Tag: 2025

PRESS RELEASE : MP Paul Waugh visits Littleborough Flood Scheme as construction continues [September 2025]

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 1 September 2025.

MP for Rochdale, Paul Waugh, has viewed progress of the scheme during a site visit. Once complete, the scheme will better protect 337 homes and 185 businesses.

Work on the Littleborough Flood Risk Management Scheme continues to progress in 2025, with construction activity under way across key sites. The scheme is designed to reduce flood risk to homes, businesses, and community facilities that have been previously affected by severe flooding.

As part of his visit, Rochdale MP Paul Waugh toured several active construction areas and met with project staff to see first-hand how the scheme is developing.

He was shown the advancing works on the Gale West reservoir outlet structure, where the concrete outlet is taking shape and protective trash screens are being installed to maintain a steady flow of water and prevent blockages.

Mr Waugh also viewed the development of the new River Roch diversion, a channel designed to carry water from the existing river course into the reservoir once complete. Here, the construction of robust clay embankments along Greenvale Business Park and the railway line is also taking place, which will form the key boundaries of the reservoir and play a vital role in its long-term resilience.

Paul Waugh, Rochdale’s MP, said:

We know all too well in Rochdale and Littleborough the devastation caused by floods like the one we had in 2015.

So it was encouraging to see firsthand the progress made on this huge engineering project, which will protect so many homes and vital local businesses from future floods.

The EA team and VolkerStevin engineers explained the complexities of the project but also their commitment to try to protect local residents as much as possible from the noise of the works and the loss of amenities such as footpaths and trees.

Neil Johnson, Project Manager at the Environment Agency Said:

The Littleborough Flood Risk Management Scheme is making good progress and it was a pleasure to show Mr Waugh the latest construction works.

Once complete, the scheme will better protect homes and businesses in the area from flooding, while also improving resilience to future climate challenges.

For more information and updates on the scheme, visit the Flood Hub or download the Volker Engage app, which allows residents and businesses to receive regular construction updates and share feedback directly with the project team.

September 2, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Regulator opens next phase of investigation into 105 charities connected to company cashing cheques [September 2025]
The press release issued by the Charity Commission on 1 September 2025.

The Charity Commission has announced the next 10 charities entering a class inquiry it opened in May 2025.

Earlier this year, the Charity Commission for England and Wales announced a statutory class inquiry into a group of charities where there is evidence that they have issued cheques which were then exchanged for cash.

Following an unannounced visit by HMRC to a company in Hackney, 105 charities were found to have cashed cheques with it to a value of £22 million between December 2021 and March 2023.

In May 2025 the Commission announced the inquiry and the details of first 10 charities entered into it.

The Commission has now extended this inquiry to include the following 10 charities:
Using powers available to the Commission during an inquiry, the regulator will determine the facts around how these charities have transferred funds. It will also investigate how trustees had oversight of what happened to funds exchanged for the cheques, and if this cash has been used properly to support what the charities were set up to do. The Commission will seek to establish how trustees determined that these financial transactions were in their charity’s best interests.

The regulator has issued an immediate order to temporarily stop any of the charities under inquiry from issuing cheques without its prior consent.

The scope of the inquiry may also be extended if additional regulatory issues emerge during the Commission’s investigation.

Notes to editors:
1. The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its ambition is to be an expert regulator that is fair, balanced, and independent so that charity can thrive. This ambition will help to create and sustain an environment where charities further build public trust and ultimately fulfil their essential role in enhancing lives and strengthening society. Find out more: About us – The Charity Commission – GOV.UK
2. A statutory inquiry is a legal power enabling the Commission to formally investigate matters of regulatory concern within a charity, or class of charities and to use protective powers for the benefit of the charity and its beneficiaries, assets, or reputation. An inquiry will investigate and establish the facts of the case so that the Commission can determine the extent of any misconduct and/or mismanagement; the extent of the risk to the charity, its work, property, beneficiaries, employees or volunteers; and decide what action is needed to resolve the concerns.
3. The Commission published a press release on gov.uk to announce the first tranche of charities which entered the class inquiry.
4. The latest charities entered the inquiry in July and August 2025.
September 1, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : War against tree beetle sees eradications around England [September 2025]
The press release issued by the Forestry Commission on 1 September 2025.

Killer spruce tree pest has now been successfully eradicated from all 13 outbreak sites in England identified in 2021.

The government’s world-leading eradication programme has successfully eradicated the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle from all outbreak sites in England that were identified in 2021, it has been revealed today (Monday 1 September).

