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Tag: 2025

  • PRESS RELEASE : International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law – UK statement to the OSCE Warsaw Human Dimension Conference [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law – UK statement to the OSCE Warsaw Human Dimension Conference [October 2025]

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

    UK condemns atrocities by Russian forces in Ukraine.

    Ukraine has now endured over three years of Russia’s illegal war. Throughout this time, we have witnessed a growing body of evidence of atrocities committed by Russian forces. These include relentless attacks on civilians across Ukraine, including the wilful erasure of cultural identity, the forced deportation and indoctrination of children, and the torture and sexual abuse of civilians and prisoners of war.

    The latest Moscow Mechanism report details how widespread, systematic and deliberate Russia’s policy to dehumanise Ukrainians has become. This includes the torture and inhuman treatment of Ukrainian Prisoners of War at every stage of captivity. Methods include severe beatings, electric shocks, mock executions, sexual violence, forced nudity and psychological humiliation. It found that Ukrainian Prisoners of War have been arbitrarily killed and executed. The report concluded that these Russian violations may “constitute war crimes and, in some cases, arguably, crimes against humanity”.

    This report builds on the 7th interim ODIHR report released in June this year which also documents extensive violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

    We have the means – and the responsibility – to hold those behind the invasion of Ukraine to account and to support the healing that must follow. The UK is proud to have championed accountability: as early supporters of the Special Tribunal, as Chair of the Register of Damage, through the establishment of the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group, and by leading the largest group referral to the ICC in its history. We will continue to support the Ukrainian government in tracing and verifying illegally deported children and supporting them and their families through their rehabilitation.

    The UK’s support to Ukraine remains steadfast, for as long as it takes. We remain absolutely committed in our pursuit of a just and enduring peace.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60 – UK Core Group Statement to introduce Item 10 Resolution on Somalia [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60 – UK Core Group Statement to introduce Item 10 Resolution on Somalia [October 2025]

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

    UK Core Group Statement to introduce Item 10 Resolution on Somalia. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Thank you, Mr. President. 

    I have the honour to introduce, on behalf of the UK and Somalia, the draft resolution L.14 on ‘Assistance to Somalia in the field of human rights.’ 

    The United Kingdom is proud to continue our close partnership with Somalia in advancing the protection and promotion of human rights. We value our role as a constructive and trusted partner – a critical friend – supporting Somalia’s progress towards sustainable peace, development, and accountability. 

    Since 1993, Somalia has made significant strides in rebuilding from conflict, strengthening governance, and advancing stability and reconciliation. We commend the Somali authorities for their continued engagement with this Council and with the wider UN human rights system. We also recognise that Somalia continues to face serious human rights challenges, but we welcome the government’s willingness to confront these issues head-on, including through open and constructive dialogue here in Geneva. 

    This resolution marks an historic step forward for Somalia. It transitions from a long-standing Independent Expert mandate to a new partnership with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. This evolution reflects Somalia’s growing institutional capacity, its commitment to reform, and the maturity of its cooperation with the international community.  

    We pay tribute to the Independent Expert, who has provided vital support and scrutiny. The new arrangement is focused on supporting Somalia’s own national human rights priorities, and includes continued monitoring and public reporting. This balance of partnership and oversight remains essential to sustained progress.  

    We particularly welcome Somalia’s commitment to establish a fully independent National Human Rights Commission – a vital institution to safeguard rights, promote accountability, and give voice to all Somalis. 

    Finally, we believe Item 10 mandates must evolve in line with the needs and aspirations of the countries concerned. We should continue to think creatively about how technical assistance and capacity-building can most effectively support national ownership and lasting human rights progress. 

    We look forward to the Council’s support for this resolution. 

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Bollywood comes to Britain – Three blockbusters to be made in the UK from next year [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Bollywood comes to Britain – Three blockbusters to be made in the UK from next year [October 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 8 October 2025.

    Three new Bollywood blockbusters will be made in the UK from next year, the Prime Minister has announced in Mumbai today.

    Yash Raj Film, India’s leading film production and distribution company, have confirmed plans to bring their major productions to locations across the United Kingdom from early 2026, creating over 3,000 jobs and boosting the economy by millions of pounds.  

    To mark the announcement, the Prime Minister visited Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai today alongside a delegation of some of Britain’s biggest names in film including the British Film Institute, the British Film Commission, Pinewood Studios, Elstree Studios and Civic Studios.

    The Prime Minister is on a two-day trade mission to strengthen ties with one of the fastest growing economies in the world and put money back into the pockets of hard-working British people. That includes deepening the collaboration of the UK and India’s globally renowned creative industries. 

    The UK film industry contributes £12 billion a year to the economy and supports 90,000 jobs across every region of the country. It is a sought-after destination for international filmmakers thanks to its world-leading studio infrastructure and iconic backdrops. 

    India is the largest producer of films in the world, and Yash Raj’s commitment follows an 8-year hiatus from filming in the UK – showcasing the impact the UK-India trade deal is already having. 

    The UK’s creative industries are globally recognised as world-leading, consistently setting international trends and commanding respect for artistic excellence, commercial success and cultural influence worldwide. 

    As a country of 1.4 billion with a growing entertainment industry, India represents a major opportunity for UK companies to expand and grow – and vice versa. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    “Bollywood is back in Britain, and it’s bringing jobs, investment and opportunity, all while showcasing the UK as a world-class destination for global filmmaking.     

