Tag: 2025

PRESS RELEASE : Devon taxi driver, Murat Dogantekin, jailed after overstating annual income by more than £350,000 to fraudulently secure two Covid loans [February 2025]
The press release issued by the Insolvency Service on 28 February 2025.

Bounce Back Loan fraudster transferred the funds to an offshore bank account and a family member.
- Taxi driver Murat Dogantekin secured two £50,000 Bounce Back Loans in 2020 which he was not entitled to
- Dogantekin overstated his turnover by hundreds of thousands of pounds, fraudulently applied for two loans when businesses were only allowed one, used the funds for personal expenses and failed to make any repayments
- The 50-year-old was jailed for two years and seven months
A Devon taxi driver who fraudulently claimed two maximum-value Covid loans by overstating his annual turnover by more than £350,000 has been jailed.

Murat Dogantekin secured the Bounce Back Loans worth a combined £100,000 from two separate banks just months into the pandemic, when he was only actually entitled to just over £4,000 under the scheme.

He then transferred the funds to a close family member and offshore bank account.

The 50-year-old, of Mulligan Drive, Exeter, was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison when he appeared at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday 27 February.

Mark Stephens, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:

Bounce Back Loans were created to support small and medium-sized businesses through the pandemic. They were not designed to be accessed by fraudsters and used as additional personal income paid for at the expense of taxpayers.

Murat Dogantekin completely disregarded almost all the rules of the scheme. He significantly overstated his turnover, subsequently receiving far more support than he should have done. He fraudulently obtained two loans when businesses were only entitled to a single loan.

To make matters worse, Dogantekin failed to use the money for the benefit of his business, concealing the true nature of his bank transactions with false references. He also did not pay a single penny back before he was declared bankrupt and failed to engage with our investigations.

Such a blatant and deliberate misuse of public funds will not be tolerated by the Insolvency Service and we will continue to take action against those who stole from the taxpayer during a national emergency.

Dogantekin secured two Bounce Back Loans worth £50,000 each from separate banks in May and June 2020.

In his applications, Dogantekin stated that his annual turnover was £200,000 and £205,000 for two separate self-employed taxi businesses, both in his own name, although he said the second traded as Ola Taxis.

He provided no evidence to support these claims and Insolvency Service investigators discovered that the second business was actually named after one of his clients. This was done in an attempt to distinguish it from his first business and make it appear that he was eligible for a second loan when he was not.

Dogantekin had declared earnings of just £16,500 for the tax year ending in April 2020, meaning he overstated his turnover by £388,500 in the combined applications.

Had he been honest about his income, he may have been entitled to one loan of just £4,125.

His dishonesty meant he received an additional £95,875 he did not deserve.

Within four days of receiving the first loan, Dogantekin transferred £49,500 of the £50,000 to a separate bank account. The transactions were marked as “shop purchase”.

The following day, £48,000 of that money was moved to an offshore bank account.

Dogantekin’s second loan remained in his business account for more than a month before the funds were paid out to a family member and his own personal account within a six-day period.

No repayments to the loans were made before Dogantekin was declared bankrupt in November 2021.

Dogantekin was interviewed by the Official Receiver Services at the Insolvency Service later that month and provided some limited documentation.

He then ignored 11 attempts to contact him and secure specific records during a six-month period.

Dogantekin also failed to attend an interview under caution.

The Insolvency Service is seeking to recover the fraudulently obtained funds under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Further information
- Murat Dogantekin is of Mulligan Drive, Exeter. His date of birth is 20 May 1974
- Sentenced for: Fraud by false representation, contrary to section 2 of the Fraud Act 2006 and concealment of books and papers, contrary to section 355 of the Insolvency Act 1986
March 19, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Bishop of Wigan and Interim Bishop of Liverpool [February 2025]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 28 February 2025.

The King has approved the nomination of The Right Reverend Ruth Elizabeth Worsley, Suffragan Bishop of Taunton in the Diocese of Bath and Wells, to the See of Wigan, to be known as the Interim Bishop of Liverpool.

