this over £200 million funding for Norwich, and the recently announced £90 million for other schemes across England, to renew our national infrastructure, speed up journeys and revive economic growth.

The upgraded junction will also improve links between Norwich and Peterborough, expanding job opportunities and better connecting communities, and is also a key route to Norwich University Hospital.

The new design will also improve safety, with rerouted traffic and safer pedestrian and cycle routes, projected to save as many as 26 fatal or serious injury collisions over the next 60 years.

The plans include the construction of 2 new free-flowing slip roads that will connect the A47 with the A11, re-routing traffic away from the junction and flowing it under new underpasses.

The government is providing over £200 million for the scheme which is expected to generate millions more for the local economy of Norfolk. It is part of the government’s Plan for Change to renew infrastructure and grow the economy.

With the aim to accelerate the delivery of infrastructure across the UK, the government is focused on improving the UK’s road network to increase economic growth.

As well as faster journeys, drivers in Norfolk are also set to benefit from improved road surfaces, thanks to a recently announced £56 million uplift in highway maintenance funding for Norfolk. This is part of the government’s record £1.6 billion investment to fill the equivalent of 7 million potholes and repair roads across England.

Nicola Bell, Executive Director of Major Projects at National Highways, said:

Getting the green light to improve the junction at Thickthorn is great news for local people and those who regularly work or travel in and around Norwich.

This will help support economic growth in the area, significantly reduce congestion, improve journey times, and make the road safer.

Councillor Graham Plant, Cabinet member for Highways Infrastructure and Transport, Norfolk County Council, said:

We’re thrilled that this long-anticipated project has received approval. Thickthorn Junction has been a persistent bottleneck and we’ve been pushing for these improvements for a number of years.

This scheme will unlock significant economic growth, helping to supercharge the vital connection between the A11 and the nationally significant businesses that have found a home in Norfolk. Norfolk residents will benefit from safer and more reliable journeys as they make their way to Norwich and beyond.

Nova Fairbank, Chief Executive, Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, said:

The Norfolk business community has long campaigned for improvements to the whole of the A47, our main route from east to west and a key part of this route is the Thickthorn Junction, which connects the A11 to the A47. As a result, they welcome the allocation of much needed funding for the Thickthorn Junction scheme. Businesses are looking forward to seeing safety improvements and the reduction of congestion and journey times.

The ability to deliver further housing, jobs and new commercial opportunities, as a result of this junction upgrade, will make a significant difference. This infrastructure investment will give more businesses confidence to invest in their own growth and thus, help unlock wider economic growth for our region.
March 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Minister for Gambling Baroness Twycross’s speech to the Betting and Gaming Council AGM 2025 [February 2025]

The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 27 February 2025.

Minister for Gambling Baroness Twycross’s speech to the Betting and Gaming Council Annual General Meeting 2025.

Good morning everyone. Thank you for the invitation to speak today. It is great to be here to speak to so many of you.

It was a huge privilege to be appointed as the Government’s gambling minister last year. I would like to thank everyone I have met so far for sharing your knowledge and perspectives on your sector. I am particularly grateful to Michael and Grainne for their constructive engagement on key issues facing your industry.

I have also enjoyed meeting a range of people from the wider gambling sector, such as John from Bacta, and Miles from the Bingo Association.

Whilst you are all facing different issues, I recognise there are key similarities, one thing you also do have in common is the experience and passion there is in the industry.

In my short time in post, I have seen the value this sector brings. Not just in tax receipts and jobs created, but as a leisure activity, for example through a day at the races, enjoying a game of bingo, or time spent in a seaside arcade.

I have enjoyed being shown round the Grosvenor casino in Liverpool last year and the Hippodrome earlier this month, and look forward to visiting more venues as soon as possible.

You will know that the Government is focused on economic growth. I believe that a growing gambling sector is compatible with creating an even safer one. I want a gambling sector in this country that is one we can be proud of – one that offers good jobs, interesting careers, brings social value, and is one that people enjoy while having vital protections in place.

As set out in our manifesto, and as you will be aware, we are also committed to reducing harmful gambling. The licensed, regulated gambling industry is a crucial part of that.