    “This is exactly the kind of partnership our trade deal with India is destined to unlock – driving growth, strengthening cultural ties and delivering for communities across the country.”

    Yash Raj Films’ CEO Akshaye Widhani said: 

    “The UK holds a very special place in our hearts and some of our most iconic films, including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) were shot in this beautiful and incredibly hospitable country. 

    “We were honoured to host the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at YRF today to ink this pact and also had the pleasure to discuss how India and UK could come together to push the content landscape globally through landmark collaborations like this. 

    “It is truly special to reignite YRF and UK’s filming ties in the 30th anniversary of DDLJ – a film that is synonymous to UK-India’s relationship. Our company is currently producing the stage adaptation of DDLJ, the English musical titled Come Fall in Love (CFIL) in the UK too. 

    “So, we are thrilled to join hands with UK again and return to filming in the country that has always been extremely kind to us. UK’s infrastructure, technology and talent is unmatched and we are delighted to deepen our cultural ties with a country that has always empowered us to excel creatively.”

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: 

    “The UK’s and India’s film industries are truly world class, entertaining billions around the world. Given the strength of our sectors and the deep cultural ties between our two countries, partnerships between Bollywood and British studios make complete sense.

    “By making these Bollywood blockbusters in Britain we will be driving more growth in our world-class creative industries, as we committed to in our Creative Industries Sector Plan.”

    Today’s announcement is the latest example of how the UK’s deepening partnerships with India’s booming cultural scene will create new jobs, drive investment and bolster creative content in the UK, while celebrating our valuable people-to-people links. 

    Supporting this further will be a cooperation agreement (MoU) between the British Film Institute and the National Film Development Commission of India, which will reinvigorate co-production and enable filmmakers from both countries to share resources and talent. 

    Past Indian productions have yielded global hits. Cross-cultural hit film Slumdog Millionaire, brought in around £300million to the UK economy, on a budget of just £12milllion, highlighting what’s possible when UK technical expertise and Indian storytelling unite.

    BFI Chief Executive Ben Roberts said:

    “The UK and India are two great film making and film loving nations with deep cultural ties and this trip fuels an exciting new future together. Our respective Governments recognise that our screen industries working closer together unlocks opportunities to strengthen cultural diversity, support industry growth and expand audiences and our new MOUs are designed to take us closer to achieving this. 

    “In the UK, we want to welcome more production from India and build more collaboration and co-production between our nations for us to benefit economically and culturally. ‘

    Adrian Wootton OBE, Chief Executive of the British Film Commission, said:

    “We’re extremely proud of the deep and rich relationship the UK enjoys with India in film. We share many cultural reference points, not to mention business interests. I’m confident that, working with such major Indian film companies as Yash Raj Films, we will open the door to even greater creative collaborations and economic opportunities between the UK and India”.

    Andrew M Smith OBE DL, Corporate Affairs Director, Pinewood Group:

    “I am delighted to represent Pinewood Group on this special envoy to meet our industry colleagues in Mumbai, home of Bollywood. This is a chance to learn and understand different perspectives and make new connections as well as find ways to collaborate and continue to produce movies that resonate with a global audience.”

    Rebecca Hawkes, Head of Elstree Studios, said: 

    “As Elstree celebrates its centenary there couldn’t be a more appropriate time to visit India, a country with an equally rich and distinguished cinematic heritage. This trip is a tremendous opportunity to build on existing relationships and develop productive new links between two global film and television powerhouses.” 

    Anushka Shah, CEO of Civic Studios said:

    “As a UK-India media company, Civic Studios is proud to be part of this historic delegation. We’re here to forge bold, new creative partnerships that spotlight social impact films like our upcoming release Christmas Karma directed by Gurinder Chadha, as well as our growing portfolio of climate media work – we believe the future of the planet needs a better script, and one that brings the global north and south together. We’re thrilled that the delegation provides opportunities to strengthen ties across India and the UK.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister embarks on first major trade mission to India [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister embarks on first major trade mission to India [October 2025]

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

    125 of the UK’s most prominent CEOs, leading entrepreneurs, university Vice Chancellors and cultural institutions will join the Prime Minister on a trade mission to India.

    • 125 UK CEOs, entrepreneurs, university Vice Chancellors and cultural leaders are travelling with the Prime Minister on a two-day trade mission to Mumbai 
    • Visit seeks to build on the momentum from the UK-India trade deal, signed in July, which will lower tariffs and open up access for British businesses to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world  
    • Prime Minister will seek to unlock new opportunities, secure investments and seal deals that drive growth and create jobs for British people  

    125 of the UK’s most prominent CEOs, leading entrepreneurs, university Vice Chancellors and cultural institutions will join the Prime Minister on a trade mission to India this week in pursuit of growth and jobs at home. 

    Following the signature of the landmark UK-India trade deal in July, which will lower tariffs on British goods being imported into India, the door is now open for British businesses to turbocharge their trade with one of the fastest growing economies in the world.  

    Major household names such as Rolls-Royce, British Telecom, Diageo, London Stock Exchange Group and British Airways will join the Prime Minister’s delegation as he promises to secure opportunities for them to grow and expand into the Indian market – delivering growth and supporting jobs at home.   

    Growing SMEs and entrepreneurs from every region of country will also travel with the Prime Minister, in recognition that the trade deal will break down barriers and support businesses of all shapes and sizes to trade more easily with India.  

    The 125-strong delegation marks the largest ever government trade mission to India.  