Background

Ruth was educated at the University of Manchester and prepared for ordination at St John’s College, Nottingham. Ordained in 1996 to a title in Hyson Green, in the Diocese of Southwell she had various other parish responsibilities in that diocese as well as service as Area Dean of Nottingham North.

Ruth served as Dean of Women’s Ministry and as an Honorary Chaplain to Her late Majesty The Queen. She was subsequently Parish Development Officer in the Diocese of Southwark and then Archdeacon of Wiltshire in the Diocese of Salisbury. She was appointed Bishop of Taunton in 2015.

March 19, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK chief finance minister builds on commitment to support mutual growth in South Africa at G20 [February 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 February 2025.

The Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP shared the UK’s growth mission with key stakeholders and her G20 counterparts in South Africa this week.

Over the past two days in Cape Town, the UK’s chief finance minister, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, spent time in and around the G20 finance ministerial meetings emphasising that the UK’s relationship with South Africa is key to the delivery of the UK’s Growth Mission for the mutual benefit of both our countries.

The Chancellor emphasised the significance of South Africa to her counterparts at the G20, highlighting that the UK is the largest investor in the country, with UK companies having invested over R500 billion.

Building on UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s recent agreement to develop a UK-South Africa Growth Partnership with Minister Lamola, she reiterated that free trade is the best way to achieve economic growth internationally and demonstrated how the UK is meeting the ambition to drive job creation in our two economies.

Infrastructure was a major theme at the G20 meetings the Chancellor attended, given the need to ensure that people can do their jobs and get around with improved railways and roads to facilitate economic growth. Which is why she said the UK is helping to accelerate projects in South Africa, including promoting the involvement of UK companies and sharing government expertise.

The Chancellor announced the next stage of the UK programme boosting urban economic development in South Africa, unlocking opportunities through improved urban planning and infrastructure in disadvantaged areas of the country’s municipalities. The intention is to strengthen UK cooperation with local governments in South Africa, to build their financial and technical capabilities.

A highlight of her time in SA was a visit was to the V&A Waterfront, where the Chancellor witnessed the unveiling of the design for the R25 billion expansion project, which has been produced by UK architects Heatherwick Studio. She also welcomed the news that British engineering firm Arup had won key contracts to support South Africa’s ambitions to boost green and sustainable growth across the country, not only contributing to the design of more resilient infrastructure but also working with public and private sector clients to improve the energy efficiency of buildings here in Cape Town and across South Africa.

The Chancellor also attended a reception at the High Commissioner’s official residence for prominent South African investors and businesses to further deepen the close economic ties between the UK and South Africa.

March 19, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK’s global science and tech ambitions refreshed under new banner [February 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 28 February 2025.

Worldwide team championing UK science and tech partnership as a force for good, to be re-launched as the Science and Technology Network.
- Network already has over 130 staff in 65 locations globally, building partnerships around the science and tech innovations set to make us collectively healthier, wealthier, more resilient and secure in support of the Plan for Change
- Science Minister welcomes Network’s re-launch alongside leaders from across research, academia and business
The UK’s global team for forging the international collaboration and championing the power of British science and tech expertise to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems– from clean energy to health – will be refreshed under a new banner, as officially unveiled by the Science Minister in Whitehall on Thursday 27 February.

The Science and Technology Network (STN) will be the new name for the former Science and Innovation Network: a 130-strong team based in 65 locations worldwide, with a mission to forge deeper international partnerships on science and technology, and seek new opportunities for British sci-tech pioneers in support of the Plan for Change.

The network’s new name reflects the circumstances we now live in, where breakthrough technologies like AI, quantum, and engineering biology hold enormous potential for tackling environmental and social challenges and unlocking economic growth. In a fast-changing global landscape, now more than ever we need to pool the bright talent and big ideas that are needed to harness these emerging technologies for good, at home and abroad.

Recent announcements like the AI Opportunities Action Plan clearly show the government’s domestic ambitions for harnessing the power of technology to improve people’s lives, but these aspirations are not solely inward-facing. The UK wants to work with international partners to share expertise, unlock investment, and deliver transformational benefits for communities in the UK and around the world.