I want to work with you to see a safer, more responsible gambling industry.

I know that the vast majority of people who gamble do so without experiencing harm, but it is in all our interests that we do better for those customers who could be vulnerable to gambling harm. I have found it helpful to hear from a number of you about measures you are already taking.

I am pleased to be able to update you on significant progress on key reforms that deliver on the Government’s agenda.

I am sure many of you will have followed the progress of the statutory gambling levy in Parliament over the last few weeks. The legislation has been affirmed by both Houses and became law on Tuesday this week. It will come into force on the 6th of April and operators will be required to make their first levy payments by the 1st of October.

I know the BGC has been largely supportive of the introduction of a levy, and we recognise the work done by the sector through the voluntary levy previously. This is a huge step forward for the sector and will see increased investment to expand projects and services to reduce harmful gambling. I know that we have a shared aim in this area.

The financial support that BGC members have given to research, prevention and treatment services has enabled people in need access to crucial treatment services, and laid a foundation which the levy can build on. It is vital that funding for these services is maintained in the transition to the levy. I welcome the BGC’s commitment that this will be delivered.

We have now appointed the commissioning bodies for research, prevention and treatment.

We are working at pace with the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, NHS England, UK Research and Innovation, and with partners in Scotland and Wales, to build robust foundations for the future system.

It is crucial we put the right commissioning, accountability and governance arrangements in place.

We want to build on the successes of the current system. But the levy will mean funding certainty. This will allow the expert bodies we have appointed to boost efforts to further understand, tackle, and treat gambling harm. We and the commissioning bodies will be led by the best evidence to get funding where it is needed most.

The online slots stake limits statutory instrument was also made into law on Tuesday. I know you are all keen to understand exactly when these stake limits will come into force.

I can confirm the five pound limit will be in force on the 9th of April, while the two pound limit for younger adults will be in force on the 21st of May. I know that implementing these stake limits is a technical challenge and I am grateful for all the work you have done in preparation for this moment.

I can confirm that we are moving forward with measures to modernise the regulations for land-based casinos. These changes will allow casinos to offer up to 80 gaming machines, mirroring the rules for small 2005 Act casinos. There will be a sliding scale of machine entitlements, meaning that smaller casinos can also benefit from more machines, commensurate with their size.

We will also allow sports betting in all casinos, giving operators the opportunity to expand their product offering. These changes will unlock investment in the casino sector and should provide an economic boost for both operators and machine manufacturers. We are working as quickly as we can to ensure that legislation is laid in Parliament as soon as possible. I know the significance of these measures to many of you here today.

Turning now to advertising and sponsorship, which you will know has been of significant media and Parliamentary interest in recent months.

One of the biggest issues raised with me as Gambling Minister is advertising.

I have tasked the industry with doing more to work together to ensure that gambling advertising and sponsorship is appropriate, responsible, and does not exacerbate harm.

I am grateful to the BGC for coordinating this work across your membership, and I completely understand that the ability to advertise is an important activity generally, and key advantage that licensed operators have over the illegal market.

We know that some people can feel they are being inundated with gambling advertising – and this can be especially true whilst watching sport. Crucially, we know that advertising can have a disproportionate impact on those who are already suffering from gambling harm. We must also be vigilant to any adverse impacts on children and young people.

So I am keen for the industry to take the lead in making a robust assessment of the scale and impacts of advertising, so that we are working with the best available evidence.

Lastly, I want to touch on the issue of the illegal market, which I know is of concern to many of you here today.

Illegal gambling is a concern for us all. And we are committed to working closely with the Gambling Commission, to ensure that illegal gambling, in all its forms, is addressed. I have heard your argument that overregulation leads to, or risks, displacement to the illegal market. This is something that was carefully considered in the development of the white paper and in the decisions that have been made since.

We believe the reforms we have introduced together with the Gambling Commission are proportionate and targeted interventions.

However, I agree that vigilance is vital when the illegal market threatens revenue for the licensed sector and player protections for vulnerable customers. That is why I have been pleased that the Gambling Commission has increased disruption activity and has a renewed focus on finding innovative ways to tackle the illegal market.