    The trade deal has been acknowledged as the best agreement ever secured by any country with India. Under current projections, it is set to increase UK GDP by £4.8 billion each year, add £2.2 billion to wages and benefit communities right across the country.  

    It is expected to raise bilateral trade by £25.5 billion per year, with UK exports to India projected to grow by nearly 60%.  

    The Prime Minister will personally commit to unlocking opportunities for Great British business to grow and expand during his two-day visit – securing investments and sealing deals that directly benefit the British people. 

    India is one of the fastest-growing economies globally, currently the fourth largest and projected to become the third largest by 2028. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:  

    “We signed a major trade deal with India in July – the best secured by any country – but the story doesn’t stop there.  

    “It’s not just a piece of paper, it’s a launchpad for growth. With India set to be the third biggest economy in the world by 2028, and trade with them about to become quicker and cheaper, the opportunities waiting to be seized are unparalleled.   

    “That’s why I’ll be flying the flag for British business alongside 125 of our biggest household names in Mumbai this week – because growth in India for them means more choice, opportunity and jobs at home for the British people.”  

    Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said:  

    “We’ve shown there is no limit on our ambition to grow trade with India – in less than a year we’ve gone from restarting talks on a deal, to bringing 125 brilliant business leaders to its commercial capital.  

    “Our deal is the best any country has ever secured with India and places British businesses at the front of the queue to access a huge and ever-growing market.   

    “Now we are hitting the ground running and using every means necessary to ready businesses to take full advantage of the massive wins we’ve secured once the deal comes into force so we can deliver growth, jobs, and prosperity at home.” 

    Thanks to the deal, India’s average tariff on UK products will drop from 15% to 3% – which means British companies selling products to India, from soft drinks and cosmetics to cars and medical devices, will find it easier to sell to the Indian market. 

    Whisky producers have particularly benefited from tariffs being reduced immediately from 150% to 75%, and then dropped even further to 40% over the next ten years – giving the UK an advantage over international competitors in reaching the Indian market. 

    The deal particularly benefits SMEs, as improved customs and digital commitments will make trade quicker, cheaper, and easier. In addition, bespoke support for SMEs, such as dedicated contact points, will help them enter the Indian market. A number of SMEs are travelling with the Prime Minister as they look to expand into India, hopefully creating an entire new generation of business. 

    It comes as British Airways has today confirmed it will introduce a third daily flight between Delhi and London Heathrow in 2026, subject to regulatory and capacity approval, and will look for further growth opportunities in the country as trade between the UK and India increases.  

    Sean Doyle, Chairman and Chief Executive of British Airways, said:  

    “I am delighted to take part in this important trade mission. Our ties with India were established over 100 years ago and today we have around 2,500 British Airways colleagues based there. We’ve been steadily increasing capacity between India and the UK over the years and we’re now operating 56 direct services from five Indian cities each week.  

    “The Free Trade Agreement with India will boost economic momentum between our two countries and British Airways really sits at the centre of that activity, acting as an enabler for increased trade. We will develop our own network alongside increased economic activity so the FTA for our business is very good news.  

    “As the airline that offers the biggest network of any European carrier into the North Atlantic, we also help connect India to the US and beyond, so when you add this factor into the mix, there’s a lot to be excited about for our two connected economies.” 

    Manchester Airport will also launch a new direct route to Delhi operated by IndiGo, adding to its existing Mumbai service and making it the only UK airport outside London with connections to both cities. The expansion is expected to generate over £50 million in annual exports, £25 million in tourism income, and 450 new jobs, while boosting productivity and research collaboration across the North.  

    Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe said: 

    “We are proud to connect the North to the world and today’s announcement means people and businesses across the region will now have direct access to both India’s financial centre and its capital. 

    “That will drive tens of millions of pounds in economic value every year, supporting the Government’s growth agenda and boosting the benefits of the new UK-India trade deal. 

    “It is pleasing to see MAG’s £1.3bn investment in Manchester Airport unlocking the potential of our two runways, driving growth and prosperity across the North through routes like these with IndiGo. 

    “I am honoured to be joining the Prime Minister on this trade mission and look forward to working with Government on plans to maximise the contribution Manchester Airport makes to its economic mission in the years to come.” 

    14 university Vice Chancellors and representatives will also join the delegation in recognition of the explosion in demand for higher education in India – with 70 million places needed by 2035, which has created a huge opportunity for UK universities seeking new funding streams. 

    Some of the UK’s biggest cultural institutions such as the British Film Institute and the National Theatre will also attend – opening new doors for creative exports, co-productions, museum and heritage partnerships, talent exchange, and joint initiatives across film, fashion, sport, and digital culture. 

    The visit follows Prime Minister Modi’s trip to the UK in July, where the trade deal was signed and nearly £6 billion in new investment and export wins were confirmed – creating 2,200 UK jobs.  

    This momentum showcases the potential that an enhanced trading relationship with India can have on UK growth and jobs, with the Prime Minister determined to keep prioritising his international relationships for the benefit of the British people. 

    Tufan Erginbilgic, CEO of Rolls-Royce said:

    “The UK and India are natural partners, working in a win-win collaboration for the benefit of people in both nations. Our competitively advantaged technologies and engineering capabilities across air, land and sea applications, position us to be the strategic partner to India in aviation, defence, critical infrastructure and energy security, creating jobs and securing sustained economic growth in both countries.”

    The Prime Minister will also meet with Prime Minister Modi on Thursday, for talks on strengthening the UK-India relationship even further, including via the Technology Security Initiative originally signed a year ago. 