The eight-toothed spruce bark beetle known as Ips typographus is a serious pest of spruce trees in Europe which was first identified in the UK in 2018. It prefers stressed or dying trees but under the right conditions it can attack healthy trees.

Successful elimination by the Forestry Commission at the 13 outbreak sites follows three years of monitoring on site for beetle presence, gathering data and carrying out regular surveillance to determine eradication and prevent the establishment of breeding beetles. This illustrates that the policy approach and operational activity led by the Forestry Commission and Forest Research is proving successful in limiting the risk of the pest establishing in the UK. If left unmanaged, the pest could significantly threaten Great Britain’s forestry and timber industries putting an estimated 725,000 hectares of spruce, with a value of £2.9 billion, at risk of infestation and damage. 725,000 hectares is an area the size of Cumbria.

Continued vigilance is urged, however, following a new very small finding in July which has been identified in Lincolnshire. This was identified as part of continued surveillance to identify outbreaks. Current evidence suggests outbreaks are the results from blow over of the pest from the European mainland where it is endemic. There is no evidence of spread – or of impacts on healthy spruce – in the UK. We’re urging landowners and land managers to report any Ips typographus sightings immediately via Tree Alert to help reduce the risk of the pest spreading.

Defra Chief Plant Health Officer Professor Nicola Spence said:

“We are very encouraged by the fact that our world-leading programme has successfully eradicated the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle from 2021 outbreak sites.

“We are seeing with a changing climate an ever increasing risk from pests and diseases and it requires a huge effort by the Plant Health Service to manage outbreaks.”

Forestry Commission Director of Forest Services Dr Anna Brown said:

“The success of our eradication and monitoring programme shows that we are managing to keep this pest from establishing in England, but this takes a huge amount of effort and the continued support of the woodland and forestry sector.

“Spruce is important for our current timber security, and it is vital that we remain vigilant, especially with this warm weather which results in a heightened risk of trees becoming stressed and more vulnerable to pest and disease threats. There is no evidence of spread within the UK, but all landowners and land managers should continue to check the health of spruce trees on their land.”

Woodland managers, landowners and the forestry sector are urged to remain on guard following recent weather conditions which mean there is an increased risk of an Ips typographus infestation, and to continue to comply with ongoing restrictions for movement of spruce material and methods of forest operations in the Demarcated Area.

Additional information:
- After eradication, outbreak sites are monitored for beetle presence over three years, gathering data and carrying out regular surveillance activities. Extensive surveillance on these sites shows no ongoing presence of breeding Ips typographus, following exhaustive removal of susceptible spruce on each site to prevent establishment and onward spread.
- All outbreak sites are subject to robust eradication action in line with the Ips typographus contingency plan.
- Landowners, land managers and timber processors are encouraged to report any sightings immediately via Tree Alert to help reduce the risk of the pest spreading.
- A grant is available within the Proactive Spruce Removal Area as part of the Tree Health Pilot.
- A map indicating the ‘Proactive Spruce Removal area’ is available via this link.
- An updated Outbreak Sites Summary Map is available via this link
- Defra will host a workshop later this year, to continue to exchange knowledge with the international plant health community on innovative and technological solutions for managing bark beetle pests.
- Volunteers from England, Wales and Scotland who have spruce growing in woodland that they own or manage, and who are willing to host and collect samples by installing a spruce bark beetle trap, are wanted for a national monitoring project to help prevent the potential spread of Ips typographus. This project is run by Forest Research, Forestry Commission and the Sylva Foundation. By taking part in this project, you can become part of an early warning system and help prompt action to be taken to limit the impacts of this pest.
- A new Spruce Site Assessment grant is set to be launched to accelerate the removal of susceptible spruce across the highest risk areas to support landowners through the process of removing spruce from their land. This will help landowners gather information on what spruce is on their land, its condition and the associated costs of removing it as well as any grant funding they may be eligible for.
- More details will be announced in the autumn.
September 1, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister appoints Chief Secretary and Chief Economic Advisor [September 2025]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 September 2025.

Today the Prime Minister is bolstering the Downing Street operation as this government delivers on the country’s priorities: growth people feel in their pockets, secure borders, and getting the NHS back on its feet.

The return of parliament marks a new term and a ramping up of the next phase of this government’s domestic agenda– relentless delivery on our Plan for Change.

The Prime Minister has today appointed Rt Hon Darren Jones MP as the Chief Secretary (Minister of State) to the Prime Minister and No10 Downing Street.