On Tuesday, the Crime and Policing Bill was introduced to Parliament. One of the provisions in this Bill will give the Commission greater powers to move quickly and effectively to take down IP addresses and domain names associated with illegal websites. This is an important step in equipping the Commission to tackle the illegal market and protect legitimate businesses.

Thank you again for the invitation today, and the time many of you have given me since I took up my role.

I will keep listening and look forward to working with you all to realise our shared vision of a better, safer gambling industry. I hope you are all as keen as I am to take these challenges on.

March 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK and Mongolia’s joint statement after the first annual UK-Mongolia political dialogue [February 2025]

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

Respect for sovereignty, international law, and territorial integrity were key areas of discussion during the first annual UK-Mongolia political dialogue in London on 26 February, 2025.

British Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Indo-Pacific, Minister Catherine West MP, welcomed Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan Sainbuyan to London on 26 February 2025 for the 15th UK-Mongolia roundtable, and the first annual political dialogue under the UK-Mongolia Joint Cooperation Roadmap towards a Comprehensive Partnership.

Minister West and Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan affirmed the strong partnership between the UK and Mongolia, grounded in shared democratic values, open societies, and a growing economic relationship.

Both sides noted deepening geopolitical tensions, stressed their commitment to upholding the principles of the UN Charter, and called on all countries to refrain from using force against the territorial integrity and political independence of any state. They agreed to continue to work closely to uphold international law and advance our shared principles.

Economic growth

The Ministers confirmed that the UK and Mongolia will work together with a view to increasing the volume of trade and investment between the two countries – to drive mutual economic growth

They agreed to continue discussions with UK Export Finance to explore support for the construction of the metro system in Ulaanbaatar.

Talks also focused on facilitating trade and investment by working towards the removal of barriers to trade and red tape, and creating stable and transparent business environments.

Energy transition

The Ministers stressed the urgency of action to address the impacts of climate change. They committed to achieving the UK and Mongolia’s NDC and welcomed the recent allocation from the NDC Partnership to Mongolia, including funding from the UK, to reach Mongolia’s climate goals.

They encouraged greater public-private partnerships to leverage public finance for private sector investment in line with both countries’ climate strategies.

They looked forward to Mongolia hosting COP17 on Desertification in 2026 and agreed to facilitate an exchange of experts to support preparations for and the outcome of COP17.

Women’s empowerment

The Ministers reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to gender equality and to expanding the number of women elected to both parliaments. Minister West welcomed the expanded number of female parliamentarians in the Mongolian parliament following elections in 2024, and commended Mongolia for its quota target of 40% of female candidates by 2028. UK and Mongolia’s joint statement after the first annual UK-Mongolia Political Dialogue Amarsaikhan welcomed the UK achieving its highest level of female representation in the UK parliament following the 2024 UK general election.

The ministers agreed to work together in multilateral fora ahead of the 30th anniversary of the “Beijing Declaration and Platform Action”.

Critical minerals

The Ministers agreed on the importance of extracting Mongolia’s mineral wealth in a manner that preserves Mongolia’s unique environmental legacy. They discussed the importance of responsible mining, and of high environmental, social and governance standards, as well as investing in Mongolian’s skills development.

In this regard, both sides expressed their commitment to cooperate within the framework of Memorandum of Understanding on critical minerals.

Education, Civil Society and People-to-people ties

The Ministers noted the strength of people-to-people ties between the UK and Mongolia, including the exchange of students through the Chevening Scholarship programme and “Mission 2100” scholarship programme initiated by the President of Mongolia.

Minister West reaffirmed the UK’s support for English language teaching in Mongolia and both ministers welcomed the progress in expanding English language provision. This could include building on existing partnerships with British companies to increase access to and improve the quality of English Language teaching, as well as supporting remote and disadvantaged communities with UK Overseas Development Assistance.

The Ministers agreed to explore possibilities to expand higher education opportunities for Mongolian students, including through the Chevening Scholarship, and to expand partnerships between universities.

They looked forward to the exhibition of the Arts of the Mongol World to be held at the Royal Academy in 2027, and welcomed expanding cultural cooperation.