    In recognition of technology as an engine for growth in the UK and beyond, the two leaders will aim to enhance the UK-India partnership across artificial intelligence, telecoms and defence technology – creating new opportunities for businesses to invest and grow, while bolstering our national security.  

    India is fast becoming one of the world’s most significant technology players – with a tech sector expected to be valued at £1 trillion by 2030.

    Notes to Editors 

    Please see a full list of the travelling delegation below: 

    Businesses, Business Representative Organizations & Cultural institutions

    • Airbus, Louis Wouter van Wersch
    • Arup, Jerome Anthony Frost
    • Baker Mckenzie, Sunwinder Mann
    • Barclays, Stephen Dainton
    • Benoy Group, Thomas Cartledge
    • BP, Murray Auchincloss
    • British Airways, Sean Doyle
    • British Chambers of Commerce, Shevaun Haviland
    • British eSports, Chester King
    • BT, Allison Kirkby
    • Capita, Adolfo Hernandez
    • City of London, Christopher Hayward
    • Deloitte LLP, Kirsty Newman
    • DigiLab, Timothy Dodwell
    • First Derivative, Victoria Lavery
    • Founders Forum, Brent Hoberman
    • HSBC, Manveen Kaur
    • India Inc Group, Manoj Ladwa
    • Indian Chamber of Commerce UK, Lord Bilimoria 
    • KPMG, Kamini Mehta
    • LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group), David Schwimmer
    • Mace Consult, Davendra Dabasia
    • MakeUK, Stephen Phipson
    • Marshmallow, Oliver Kentbraham
    • Monzo, Anil Tummalapalli
    • Mott MacDonald, James Harris
    • Paxman Scalp Cooling, Richard Paxman
    • Phoenix Court, Saul Klein
    • Revolut, Siddhartha Jajodia
    • Rolls Royce, Jitesh Gadhia
    • SiteHop, Melissa Chambers
    • Small Business Britain, Michelle Ovens
    • Standard Chartered, William Winters
    • Virgin Atlantic, Shai Weiss
    • WPP, Mark Julian Read
    • Zopa, Jaidev Danardana
    • Altilium, Kamran Mahdavi
    • Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry, Richard Torbett
    • Athenian Tech, Kanishk Gaur
    • Bebida Hospitality, Rohini Sood
    • Blackburn Chemicals, John Covill
    • Brandon Medical, Adrian Hall
    • British Fashion Council, Laura Weir
    • British Film Commission, Adrian Wootton
    • British Film Institute, Monica Chadha
    • British International Investment (BII), Diana Layfield
    • Carbon Clean, Aniruddha Sharma
    • Carbon Re, Elizabeth Price
    • Catagen, Andrew John Woods
    • Ceres Power, Philip Caldwell
    • Confederation of British Industry, Rain Newton-Smith
    • Cornish Lithium, Jamie Airnes
    • Dulas, Ruth Chapman
    • ECB / The Hundred, Vikram Banerjee
    • Edrington, Scott Mccroskie
    • Elstree Studios, Rebecca Hawkes
    • Federation of Small Businesses, Martin McTague
    • FIDO Tech, Victoria Edwards
    • Gate 7 Limited, Harry Wickham
    • GEDU Global Education, Vishwajeet Rana
    • Graphcore (AI), Nigel Toon
    • GreyParrot AI, Ambarish Mitra
    • Group Rhodes, Mark Ridgway, OBE, DL
    • Innovate Finance, Janine Hirt
    • iwoca, Christoph Rieche
    • Latent Labs, Simon Kohl
    • LiNa Energy, William Tope
    • Manchester Airports Group, Christopher Woodroffe
    • Manchester Museums, Esme Ward
    • Microbira, Marianne Laing Ismail
    • National Science and Media Museum, Joanne Quintontulloch
    • National Theatre, Indhu Rubasingham
    • Natural History Museum, Alexandra Burch
    • Nothing Tech, Carl Yu Pei
    • NPTC Group, Mark Dacey
    • Nyobolt, Sai Shivareddy
    • Occuity, Daniel Daly
    • Oomph EV, Morag Hutcheon
    • Oxford Nanopore, Gurdial Sanghera
    • Oxford Quantum Circuits, Gerald Mullally
    • Oxford Space Systems, Sean Sutcliffe
    • Pinewood Studios, Andrew Smith
    • Port of Leith, Ian Stirling
    • Recyclus, Robin Brundle
    • Royal Shakespeare Company, Sandeep Mahal
    • Scrumconnect Consulting, Praveen Karadiguddi
    • Sensoteq, Idir Boudaoud
    • Sport England, Simon Hayes
    • Sriven Solutions, Sashidhar Bacchu
    • The Glenmorangie Co, Caspar Macrae
    • The Great Outdoor Gym Company, Georgina Delaney
    • Universal Simulation (UNI SIM), James Markey
    • VIRSEC, Catherine Anne Wallwork
    • West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Tracy Brabin
    • West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Michael Hawking
    • Bend It Networks, Gurinder Chadha
    • Civic Studios, Namrata Sharma
    • Clark Door, Andrew Ashley
    • Diageo, Manik Jhangiani
    • EY, Rohan Malik
    • Freshfields, Georgia Dawson
    • NatWest, Richard Haythornthwaite
    • Premier League, Clare Sumner
    • Rolls Royce, Tufan Erginbiligic
    • Eleven Labs, Mateusz Staniszewski
    • PG Paper Company Ltd, Puneet Gupta
    • PG Paper Company Ltd, Poonam Gupta
    • Scotch Whisky Association, Mark Kent
    • UKIBC, Richard Heald