The Chief Secretary role is a new appointment which will work collaboratively across UK Government to drive forward progress in key policy areas, reporting directly to the Prime Minister.

The Ministerial role, based within No10 Downing Street, will directly oversee work across Government to support the delivery of the Prime Minister’s priorities and the Government’s Plan for Change.

The Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister (Minister of State) will attend Cabinet.

In addition, the Prime Minister has directly appointed Baroness Shafik as his Chief Economic Advisor to support the Prime Minister on economic affairs. This role and the additional expertise will support the Government to go further and faster in driving economic growth and raising living standards for all.

Baroness (Minouche) Shafik is a world leading economist, whose career has straddled public policy and academia.

She served as the Permanent Secretary of the UK’s Department for International Development, Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund and Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, where she sat on the monetary, financial and prudential policy committees.

She was also President and Vice Chancellor of the London School of Economics and Columbia University and taught at the Wharton Business School and Georgetown University.

She was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2015 and became a crossbench peer in the House of Lords in 2020.

September 1, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Ministerial Appointments [September 2025]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 September 2025.

The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments:
- The Rt Hon Darren Jones MP as Minister of State (Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister) at the Cabinet Office.
- James Murray MP as Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
- Daniel Tomlinson MP as a Parliamentary Secretary (Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury) in His Majesty’s Treasury.
Background:

Darren Jones and James Murray will attend Cabinet.
September 1, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor appoints growth adviser Professor John Van Reenen [September 2025]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 1 September 2025.

Professor John Van Reenen has been appointed by the Chancellor as an adviser on economic growth.
- John Van Reenen will help deliver the government’s mission to kickstart economic growth and raise living standards right across the country, under the Plan for Change.
- London School of Economics Professor will advise the Chancellor, as a productivity expert.
- Part-time unpaid appointment starts in September and will last for 12 months.
He previously worked as Chair of the Chancellor’s Council of Economic Advisers before returning to his role as Ronald Coase School Professor at the London School of Economics. John will now report directly to the Chancellor as a direct ministerial appointment, continuing to focus on the Plan for Change’s growth mission.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said:

We have fixed the foundations by securing economic stability, delivering three major trade deals and becoming the fastest growing economy in the G7 – but we still have work to do to build an economy that works for working people.

John’s continued commitment will help us deliver the government’s mission to kickstart economic growth and raise living standards right across the country.

He brings extensive experience from his background in academia where he has focussed on productivity, how companies perform, and the impact of innovation, as well as from his year supporting the government’s growth mission in his prior tole.

John Van Reenen said:

I am delighted to continue working with the Chancellor in this advisory role – utilising my research and experience to help drive forward productivity, investment and ultimately growth into the UK.

John will work one day a week without pay. The appointment will begin in September and last for 12 months. (The appointment may be extended.)

Established processes for the declaration and management of interests have been followed in respect of this appointment. The Terms of Reference for this appointment can be found here: Terms of reference: John Van Reenen (PDF, 41.3 KB, 1 page).
September 1, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Over half a million children to benefit from funded childcare [September 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 1 September 2025.

The government has delivered its pledge to fund childcare for 30 hours a week – saving parents £7,500 a year per child, and putting more money in their pockets.

Take-up is expected to be over and above initial projections, with over half a million kids on track to be more school ready by age 5 as we give every child the best start in life.

This also delivers a boost to economic growth as exclusive new government polling finding nearly a third (29%) of parents say the support will enable them to up their work hours.

The economic benefits will be felt more widely, helping businesses keep skilled staff and widen the talent pool available to boost productivity and raise living standards – two critical parts of the government’s mission to grow the economy.

Welcomed by business leaders like the British Chambers of Commerce, this is an investment in the next generation, breaking down barriers to opportunity so that every child, regardless of where they are from, gets the best start in life so they can go on to succeed at school, enter high-quality jobs, and contribute to the country’s future prosperity.

For grandparents who provide childcare support during the working week, the expansion is making a difference – allowing them to step back from daily duties and enjoy quality time with their grandchildren, while parents return to work with confidence.

This comes as polling shows over 9 in 10 families have secured one of their top three preferred providers, backed by our support for the sector to ensure it can keep up with the increased uptake in places, with total funding rising to £9 billion next year.