UK Science Minister Lord Vallance said:

Britain is stronger when it works together with others and nowhere is that more true than when it comes to science and technology. Genius is not bound by geography, and by building international ties, we stand the best chance of developing new ideas and breakthroughs to solve the toughest challenges that all societies face.

The UK has a long track record as a global leader, when it comes to research and innovation. We are uniquely placed to convene international work that brings scientific expertise to bear on improving health, adoption clean sources of energy, and more. It is only right that we put the critically important role of technology, at the centre of those efforts.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Minister Catherine West said:

The UK harnesses cutting-edge technology to tackle the world’s toughest challenges, from the climate crisis to the threat of pandemics.

With staff based in 65 locations, the newly-named Science and Technology Network will help us forge global partnerships and galvanise scientific expertise, to enhance security and growth around the world.

Lord Vallance will speak to an audience of researchers, academics and business leaders at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, this evening – which also marks the Network’s 25th anniversary. He will be joined by FCDO’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Charlotte Watts, as they welcome the Network’s new name and to emphasise the importance of its ongoing work.

Some examples of STN wins include UK-Danish work in the Arctic that could be crucial to our understanding of climate change, the establishment of the UK-Japan Semiconductors Partnership, and a UK-USA partnership that is bringing the massive potential of quantum technologies to bear in health and life sciences.

The Network has also supported the delivery of potentially lifesaving research as overseas aid, ranging from work tackling the Zika virus outbreak in Brazil, to a project trying to better forecast devastating typhoons in South-East Asia.

The Science and Technology Network has 3 objectives:
- promoting UK science, technology and innovation excellence and leadership globally
- actively building and facilitating science, technology and innovation collaborations
- providing insight on science and technology trends and opportunities
Through its work, the Network aims to build international partnerships that can help seize the opportunities and mitigate the risks arising from critical and emerging technologies, as well as tackling the climate crisis and improving health.

Sir Mark Walport, Vice President and Foreign Secretary of the Royal Society, said:

Maintaining the position of the UK as a global leader in science, engineering and technology is essential for the UK’s long-term prosperity and international standing. Furthermore, diplomacy in support of science is at the heart of the development of international policies and collaboration to address issues such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, pandemics and food security. The Science and Technology Network’s team of diplomats and civil servants will play an extremely important role in support of these aims.

Professor Christopher Smith, UK Research and Innovation’s International Champion, said:

The rebrand of The Science and Technology Network is a reflection of its evolving role in fostering global research and innovation partnerships.

The network has been instrumental in strengthening the UK’s position as a world leader in science, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration to drive international research excellence, support innovation-led growth, and tackle global challenges together across all disciplines and sectors.

Maddalaine Ansell, Director Education, British Council, said:

International collaboration in science and technology is critical if we are to overcome global challenges. The UK, which is ranked 3rd in the world for producing highly cited research outputs, must be part of the global effort. Playing our full part will also reinforce and further expand the UK’s reputation both for excellence in science and as a force for good in the global community. The Science & Technology Network is an important enabler of UK activity on the global stage, supporting the UK’s scientific community to develop stable and lasting partnerships with peers around the world.

Jamie Arrowsmith, Director of Universities UK International, said:

UK universities have a long-standing relationship with the Network, and our members get immense value from their in-country expertise, insight, and intelligence. This rebranding reflects the dynamic and evolving landscape of science and technology, and we believe it will further enhance the network’s ability to drive international collaboration and deliver on global and technological challenges.

Universities UK International is committed to fostering a globally collaborative higher education environment where research, science, and technology can thrive. We look forward to continuing to work with the Science and Technology Network to advance these shared goals.

Beth Thompson, Executive Director Policy and Partnerships, Wellcome, said:

Science and technology are pillars of the UK’s diplomatic work. We welcome the government’s recognition of the Science and Technology Network’s (STN) newly invigorated and invaluable role, fostering global partnerships that tackle shared challenges, and unlock new opportunities for collaboration.