    Universities

    • University of Birmingham, Professor Adam Tickell
    • University of Leicester, Professor Cedric Canagarajah
    • University Of Liverpool, Professor Timothy Jones
    • Coventry University, Professor John Latham
    • Universities UK, Professor Jamie Arrowsmith
    • University of Lancaster, Professor Simon Guy
    • University Of Southampton, Professor Andrew Atherton
    • University Of York, Professor Charles Jeffrey
    • University of Bristol, Professor Evelyn Welch
    • Imperial College London, Professor Hugh Brady
    • Queens University Belfast, Professor Margaret Topping
    • UCL, Professor Michael Spence
    • University of Aberdeen, Professor Siladitya Bhattacharya
    • University Of Surrey, Professor Stephen Jarvis
  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60 – UK Core Group Statement to introduce Item 3 Resolution on Slavery and Trafficking [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60 – UK Core Group Statement to introduce Item 3 Resolution on Slavery and Trafficking [October 2025]

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

    UK Core Group Statement to introduce Item 3 Resolution on Slavery and Trafficking. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Thank you, Mr President.

    I am honoured to present draft resolution L.8 on behalf of the core group consisting of Argentina, Australia, Germany, Jordan, the Philippines and my country, the United Kingdom.

    An estimated 50 million people globally are living in modern slavery of which 27.6 million people are in situations of forced labour. Yet this is likely only the tip of the iceberg, with abuses hidden and underreported. The challenge before us is both stark and urgent.

    Mr President,

    This draft resolution is not only a response to this challenge but a landmark achievement in this Council’s history. It merges the roles of two existing Special Rapporteurs into a single, unified mandate.

    This marks a significant step toward strengthening the Council’s response to the overlapping yet distinct challenges of slavery and trafficking and sets a valuable precedent for how it can evolve to meet today’s realities in a more efficient manner. We thank OHCHR for their support in implementing concrete efficiency gains.

    We sincerely thank outgoing Special Rapporteur, Professor Obokata whose tremendous expertise and work have been instrumental in informing our global response to slavery.

    I would now like to hand over to my esteemed colleague, Ambassador Sorreta of the Philippines.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK – India Trade Deal Delivers for Scotch Whisky Industry [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK – India Trade Deal Delivers for Scotch Whisky Industry [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Scotland Office on 8 October 2025.

    A Prime Minister-led trade mission to India this week will drive home the benefits of the landmark UK – India trade deal for Scottish businesses. The deal is set to grow the Scottish economy by £190 million a year.

    Scotch whisky is a big winner in the UK Government’s deal with India, the best deal that any country has ever agreed with the fourth largest economy in the world. Indian import tariffs on Scotch are set to be slashed, meaning a potential increase in sales to India of £1 billion a year, growing market share in the world’s largest whisky market.

    Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander and representatives of the whisky Industry are now set to press home the advantages of the historic trade deal with India as part of the Prime Minister’s trade mission this week. The trip will include key meetings with senior Indian government ministers and businesses, to deepen the trade and diplomatic relationships between Scotland and India.

    Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander said:

    “The historic trade deal the UK Government struck with India this year is great news for Scotland and especially our whisky industry. But, having secured the deal, our challenge and responsibility now is to put this deal into action. That requires implementation of the deal by the governments of India and the UK, and the utilisation of the deal by British and Indian businesses.

    “Leading this trade mission, the Prime Minister will be beating the drum for Scotland’s finest products. With the strength and support of the UK Government they can be world-reaching in terms of export markets.

    “Over the last year, as Trade Minister, I’ve worked closely with the Scotch Whisky Association and other Scottish businesses. I understand the challenges they face and that this deal with India could be transformative for the industry over the long term. On this trade mission we will be looking to take full advantage of the opportunities this crucial trade deal brings for Scotland.”

    Before being appointed Secretary of State for Scotland, Mr Alexander was Trade Policy Minister in the Department of Business and Trade and part of the team that helped secure the UK – India trade deal, as well as the trade deals with the US and EU.

    Mark Kent, Chief Executive at the Scotch Whisky Association, said:

    “We’re delighted to join this visit following the efforts of the UK Government to secure the UK – India Free Trade Agreement, and look forward to its swift and smooth implementation. Delivering liberalised tariffs on all our exports to India will open up access to the world’s largest whisky market in the years to come and give greater choice to Indian consumers.”

    The Business and Trade Secretary, Peter Kyle, and the Investment Minister, Lord Jason Stockwood, will also form part of the UK Government’s delegation to India.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Millions of people to benefit from £20 million to keep local museums open and thriving [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Millions of people to benefit from £20 million to keep local museums open and thriving [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 8 October 2025.

    £20 million investment in civic museums to protect opening hours and jobs, as part of the government’s ongoing commitment to ensure museums can continue to tell our national story at a local level.

    • Birmingham Museums Trust, Barnsley Museums and Discover Bucks Museum are among 75 museum organisations set to receive grants to help keep cherished civic museums open and engaging
    • The Museum Renewal Fund delivers on the government’s Plan for Change commitment to ensure communities can access culture locally

    Millions of people across England will be able to continue to celebrate their local heritage thanks to the government’s £20 million Museum Renewal Fund.

    The funding will be shared between 75 civic museums, including Birmingham Museums Trust, Barnsley Museums and Discover Bucks Museum. It will improve public access to collections, protect community and educational programmes, and help to ensure treasured local and regional museums are fit for the future.