As we unblock the barriers that have held children back, today parents will be able to access an all-new Best Start in Life website to offer support beyond the nursery door, with everything they need to give their children the best start in their early years and beyond.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

Launching 30 hours of free childcare is a promise made and a promise delivered. It’s a landmark moment for working families across the country, and a clear sign that our Plan for Change is not just words – it’s action.

We said we’d put money back in working parents’ pockets and give children the best start in life, and today we’re doing just that.

And we’re not stopping here. With the launch of beststartinlife.gov.uk, we’re giving families the tools, advice and confidence they need to raise happy, healthy children – wherever they’re born and whatever their background.

The Best Start in Life website brings together trusted information, guidance, and support into one place where parents will be able to check what childcare help they’re eligible for, find their local family services, sign up for tailored weekly updates, and access advice from everything from pregnancy to preparing a child for school.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

Today shows what change looks like – mums, dads and carers with pounds back in their pockets, children getting the best start in life, and the British economy given a huge boost.

It was never going to be easy, but against all odds we’ve delivered through our Plan for Change.

And this is just the beginning. My vision for early years goes beyond this milestone. I want access to high-quality early years for every single family that needs it, without strings and without unfair charges.

Over the next few years, that is my commitment to parents.

We know more hours spent in formal early years education means more children are ready to start school. This leads to better outcomes for children, more opportunities to lift their life chances and stronger social cohesion that binds us all together. It’s vital that we get this right, so the government is determined to go further and faster – making access to high-quality childcare a right, where previously it was either unaffordable or out of reach.

A recent Coram survey shows the real difference these reforms are already making – with costs for families accessing 15 hours more than halved.

And with government championing the High Court’s ruling that access to the 30 hours must be without mandatory additional unfair charges, experiences for parents are only set to keep improving.

Victoria, from Gloucester, credits the 30 hours for her ability to balance being a single mother, and full-time headteacher:

The impact of the government-funded hours on women is huge.

I work five days a week without any family support. The government-funded hours are going to save me about £600 a month, but they also mean I can continue my career.

Without them, I’d likely have to cut my working hours. This rollout is a significant step forward in women’s rights and workplace participation.

In the months ahead, the Best Start in Life website will expand with new guidance and content, becoming a go-to destination for families navigating the early years and beyond – so they can play their vital role in getting their children school-ready.

Helen Donohoe, Head of Coram PACEY comments:

We welcome the Government’s expansion of the funded early years offer, which from September will enable more working families to access high-quality early education and childcare for children from nine months right up until school.

Childminders, in particular, are a fantastic choice for our youngest children and babies, providing a flexible and nurturing “home from home” environment that supports children’s early learning, wellbeing and development. That early support goes beyond education – childminders often become a lifeline offering care, advice and support to families when it’s needed most.

This expansion is a positive step towards giving every child the best start in life and improving access and affordability for families, while creating opportunities for early years providers to grow and strengthen their role in the community.

Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said:

The further rollout of free childcare in England is a welcome development for businesses, employees and the wider economy.

Our research shows too many people feel they have missed out on career progression because of the difficulty in finding affordable quality childcare. Others have quit their jobs, because of the pressures of juggling family and work life.

Removing barriers to employment is a crucial ingredient to help businesses drive forward economic growth.

Ensuring parents can access childcare where and when they need it, will help firms recruit and retain skilled employees, who are at the heart of thriving businesses.

September 1, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : New measures to tackle fraud come into effect [September 2025]
The press release issued by the Home Office on 1 September 2025.

New corporate criminal offence of ‘failure to prevent fraud’ will hold large organisations to account if they profit from fraud.

Businesses will benefit from a new corporate criminal offence of ‘failure to prevent fraud’, designed to drive an anti-fraud culture and improve business confidence.

Introduced as part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCT) 2023, the offence, which comes into effect today (Monday 1 September), will hold large organisations to account if they profit from fraud. It forms part of wider measures introduced by the government to tackle fraud and protect the UK economy, as part of the Plan for Change.

The offence of ‘failure to prevent fraud’ follows major steps forward on fraud prevention including:
- pushing forward with a ban on SIM farms – technical devices which facilitate fraud on an industrial scale
- a bilateral agreement with the insurance sector
- adopting the first ever UN resolution on fraud
Under the new law, which was passed with cross-Parliament support, large organisations can be held criminally liable where an employee, agent, subsidiary, or other ‘associated person’ commits a fraud intending to benefit the organisation.

Examples may include:
- dishonest sales practices
- hiding important information from consumers or investors
- dishonest practices in financial markets
In the event of prosecution, an organisation will now have to demonstrate to the court that it had reasonable fraud prevention measures in place at the time the fraud was committed.