They noted the important contribution that civil society organisations play in democratic societies, and committed to continue to engage with and seek inputs from civil society organisations representing a broad range of communities to strengthen democratic debate.

Minister West and Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan looked forward to and highlighted the importance of future high-level visits between the UK and Mongolia.

On the side lines of the roundtable meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan held a bilateral meeting with Minister Gareth Thomas. During the meeting, the Ministers held constructive and fruitful discussions on further broadening the bilateral relationship in areas of mutual interest, including the promotion of trade and economic cooperation.

March 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Planning overhaul to speed up and simplify local plans [February 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 27 February 2025.

An overhaul of local plans has been confirmed by the Government today.
- Councils expected to deliver homes almost three times faster under new reforms
- Extra cash injection to recruit more local planners with ambition of exceeding manifesto target of 300 planners by end of 2026
- Changes will help drive forward Plan for Change milestone to build 1.5 million homes and support mandatory housing targets
Decisions by councils on new development will be clearer, simpler, and prepared up to four years faster to help fix the housing crisis, thanks to further changes announced today.

An overhaul of local plans – which are frameworks to determine where houses and infrastructure should be built – has been confirmed by the government, with a clear expectation for them to be made within two-and-a-half-years as opposed to an average time of seven years.

New changes include introducing regular assessments to help councils stay on track towards meeting their targets, greater clarity about how plans should be prepared and updated, and using digital tools to increase transparency on available land for new development.

This is backed by an additional £4.5 million to fund salary bursaries for new planning roles in councils, with ambition to surpass the government’s manifesto commitment of 300 extra planners by the end of next year. Nearly 90 graduate planners have already started work through this programme.

Reforms support the government’s Plan for Change to build 1.5 million homes and reinforces the importance of local plans to achieve this, with fewer than a third of places currently having up-to-date plans in place which can lead to speculative, unplanned development.

Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook said:

“The plan-led approach is, and must remain, the cornerstone of our planning system and the government are determined to progress toward universal coverage of local plans.

“The steps we are taking today will ensure that local plans are simpler, faster to prepare and more accessible so that communities in every part of the country can more easily shape decisions about how to deliver the housing and wider development their areas need.

“Alongside further guidance and support to help local authorities realise the full potential of this government’s planning reforms, these changes will help deliver our ambitious Plan for Change milestone of building 1.5 million new homes in this Parliament.”

Today’s changes build on the growth-focused National Planning Policy Framework announced last December that told councils to play their part to meet local housing need, with new immediate mandatory housing targets and requirements to prioritise lower quality ‘grey belt’ land if unable to meet these targets.

Additional funding of £70,000 will be handed out to each of the 133 local authorities who came forward for support to help them carry out locally led green belt reviews. Further funding for councils at the later stages of plan-making will be announced in due course to help them prepare or update their local plans.

This is part of over £14 million in grant funding available to support councils in updating their local plans and reviewing their current green belt land, enabling them to hire more staff and consultants to carry out technical studies and site assessments. Planning guidance has been updated today to support local councils to identify land for development including grey belt.

This is alongside new guidance on Local Nature Recovery Strategies that is being prepared across England to agree priorities for nature recovery, as well as further guidance for making effective use of land to ensure suitable brownfield land is prioritised for development as much as possible.

The capacity and capability of local authorities will be boosted by increased planning fees with an extra £50 million income, making sure councils have the resources needed to rubberstamp the approval of new homes and infrastructure.

A new dedicated webpage for plan-making resources has been created to provide clearer guidance and practical tools to speed up plan making, underpinned by quality data, and further practical resources will be added over the coming year to help planners at all stages of creating or updating a local plan.

The government is changing the way the plan-making process works with the same focus on policy set out in the 2023 consultation and intends to confirm the necessary regulations and guidance later this year.

Further information

The Housing and Planning Minister’s written ministerial statement can be read in full here.

The government has published a new dedicated webpage for plan-making resources for councils on how to create or update a local plan. It can be found here.

Councils can also sign up to the expression of interest for the Local Government Association’s Pathways to Planning Initiative here.
March 17, 2025
Keir Starmer – 2025 Comments at White House Press Conference

The comments made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 27 February 2025.