    The fund strengthens our nationwide network of museums, ensuring that local communities have access to culture for generations to come whilst being able to take pride in how their towns and villages have played a role in our national story. It will protect opening hours and job opportunities for millions of visitors and local communities, whilst strengthening museums’ ability to attract tourists and employers to regions across the country.

    The Museum Renewal Fund is part of the £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund, announced by the Culture Secretary in February 2025 as part of the government’s Plan for Change to support economic growth and increase opportunities nationwide.

    Museums Minister, Baroness Twycross said:

    Museums offer a place where people from all backgrounds can learn, be inspired and delve into our rich history, helping to understand the stories that led us to where we are today.

    The Museum Renewal Fund is contributing to the delivery of our Plan for Change. It ensures much-loved civic museums can remain open and continue to provide opportunities for future generations to learn about our shared heritage and how their local community has played its part in our national story.

    Yesterday, the Museums Minister Baroness Twycross visited The Culture Trust, Luton to see first-hand the impact £530,528 in funding will have on museum services in Luton. She met with local representatives to discuss how the investment will keep Luton’s museums open and create content for and with communities. The funding will enable the Trust to expand its outreach efforts, and improve public access to collections, benefiting Luton’s diverse communities, learners, and volunteers through maintaining staffing levels and continued education and community initiatives.

    Other examples of funded projects include:

    • Birmingham Museums Trust will receive more than £994,742 to deliver family-friendly and community-centered exhibitions, including its summer family show ‘Giants’, and its pop-up tribute to local hero Ozzy Osbourne. Funding will improve access to significant collections during museum renovation, including four Arts Council England Designated Collections, the Staffordshire Hoard, and one of the world’s greatest collections of Pre-Raphaelite paintings.
    • Barnsley Museums will receive £266,273 to support opening hours, public programming and employment across its five free-to-visit sites, including Experience Barnsley and the Grade II* listed Cannon Hall. Funding will protect the museum’s community-focused exhibitions, award-winning Learning programmes, and its Museums and Schools scheme, which leads South Yorkshire efforts to get more children visiting museums for the first time. It will also support commercial enhancements and masterplanning reviews to bolster long-term financial resilience.
    • Discover Bucks Museum will receive £314, 000 to secure the museum’s future and continue telling Buckinghamshire’s local heritage story and displaying its stunning archaeological finds. The funding will improve audience reach and engagement, building on strong community connections including the dedicated Community Advisory Group and Bucks Black History Museum Group. It will also improve signage and user experience alongside progressing options for redeveloping the children’s gallery.

    Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England said:

    Travelling through cities, towns, and villages across the UK, I have seen that museums and art galleries are often a proud focal point in communities, telling important stories about history, people and place. This funding will provide a crucial lifeline for local museums in stabilising their financial situation and building towards a sustainable future.” 

    ENDS

    Notes to editors:

    Full list of recipients receiving a share of the fund:

    London:

    • Headstone Manor & Museum – £419,420
    • Fulham Palace – £571,033
    • Gunnersbury Park Museum – £147,309
    • Richmond Arts Service – £117,354
    • Brent Museum and Archives – £121,851
    • Haringey Council – £60,400

    West Midlands:

    • Culture Coventry – £384,390
    • Museum of Royal Worcester CIO – £228,343
    • Birmingham Museums Trust – £994,742
    • Shropshire Council – £226,238
    • Ford Green Hall Museum – £34,369
    • Tamworth Borough Council – £139,120
    • Warwickshire County Council – £37,690
    • Museums Worcestershire
    • Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum – £239,922

    East Midlands:

    • Derby Museums – £799,700
    • Derbyshire County Council Museums Service – £72,000
    • Sharpe’s Pottery Heritage and Arts Trust – £42,019
    • The Village Church Farm Museum – £14,085

    North East:

    • Sunderland City Council – £102,280
    • The Bowes Museum – £436,181
    • Jarrow Hall – £38,669
    • Middlesbrough Council Cultural Services – £239,551
    • Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums – £438,300

    North West:

    • People’s History Museum – £652,157
    • Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery – £598,775
    • The World of Glass – £286,000
    • Keswick Museum & Art Gallery Management Ltd – £217,103
    • Manchester City Galleries – £74,184
    • Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre – £67,600
    • Lancaster City Museums – £40,500
    • The Norton Priory Museum Trust – £52,000
    • Lakeland Arts – £295,713

    South East:

    • Vale and Downland Museum – £53,190
    • Windsor and Royal Borough Museum – £65,895
    • Museum of Oxford, Oxford City Council – £227,952
    • Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust – £533,084
    • Bucks County Museum – £314, 000
    • Wycombe Museum – £104,318
    • Royal Pavilion & Museums Trust – £881,848
    • The Banbury Museum Trust – £131,957
    • Bexhill Museum £43,118
    • Maidstone Museums – £75,000

    South West:

    • Exeter City Council – £114,202
    • Wiltshire Museum – £11,077
    • Bristol Museums – £495,320
    • Weymouth Museum Trust – £43,725
    • The Box (Plymouth City Council) – £184,215
    • South West Heritage Trust – £503,131
    • Bridport Museum Trust – £29,218
    • Dean Heritage Centre – £58,285
    • Trowbridge Town Council – £25,000
    • BCP Council (Poole Museums) – £376,500
    • Museum of Gloucester – £360,378
    • Burton Art Gallery and Museum – £161,570
    • King John’s House and Tudor Cottage Trust Ltd – £106,000
    • Hampshire Cultural Trust – £1,177,430