The offence is intended to encourage organisations to build an anti-fraud culture, in the same way that failure to prevent bribery legislation has helped reshape corporate culture since its introduction in 2010.

Throughout the implementation period, businesses have been supported with guidance advising on the new offence, ensuring they take action to prevent fraud.

With recent ONS figures finding that fraud increased last year by 31%, the government has placed key focus on tackling this issue. Plans are developing at speed ahead of the publication of a new, expanded fraud strategy, which places tackling fraud against business at its heart.

Fraud Minister Lord Hanson said:

Fraud is a shameful crime, and we are determined to bring those responsible to justice wherever it takes place.

Today marks a pivotal moment for businesses, and this new offence strengthens our anti-fraud culture to protect businesses, build corporate trust, and support long-term economic growth, a cornerstone of this government’s Plan for Change.

I look forward to continuing our work with partners, as we publish our new, expanded fraud strategy, which places fraud against business at its heart.

The Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP, said:

Fraud undermines our British values of fairness and playing by the rules. It hurts individuals and businesses, and harms business confidence.

This new legislation sends a clear message that large organisations must take responsibility for preventing fraud, and those that fail to do so will be prosecuted with the full force of the law.

This government is committed to protecting our economy and we’re determined that those who don’t play by the rules will be brought to book.

Nick Ephgrave QPM, Director of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), said:

This is a significant new tool for prosecutors to tackle serious and complex fraud which damages UK business and undermines our economy.

The SFO is ready to act if corporates fail to comply with their new responsibilities.

Hannah von Dadelszen, Chief Crown Prosecutor leading on fraud and economic crime for the CPS, said:

The new law represents a major step forward in holding to account those who commit corporate crime.

Large organisations must act to put robust fraud prevention systems in place or leave themselves open to legal action.

The CPS will not hesitate to prosecute where companies fail in their responsibility to prevent fraud and where the Code for Crown Prosecutors test is met.
September 1, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Cutting-edge rail ticket technology to be trialled across the Midlands and North [September 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 1 September 2025.

Passengers can sign up for digital rail ticket trials on East Midlands Rail and Northern trains.
- new location-based digital ticketing trial starts on East Midlands Railway between Leicester, Derby and Nottingham
- passengers taking part will pay the best fare for their journey by checking in and out on an app tracking their travel
- the government is delivering on its promise to make ticketing simpler and more flexible for passengers
Passengers across the East Midlands can now benefit from simpler and more flexible tickets, with the launch of new digital trials.

From today (1 September 2025), rail passengers travelling between Leicester, Derby and Nottingham will be able to take part in these trials, with more taking place in conjunction with Northern Trains in Yorkshire from the end of September.

The digital ticketing trials will allow passengers to check in and check out seamlessly on rail journeys, using a location-identifying app on their phone. The app will track journeys using GPS (Global Positioning System) technology and then automatically charge passengers the best fare at the end of the day. For ticket inspections and to go through ticket barriers, a unique bar code will pop up in the app to be scanned.

This technology replaces the need for paper tickets or more commonly used mobile tickets using QR codes bought online or in-app ahead of your journey. Doing away with the need to plan and book journeys in advance, the app tracks your journey and determines which trains you took, detecting when you’ve left the rail network.

Up to 4,000 passengers can take part in these trials by simply signing up via the relevant train operator’s website, taking advantage of simpler and more flexible train travel, and a guarantee of the best value fare on the day.

This technology has already been tested widely in Switzerland, Denmark and Scotland, however, this marks the first time these trials are being brought to England’s rail network.

This demonstrates the government’s commitment to boosting passenger experience and trialling innovative technology to encourage more people to choose rail. By saving both time and money on thousands of journeys, digital ticketing will help improve living standards and make working people better off – delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.

Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said:

The railway ticketing system is far too complicated and long overdue an upgrade to bring it into the 21st century. Through these trials, we’re doing just that and making buying tickets more convenient, more accessible and more flexible. By putting passenger experience at the heart of our decision making, we’re modernising fares and ticketing and making it simpler and easier for people to choose rail.

Through our Plan for Change, we’re delivering growth in every corner of the country and passengers across the Midlands and North will see real change in buying their train travel from today.

Oli Cox, Head of Commercial Strategy and Business Planning at East Midlands Railway, said:

We’re delighted to announce the launch of our digital pay-as-you-go trial. We’ve had a fantastic response from customers keen to take part – with more than 500 people registering their interest so far.