Thank you very much, Mr President.

Thank you for your hospitality, thank you for your leadership.

This has been a very good and very productive visit.

And with your family roots in Scotland…

And your close bond with His Majesty the King…

It’s good to know…

That the United Kingdom has a true friend in the Oval Office.

And it was so good to see the bust of Winston Churchill back in its rightful place just a moment ago.

But look, in a moment of real danger around the world…

This relationship matters more than ever.

We remain each other’s first partner in defence…

Ready to come to the other’s aid…

To counter threats, wherever and whenever they may arise.

No two militaries are more intertwined than ours.

No two countries have done more together to keep people safe.

And in a few weeks’ time we’ll mark VE Day…

The 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe.

Britain and America fought side-by-side to make that happen –

One of the greatest moments in our history.

We stand side-by-side still, today…

And we’re focused now…

On bringing an enduring end to the barbaric war in Ukraine.

Mr President, I welcome your deep, personal commitment…

To bring peace and stop the killing.

You have created a moment of tremendous opportunity…

To reach an historic peace deal –

A deal that would be celebrated in Ukraine and around the world.

That is the prize.

But we have to get it right.

There’s a famous slogan in the United Kingdom…

From after the Second World War –

That is that we have to “win the peace.”

And that’s what we must do now.

Because it can’t be a peace that rewards the aggressor…

Or that gives succour to regimes like Iran.

We agree – history must be on the side of the peacemaker…

Not the invader.

So the stakes, they could not be higher.

And we’re determined to work together to deliver a good deal.

We’ve discussed a plan today…

To reach a peace that is tough and fair…

That Ukraine will help to shape…

That is backed by strength –

To stop Putin coming back for more.

And I am working closely with other European leaders on this.

And I am clear –

That the UK is ready…

To put boots on the ground and planes in the air to support a deal.

Working together with our allies,

Because that is the only way that peace that will last.

Mr President, in this new era…

You’re also right that Europe must step up.

And let me tell you now –

I see the growing threats we face…

And so the UK is all in.

This year we will be giving more military aid to Ukraine than ever.

And just this week…

I have set out how we are shouldering more of the security burden.

We’re already one of the biggest spenders in NATO…

And now we are going much further…

Delivering Britain’s biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War.

This isn’t just talk – it’s action.

Rebalancing the transatlantic alliance…

Making us all stronger…

And standing up for our shared values and shared security…

As Britain always has.

Now, Mr President…

It’s no secret we’re from different political traditions…

But there is a lot that we have in common.

We believe it’s not taking part that counts…

What counts is winning.

If you don’t win – you don’t deliver.

And we’re determined to deliver for the working people of Britain and America –

Who want – and deserve – to see their lives improve.

So we’re both in a hurry to get things done.

And that’s what the UK and the US do when we work together:

We win – and we get things done.

So we’ll do what it takes to keep our people safe…

We will also work together…

To deliver some big economic wins that can benefit us both.

We have $1.5 trillion invested in each other’s economies…

Creating over 2.5 million jobs across both economies.

Our trading relationship is not just strong –

It is fair, balanced and reciprocal.

We’re leaders together in so many areas…

Ranked one and two in the world as investment destinations…

One and two for universities…

One and two for Nobel prizes…

One and two in golf, as well – by the way…

And we’re the only two western countries with trillion dollar tech sectors –

Leaders in AI…

And look, we take a similar approach on this issue.

Instead of over-regulating these new technologies…

We’re seizing the opportunities they offer.

So we have decided today to go further…

To begin work on a new economic deal…

With advanced technology at its core…

Look – our two nations, together…

Shaped the great technological innovations of the last century.

We have a chance now…

To do the same for the 21st century…

I mean – artificial intelligence could cure cancer…

That could be a moonshot for our age…

And that’s how we will keep delivering for our people.

There are so many opportunities.

Keep our nations strong…

And fulfil the promise of greatness…

That has always defined this relationship.

Finally, to underline the importance of this bond…

It was my privilege and honour to bring a letter with me today –

From His Majesty the King…

Not only sending his best wishes…

But also inviting the President and the First Lady to make a State Visit to the United Kingdom…

An unprecedented second State Visit – this has never happened before.