The UK has a world-class research sector, but progress is not achieved in isolation – it thrives on international cooperation. We have seen first-hand the value of the Network in helping us build relationships across the globe that are critical to advancing research. The refreshed STN will be instrumental in strengthening these international partnerships, ensuring science and technology continue to deliver a healthier, more prosperous future for the UK and the world.
March 19, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with President Trump [February 2025]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 28 February 2025.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President of the United States Donald Trump met today in the White House.

The leaders discussed the depth of the special relationship between their two nations and their commitment to shared security and prosperity.

They spoke about the fair, balanced and reciprocal economic relationship that the two countries enjoy. They agreed their teams should work together to deepen this relationship, and to work together to agree a trade deal focused on tech.

On defence and security, they agreed that the strength of the UK and US’s intelligence and defence relationship is unrivalled. The Prime Minister underlined the announcement he made this week to increase defence spending to 2.5%

The leaders agreed that on Ukraine, talks must work towards a lasting peace. The Prime Minister said the UK is ready to play a leadership role on supporting Ukraine’s future security. They discussed their shared commitment to a ‘peace through strength’ approach and that their teams should collaborate on this.

The President accepted an invitation on behalf of His Majesty The King for an unprecedented second State Visit to the United Kingdom.

March 19, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : 1,400 and counting – record number of charging sockets at UK schools thanks to government funding [February 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 28 February 2025.

Home and workplace charging schemes extended for another year to support jobs and help make the UK a clean energy superpower.
- more than 1,400 electric vehicle charging sockets installed at UK schools and colleges thanks to £3 million government boost
- home and workplace chargepoint funding extended for another year, helping school staff and EV drivers charge easily and conveniently
- alongside 74,000 public chargers now in the UK and £2.3 billion government boost to support the transition to EVs, helping deliver the Plan for Change
School teachers and EV drivers can charge their electric cars more easily with 1,407 sockets now outside schools and colleges in the UK.

Today (28 February 2025), Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, has confirmed the landmark number of chargers that have been fitted at UK schools since March last year, thanks to £3 million from the government’s Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS).

It marks a crucial milestone in the government’s mission to boost charging infrastructure across the country. The new chargepoints at schools follow over 59,000 workplace charging sockets that the scheme has funded since 2016. In addition to schools, the workplace charging scheme supported a further 6,500 sockets in workplace car parks in 2024.

Sitting at the heart of communities, schools can also open the chargepoints to local residents and visitors, helping to fit charging around people’s daily lives and providing an additional revenue stream to schools.

The Workplace Charging Scheme, alongside the Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant, has also been extended for another year, the government confirmed today. This provides the certainty needed to continue rolling out chargepoints to flats, rental properties, schools, offices and workplaces so that drivers can charge in more and more places.

Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said:

Schools are the beating heart of our towns and communities and rolling out chargers here shows we are building a practical and reliable charging network designed around people’s daily lives.

Reaching 1,000 sockets at schools is a particularly significant milestone and builds on a record January for electric car sales, as consumer confidence in the electric transition grows every day. This is helping support jobs, make the UK a clean energy superpower and deliver our Plan for Change.

Education Minister, Stephen Morgan said:

We are determined to break down the barriers to opportunity to ensure every child can get the best start in life – and that includes educating the next generation about climate change and ensuring schools are sustainable.

By making EV charging ports readily available, schools can lead by example, encouraging greener travel options and expanding the community’s charging network.

While the government is investing almost £300 million to build 300 miles of new cycle and footways to encourage more children, parents and teachers to cycle, walk and wheel to schools, today’s announcement will also make greener journeys easier and more accessible for those who need to drive.

The UK’s public chargepoint network continues to grow every day, with over 74,000 public chargers now available across the country and a record of nearly 20,000 added last year alone.

With £200 million announced at Budget 2024 to continue powering the chargepoint rollout and £6 billion of private investment in the pipeline, the UK’s charging network will continue to see tens of thousands of chargers added in the coming years, delivering resilient infrastructure so that EV owners can drive with the confidence that they’re never too far from a socket.

Chris Norwood, Headteacher of the Northfleet School for Girls, said:

Developing an environmentally friendly site is an important part of our school vision and practice. We have been able to play our part in reducing emissions whilst working with students to educate in creating a more sustainable future. Through installing solar panels, LED lighting and car chargers, we have been able to save over £500,000 in energy costs (since 2017), funds which are directed back into ensuring the best possible education for our students.