    East of England:

    • The Culture Trust, Luton – £530,528
    • Norfolk Museums Service – £360,000
    • Chelmsford City Council – £236,297
    • Ware Museum CIO – £58,337
    • Southend Museum Service – £39,794
    • The Cromwell Museum – £240,300
    • Peterborough City Council – £168,000
    • Colchester Borough Council – £126,200
    • The Food Museum Ltd – £351,112
    • St Albans Museums – £85,000

    Yorkshire and the Humber:

    • Hull Culture and Leisure – £272,095
    • Sheffield Museums Trust – £708,064
    • Bradford Museums and Galleries – £125,000
    • Wakefield Museums & Pontefract Castle – £82,807
    • York Museums Trust – £1,000,000
    • Leeds Museums and Galleries – £952,000
    • Ilkley Manor House Trust – £16,782
    • Barnsley Museum – £266,273
    • Doncaster Heritage Services – £116,000
  • PRESS RELEASE : Crackdown on rogue traders selling vapes to children [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Crackdown on rogue traders selling vapes to children [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 8 October 2025.

    The government has published a call for evidence to seek expert views on introducing new rules for retailers selling tobacco, vapes and nicotine products.

    • Only shops with licences will be able to sell vapes, tobacco and nicotine products to protect children and clean up high streets as part of Plan for Change
    • Call for evidence also seeks expert views on flavours, ingredients and appearance to tackle youth vaping
    • Proposals will strengthen enforcement, support legitimate businesses and crack down on rogue retailers

    Children will be better protected from the risks of vaping as part of government proposals to introduce new rules for retailers selling tobacco, vapes and nicotine products.

    For the first time, shops would need a licence to sell these products – closing a major gap in the law. Currently, any business can sell tobacco or vapes without one. This has allowed rogue traders to sell illicit products on the high street, often targeted at children with cheap, colourful vapes in shops that sell sweets and toys.

    The proposed new licensing scheme will root out rogue operators, give enforcement officers stronger powers to shut them down and protect legitimate retailers. 

    It is part of a call for evidence published today that will help shape regulations as part of the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will create a smoke-free generation and protect children and young people from a lifetime of addiction.

    The government is also seeking views from experts on the flavours, nicotine strength, and appearance of vapes as part of a series of measures to tackle youth vaping. 

    Health Minister, Stephen Kinnock, said: 

    We aim to close a major gap in the law – making it necessary for shops to hold a licence to sell tobacco, vapes and nicotine products. 

    Our new proposals will better protect children by rooting out the rogue retailers blighting our high streets and help adults know which shops are selling legitimate products. 

    We want expert views on how we can develop the strongest possible regulations to protect our children as part of our Plan for Change, while ensuring adult smokers can still use vapes to quit smoking.

    Only responsible businesses will be allowed to sell tobacco, vapes and nicotine products under the proposals. Those caught breaking the rules face unlimited fines or on-the-spot penalties of £2,500. 

    In addition to licensing, the government’s call for evidence is seeking views from retailers, manufacturers, public health experts, charities, academics and health professionals, as well as members of the public on:

    • flavours and ingredients – to better understand the ingredients, which substances should be allowed in vapes and nicotine products, and what risks their emissions may pose as well as understanding where efforts to control flavours have been successful 
    • nicotine strength – to better understand safe levels for vapes and nicotine pouches so products do not deliver dangerously high doses
    • design and appearance – the size, shape and features of vapes and tobacco-related devices, including whether devices with digital screens should be restricted
    • industry compliance – introducing a new registration system for every tobacco, vape or nicotine product sold in the country. This would help to stop unsafe or misleading products onto the market and give both consumers and retailers greater confidence in what is being sold

    The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is currently progressing through Parliament, will also ban the advertising and sponsorship of vaping and nicotine products, and provide powers for regulating flavours, packaging, and how and where vapes and nicotine products are displayed in shops. 

    A separate consultation on introducing smoke-free and vape-free places, restrictions on vape packaging and changing how and where they are displayed in shops, will follow next year. 

    Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), said:

    The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a world leading piece of legislation with the potential to dramatically change how tobacco and vapes are sold – bringing in a smoke-free generation, taking us closer to a smoke-free country and protecting children from vaping.

    Ensuring the regulations are shaped by the best available evidence is vital to ensure the bill has its intended impact.

    Research from King’s College London and University College London strongly suggests that selling vapes in plain packaging could reduce the number of children taking up vaping while still providing a useful tool for adults to quit smoking. 

    It found 53% of children aged 11 to 18 surveyed felt their peers would be interested in trying vapes when shown branded packaging and flavours but this dropped to 38% with plain packaging and descriptions of flavours. Among adults the interest remained similar. 

    While vaping is less harmful than smoking and can be an effective quit aid for adult smokers, children and adult non-smokers should never vape.

    Background information 

    This call for evidence will inform secondary legislation supporting the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will create a smoke-free generation by preventing anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 from being sold tobacco products. The bill is at committee stage in the House of Lords. 

    Under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill proposals, retailers selling without a licence in England and Wales could face unlimited fines in court or fixed penalties of £2,500, while in Northern Ireland, courts will be able to impose fines of up to £5,000. 

    Retail licensing of tobacco is a popular intervention with retailers and the public. A 2023 ASH report on public support for government action on tobacco showed that 83% of the public support tobacco retail licensing. 