It’s so incredible it will be historic.

And I’m delighted that I can go back to His Majesty The King and tell him that President Trump has accepted the invitation.

So thank you.

Our teams will now work together to set a date.

Mr President, we look forward to welcoming you in the United Kingdom.

Thank you once again.

March 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Man who forced abortion has sentence increased by five years [February 2025]

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

A man who gave medication to a woman and caused her to miscarry has had his sentence increased.

Stuart Worby, 40, from Malthouse Court, Dereham, has had his sentence increased to 17 years after it was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Solicitor General under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

The court heard that in 2022, after failing to convince the victim to terminate her pregnancy, Worby administered two drugs designed to induce miscarriages to the victim without her consent.

Worby obtained the drugs through an associate who rang a clinic, posing as a pregnant woman looking to terminate her pregnancy.

The first dose was dissolved into the victim’s drink. The second dose was physically inserted into the victim.

The victim suffered immediately from the drugs and Worby refused to seek medical help, even asking his associate for more drugs as he thought they hadn’t worked.

The next day the victim suffered a miscarriage and is now unable to have children.

The woman initially thought she had miscarried naturally but contacted the police after discovering messages on Worby’s phone to his friend saying, ‘its working’ and ‘there is a lot of blood’.

Worby accepted he had obtained the medication unlawfully but denied he ever gave it to the woman. He was found guilty of one count of administering a poison with intent to procure a miscarriage and one count of assault by penetration and on 6 December 2024, Stuart Worby was sentenced for 12 years at Norwich Crown Court.

The Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said:

I was disgusted by this offender’s appalling crimes and I welcome the court’s decision to increase his sentence following my referral under the Unduly Lenient Sentences scheme.

This is a stark warning to those who commit violent acts against women – you will face very serious consequences.

On 27 February 2025, Worby’s sentence was increased from 12 years to 17 years after it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

March 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : So-called Presidential elections in Georgia’s Abkhazia region on 15 February – joint statement to the OSCE [February 2025]

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

The UK, Canada, Iceland and Norway underline non-recognition of the illegal so-called Presidential elections in Georgia’s Abkhazia region on 15 February 2025.

Thank you, Mr Chair. I am delivering this statement on behalf of Canada, Iceland, Norway, and my own country the United Kingdom.

We were concerned to hear of the illegal so-called Presidential elections in Georgia’s Abkhazia region on 15 February 2025. We do not recognise the legitimacy of these elections.

We reaffirm our full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. We continue to call on the Russian Federation to reverse its recognition of the so-called independence of Georgia’s Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions.

We call upon the Russian Federation to immediately fulfil its obligation under the EU-mediated ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008 to withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions, fulfil its commitments to allow unfettered access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and cease all borderisation tactics.

March 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 58 – UK Statement on Occupied Palestinian Territories [February 2025]

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

UK Statement at the 58 Human Rights Council during the Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Delivered by Eleanor Sanders, Human Rights Ambassador.

High Commissioner, thank you for your update.

Back on 7 October 2023, Israel suffered the worst terror attack in its history at the hands of Hamas: the hostages have suffered an unbearable trauma.

The people of Gaza, so many of whom have lost their lives, homes or loved ones, have also experienced a living nightmare.

We’ve been crystal clear. Palestinian civilians must be permitted to return to their communities and rebuild. It is for Palestinians to determine the future of Gaza. And international humanitarian law must be respected.

In the West Bank, the UK is deeply concerned at the expansion of Israel’s war aims and operations. Civilians must be protected.

But let me be clear, the UK is opposed to the existence of item 7. The UK wants to see all countries face appropriate scrutiny of their human rights record but opposes the disproportionate focus of this item.

Mr President,

The UK has urged all parties to sustain the ceasefire deal, implement the agreement in full, and support efforts to move to phase two and a sustainable peace.

Indeed, let me reaffirm, once again, our support for a credible pathway towards a peaceful future for both Palestinians and Israelis, based on a two-state solution where they live side-by-side in peace, dignity and security.

Thank you.

March 17, 2025