The car chargers have created over £2,000 in additional school funding, which has helped to create an additional farm classroom for all students to utilise. We expect that by modelling the best environmental practice possible, we are supporting our students to be proactive in this area in their adult lives.

With over 382,000 EVs sold in 2024 – up a fifth on the previous year – the UK is the largest EV market in Europe. There’s never been a better time to switch to EVs, with one in 3 used electric cars under £20,000 and 21 brand new electric cars RRP under £30,000.

Owning an EV is also increasingly becoming cheaper, with drivers able to save up to £750 a year compared to petrol if they mostly charge at home.

The average range of a new electric car is now 236 miles – that’s about 2 weeks of driving for most people – all the while emitting just one-third of the greenhouse emissions of a petrol car during its lifetime.

With 24/7 helplines, contactless payments and up-to-date public chargepoint locations, charging has now become easier than ever.
March 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Intertrade UK kickstarts drive to boost trade [February 2025]
The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 28 February 2025.

Boost to internal market as Intertrade UK holds its first meeting today. The new body, chaired by Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee, was a key Safeguarding the Union commitment.

In a further move to strengthen and protect the UK internal market for businesses across the country, Intertrade UK will hold its first meeting today.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn has today announced the five panel members of Intertrade UK who will join the Chair of Intertrade UK, The Rt Hon. the Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee DBE.

The new body will advise on opportunities to promote and boost trade across the UK, utilising the wide-ranging expertise of its members drawn from industry and academia who are recognised leaders in their fields.

Intertrade UK will do this through promoting trade in goods and services across the UK and advising on overcoming identified barriers, considering how best businesses can take advantage of the full opportunities of the UK internal market, and conduct research and publish insights aimed at advancing domestic trade.

The first meeting of Intertrade UK will be held this morning in Enniskillen where members will formally adopt the Terms of Reference, discuss and agree a programme of work with key priorities to take forward over the next 18 months.

Speaking about today’s appointments, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, said:

The UK internal market is vital for businesses right across the country, and the Government is committed to taking all steps to protect and strengthen it.

East West trade is essential for UK growth, and part of the success of Intertrade UK will be to ensure that people can enjoy the full benefits of the UK internal market for both goods and services.

This was an important commitment in the Safeguarding the Union command paper, and with this experienced panel of members in place, I look forward to seeing Intertrade UK play an important role in promoting UK-wide trade and economic growth.

Chair of Intertrade UK, Baroness Arlene Foster, said:

The Safeguarding the Union Command paper had strengthening the UK internal market at its core. I am very pleased that we will have our first meeting of Intertrade UK today which was set up as a consequence of that Command paper so we can take this important work forward.

The panel members which have been appointed by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland have a wealth of experience on trade in and out of Northern Ireland and we will immediately get to work looking at challenges which have been identified and if and how these can be practically resolved.

The establishment of Intertrade UK represents another significant step in delivering on the commitments set out in the Safeguarding the Union Command Paper and a key asset in delivery of this Government’s Growth Mission.

Notes to editors

Intertrade UK full panel members:
- The Rt Hon. the Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee DBE – Chair of Intertrade UK
- Dr Esmond Birnie – Senior Economist, Ulster University
- Kirsty McManus – Northern Ireland Director, Institute of Directors
- Suzanne Wylie – Chief Executive Officer, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
- Roger Pollen – Head of Federation of Small Businesses Northern Ireland
- Angela McGowan – Director for Northern Ireland, Confederation of British Industry
The Terms of Reference will be formally adopted during the meeting.
March 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement at the Interactive Dialogue on Nicaragua [February 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 February 2025.

UK Statement at the 58 Human Rights Council at the Interactive Dialogue on the report of the Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Mr President.

Yesterday, Nicaragua declared that it is leaving this Council. We want to make it clear that this will not change the need to hold the authorities accountable for the suppression of human rights in Nicaragua.