    The detail of the topics captured in the call for evidence, including the licensing scheme, will be subject to a future consultation. 

    Many of the ingredients in e-liquids and nicotine products were originally developed for ingestion, not inhalation after heating or absorption. Furthermore, the law currently allows for a wide variety of shapes, sizes and features among vapes. For example, some vapes can have digital screens, or can look like stationery. We are seeking evidence on where regulation and further restrictions may be necessary.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Record number of gang leaders charged for county lines offences [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Record number of gang leaders charged for county lines offences [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 8 October 2025.

    A record 2,300 ‘deal lines’ closed in first year of this government.

    A record number of gang leaders have been charged for ‘county lines’ offences in the past year following targeted police action through the government’s County Lines Programme.  

    More than 1,120 senior gang members have been charged and over 2,300 ‘deal lines’ closed in the 12 months since July 2024, due to targeted policing of key transport networks and investment in automatic number plate recognition technology.

    This period has seen the highest annual numbers since the government’s County Lines Programme began in 2019. 

    Stabbings in areas most impacted by county lines have also reduced by almost 20% because of the programme, according to a recent independent report by the London School of Economics.

    Tackling this kind of drug supply and criminal exploitation is fundamental to the government’s mission to halve knife crime over the next decade as part of the Plan for Change. 

    And on Tuesday 7 October, Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones joined policing operations that saw a 29 year old man from Kirkby arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. He was taken into police custody. 

    Crime and Policing Minister, Sarah Jones, said: 

    The exploitation of children and vulnerable people in this way is disgusting and cowardly. County lines gangs are also driving knife crime in our communities, and I want criminals to know that we will not let them get away with it. 

    We will be relentless in going after these gangs. Today’s results speak for themselves –but we are going further than ever to stop this evil trade as part of our Plan for Change, and will be bringing in 3 new criminal offences to ensure the punishment matches the severity of the crime.

    In addition to charging and closing record numbers of deal lines, the County Lines Programme has referred over 3,200 children and vulnerable people to supportive services and provided more than 500 instances of specialist, dedicated, one-to-one support through Catch22’s county lines service since last summer.

    The government has already announced that 3 new offences will be brought in as part of the Crime and Policing Bill to build on the progress to date and tackle criminal exploitation of children in all its forms:

    Criminal exploitation of children: this will seek to increase convictions against exploiters, deter gangs from enlisting children, and improve identification of criminally exploited children. It will also provide the police with an additional tool to tackle this kind of offending which reflects more specifically the harm done to child victims, and recognises offenders more clearly as exploiters of children. This offence will carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.  

    Coerced internal concealment: this act sees children and vulnerable people criminally exploited by gangs and forced into hiding objects in their bodies. This practice is often linked to county lines drug running and will also carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. 

    Cuckooing: which involves the takeover of the homes of vulnerable people, often those with disabilities, for criminal purposes. This will carry a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison.  

    Kate Wareham, Strategic Director at Catch22, who deliver the National County Lines and Support and Rescue Service, said:

    We welcome the government’s continued commitment to tackling county lines, which is making a real difference in reducing harm and keeping young people safe – but there is still much more to do to ensure every child is protected from exploitation.

    County lines exploitation can have devastating consequences for young people and communities and is often a driving factor behind serious violence and knife crime. Through the County Lines Support and Rescue Service, we work closely with the police, local authorities and community partners to identify and support children who have been drawn into these criminal networks – some as young as 10 and often found far from home. By building trusted relationships and providing long-term, wraparound support, we help young people to break free from exploitation and rebuild their lives.

    Sue Gregory, CEO of Everton in the Community, said:

    County lines has affected far too many people in Merseyside through the years and we welcome the government’s continued action in this area. Everton in the Community is committed to tackling the issue through its Children and Youth targeted services to prevent young people becoming involved in county lines and educating them about the risks and where to access support. 

    Working alongside the government and other key partners like Merseyside Police, Premier League and Steve Morgan Foundation, Everton in the Community provides diversionary tactics and key engagement and enrichment opportunities which enables our city’s young people to aspire to more positive futures and achieve pathways they may have previously thought were out of reach.

    The government is investing more than £43 million this year in the County Lines Programme, to target the exploitative drug-dealing gangs whilst breaking up the organised crime groups behind this trade. Operating across the 5 force areas with the highest activity as well as British Transport Police, dedicated police teams work alongside Catch22 and organisations like Everton Football Club ‘In the Community’, who raise awareness on county lines and provide specialist support to vulnerable young people who are being criminally exploited.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK calls out Russian occupation of Georgian territory [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK calls out Russian occupation of Georgian territory [October 2025]

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

    The UK has reaffirmed its support for Georgian sovereignty at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and called out Russian occupation of Georgian territory.

    The UK has reaffirmed its support for Georgian sovereignty during a session at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. The UK continues to be a strong supporter of UN Human Rights Council Resolution 60/16 on “Cooperation with Georgia”.

    The resolution highlights the ongoing human rights violations and humanitarian concerns resulting from Russia’s continued occupation of Georgian territory. 

    Minister of State Stephen Doughty said:

    For 17 years, Russia’s unlawful military grip on Abkhazia and South Ossetia has defied international law and denied ethnic Georgians their basic human rights. This occupation must end.

    Russia must withdraw its forces, reverse its recognition of these so-called independent regions, and open the door to international human rights monitors. Every displaced person – regardless of ethnicity – deserves the right to return home in safety, dignity, and peace.