In this spirit, we welcome the report of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua. We are alarmed by its findings, including further reports of extrajudicial killings and arbitrary detention. We are concerned that authorities have used physical and psychological violence (including threats, rape, beatings and prolonged solitary confinement) against those who participated in the 2018 protests, and against individuals who have been accused of publicly criticising the authorities.

In addition, the approval of the wide-ranging constitutional amendments passed on 30 January undermine the separation of the powers of the state and mark a further tragic development in the dismantling of the rule of law in Nicaragua.

Moreover, the increase in reports of transnational repression, including intimidation and harassment of Nicaraguans in exile, represents a further attack on human rights.

The ongoing limitation of Nicaraguans’ civil, political, and other human rights is unacceptable.

Thank you.

March 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK and United Arab Emirates strengthen co-operation on Illicit Finance [February 2025]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 28 February 2025.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis visited the United Arab Emirates to continue the 2 nations’ shared aim to tackle illicit finance and counter-terrorism financing.

The Security Minister met with Minister of State in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Ahmed bin Ali Al-Sayegh, and completed a significant visit, including meeting with the Dubai Police Commander in Chief.

These meetings marked a significant step forward in the UK and United Arab Emirate’s (UAE) ongoing shared efforts to further deliver on the UK-UAE Partnership to Tackle Illicit Financial Flows. Both parties agreed to increase judicial co-operation, and ensure the continuous alignment in their approach to illicit finance.

It reaffirmed the UK and UAE’s commitment and ambition to increase co-operation and to build a stronger, more effective partnership in the fight against illicit finance, reinforcing both nations’ roles as leaders in global efforts to tackle this threat.

Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said:

The government understands the importance of international co-operation in tracking, intercepting, and stopping the flow of illicit funds between the UK and UAE.

This partnership remains critical to our nations’ missions for countering global crimes and protecting national security, which is the foundation of our Plan for Change.

The UK and UAE have worked to target the financial infrastructures that organised crime groups heavily rely on. This includes the work of the Combined Anti-Money Laundering Operational Team (CAMLOT), a joint initiative designed to tackle money laundering operations and identify hidden financial networks tied to illicit activities.

Through this initiative, the UK and UAE have targeted criminal organisations, weakening the sophisticated financial operations used to fund crime globally.

March 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : New deal for GPs will fix the front door of the NHS [February 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Health and Social Care on 28 February 2025.

GP contract reforms will ‘fix the front door’ of the NHS and see the return of the family doctor, while helping to end the ‘8am scramble’ for appointments.
- Biggest doctors’ union backs new government deal with GPs to ‘fix the front door’ of the NHS to make it easier for patients to book appointments and bring back the family doctor
- Slashing red tape and cutting box-ticking targets will free up GPs and take the first steps to end the ‘8am scramble’ for appointments
- Reforms will be backed by increased funding to reverse years of underinvestment in general practice
- Agreement with the British Medical Association (BMA) on the GP contract for the first time in 4 years is a reset of relations after recent collective action that has blighted the health service
For the first time in 4 years, government and GP representatives have agreed reforms to GP contracts, to fix the front door of the NHS and bring back the family doctor, which was identified as a priority by the Health and Social Care Secretary when he first joined the department.

The new deal agreed yesterday (27 February 2025) between the government and the BMA will free up doctors from red tape and box-ticking targets to concentrate on what they do best – treating patients.

The new agreed contract will modernise general practice by requiring GP surgeries to allow patients to request appointments online throughout working hours from October, freeing up the phones for those who need them most and making it easier for practices to triage patients based on medical need. The reforms are part of the government’s Plan for Change to make general practice fit for the future and will support GPs in taking the first steps to end the 8am scramble for appointments, which so many patients currently endure every day – in turn improving access to GPs for everyone.

The deal for family doctors is backed by the biggest funding boost for general practice in years, reversing the decade-long cuts to general practice funding as a share of the NHS budget.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said:

Rebuilding the broken NHS starts with GPs. Patients need to be able to easily book an appointment, in the manner they want, with their regular doctor if they choose.

Today, we have taken the first step to fixing the front door to the NHS, bringing back the family doctor, and ending the 8am scramble.

Over the past decade, funding for GPs has been cut relative to the rest of the NHS, while the number of targets for GPs has soared. That’s why patients are struggling to get an appointment.

This government is cutting the red tape that ties up GPs’ time and backing them with an extra £889 million next year. In return, more patients will be able to request appointments online and see their regular doctor for each appointment. Through the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, we will work with GPs to rebuild the NHS and make it fit for the future.

Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS England National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, said:

Improving patients’ access to general practice is a huge priority for the NHS and this contract sets out the next steps to put the family doctor at the heart of the shift to a neighbourhood health service.

This is the first time in 4 years that the GP contract has been accepted as proposed and I hope it will be seen as positive for practices, GP teams and patients when introduced in April.

It shows how NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care have listened and delivered on the priorities that matter most to patients and general practice teams, including a significant increase in funding and extra flexibility in the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme to recruit more staff including GPs.

Other key changes include improved digital access for patients, setting out what patients can expect from their practice in a new charter and encouraging GP teams to identify patients with the greatest need that would most benefit from seeing the same clinician at every appointment.

Today’s reforms will be underpinned by an extra £889 million to fix the front door of health, bringing total spend on the GPs contract to £13.2 billion in 2025 to 2026.

The 7.2% boost to the GP contract is faster than the 5.8% growth to the NHS budget as a whole, helping to reverse the decade long trend of GP practices receiving an ever-decreasing percentage of NHS funding and supporting the shift from hospital to community. Lord Darzi found that the share of the health service’s budget dedicated to primary care had fallen by a quarter between 2009 and 2021.

Burdensome red tape on GPs will be reduced by scrapping unnecessary targets like those requiring practices to report on staff wellbeing meetings or to explain how they are reviewing staff access to IT systems. Under the new GP contract, nearly half of the targets (32 of 76) that GPs must report their progress against will be removed. The reforms will free up GPs from pointless box-ticking, so they can spend more time treating patients and delivering the government’s promise to bring back the family doctor.

In addition to patients being able to request GP appointments online, they will also gain clearer information about the care they can expect to receive through the online patient charter – including the services available to them – along with more consistent care as the government introduces measures to bring back the family doctor. To make sure those most in need are prioritised, GPs will be incentivised to identify patients who would benefit most from seeing the same GP at every appointment, so more patients see their regular doctor each appointment.

As part of the government’s plan to cut waiting lists, announced earlier this year as part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, GPs will be encouraged to seek specialist advice and guidance when unsure about making a referral to hospital. Up to £80 million of funding will be made available for doctors to liaise with specialist consultants, which can avoid people being added onto waiting lists unnecessarily and speed up patient care.

A majority of respondents to the government’s Change NHS online portal have stated fixing difficulties in accessing primary care as a top 3 priority, and a recent poll by the Health Foundation claims it is the number one health concern for 38% of the public.

As part of ongoing efforts to rebuild relationships with NHS staff following years of underfunding and neglect, the government and the BMA engaged in constructive discussions which have led to the BMA’s general practice committee voting in favour of the proposed GP contract. All parties have worked together to find a fair deal for hardworking NHS staff, but also one that acknowledges the wider economic pressures facing the UK and the need to continue to bring down inflation.

By fixing the front door of the NHS, these reforms will also ease pressures on other parts of the health service including A&E.

The reforms form part of the government’s Plan for Change, which will deliver our mission to build an NHS fit for the future, starting with tackling waiting lists. It will also drive progress on making sure fewer lives are lost to the biggest killers by making sure people are diagnosed and treated earlier. Underpinning this work are 3 big reform shifts, from:
- hospital to community – bringing care closer to where people live, including through a new neighbourhood health service to deliver more proactive and personalised care
- analogue to digital – by rolling out new technologies and digital approaches to modernise the NHS
- sickness to prevention – shortening the amount of time people spend in ill-health by preventing illnesses before they happen
This landmark agreement – the first contract agreement reached in 4 years – represents a step change in relations with NHS staff to help ease workloads for GPs while providing better services to patients, as we rebuild the NHS.
March 17, 2025