We know that complex fares can be a real barrier to travel, but this trial removes that uncertainty, making it easy to simply tap in and out on your phone, safe in the knowledge you’re always getting the best-value fare on the day.

It is exciting to be one of the first train operating companies to trial this new technology, and we’re looking forward to hearing from customers as they start using the app to travel between Derby, Nottingham and Leicester in the months ahead. There is still time for customers to sign up and try it for themselves and anyone interested should visit our website for more details.

Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said:

Since I first stood to be Mayor, it’s been my ambition to introduce integrated, tap on and off ticketing technology across the region. I’m, therefore, very pleased to see this first step towards simpler and more flexible train tickets being trialled by East Midlands Rail.

It’s important to me that residents have automatic access to the best value for money when travelling. I urge anyone who uses this line regularly to register their interest and give it a go.

With full public transport responsibilities being devolved to me in 2026, I look forward to hearing the feedback from East Midlands Rail and working together in the future to make easier journeys possible for everyone in the East Midlands.

From the end of September, thousands more passengers will be able to take advantage of the simplified ticketing, with trials running on Northern services to Harrogate, Leeds, Sheffield, Doncaster and Barnsley.

Northern passengers are already moving to modern ticketing, with January figures showing Northern hit a monthly average of almost 78% usage of mobile tickets and reached a single-day high of 89%. In June last year, Northern reported the growing preference for mobile tickets amongst its passengers had led to a reduction of 2.3 million orange ‘magstripe’ tickets across the previous 12 months.

Alex Hornby, Commercial and Customer Director, Northern, said:

These trials mark an important step forward in simplifying rail travel and making the experience as frictionless as possible for our customers.

By trialling digital pay-as-you-go technology on some of our routes, we’re helping to shape a future where hopping on a train is as easy as tapping in and out. We thank the customers who have registered to participate in the trials on our routes later this year and we hope more will come forward to play their part in modernising how people travel by rail in the North.

Backed by nearly £1 million of government funding, the trials are part of plans to modernise our transport system, putting passenger experience at the heart of every journey and encouraging more people to take the train – building on the government’s mission to deliver growth.

The government is delivering the biggest overhaul of the railways in a generation through the creation of Great British Railways, which will help to deliver better and more reliable services for passengers.
September 1, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Major boost for Scottish shipbuilding as Norway selects UK warships [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Scotland Office on 31 August 2025.

£10 billion boost expected to support 103 Scottish businesses including 54 small and medium enterprises.
- Major partnership with Norway set to secure 2,000 jobs in Scotland until the late 2030s with a further 2,000 roles sustained across the wider UK supply chain.
- Deal will see a combined fleet of 13 Anti-Submarine Warfare frigates – eight British and at least five Norwegian – operate jointly in Northern Europe, significantly strengthening NATO’s northern flank
Billions of pounds will be pumped into the Scottish economy following Norway’s decision to select Glasgow-built warships for their Armed Forces – securing thousands of jobs in Scotland for years to come.

The UK will supply Norway with Type 26 frigates in a historic deal worth £10 billion announced today, cementing Scotland’s position as a world leader in naval shipbuilding, and on the government’s Plan for Change.

The deal supports 2,000 jobs at BAE Systems’ shipyards in Glasgow and a further 2,000 roles across the UK maritime supply chain until the late 2030s. The agreement is expected to support 103 Scottish businesses which includes 54 small and medium enterprises

Norway’s selection of the UK’s world leading Type 26 frigates builds on decades of close cooperation between NATO allies and strengthens both nations’ strategic partnership and maritime security in the face of increasing Russian threats in northern Europe. Both Australia and Canada have also bought a licence to build their own ships based on the Type 26 design for their Navies.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

“This £10 billion deal is what our Plan for Change is about – creating jobs, driving growth and protecting national security for working people.

“This government has forged new partnerships across the world to deliver for people at home and the export of our world leading Type 26 frigates to Norway will do exactly that, supporting well-paid jobs up and down the United Kingdom, from apprentices to engineers.

“This success is testament to the thousands of people across the country who are not just delivering this next generation capabilities for our Armed Forces but also national security for the UK, our Norwegian partners and NATO for years to come.”

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said:

“Norway’s decision to choose Scottish-built frigates demonstrates the tremendous success of our shipbuilding industry and showcases the world-class skills and expertise of our workforce on the Clyde.

“This contract is another ‘defence dividend’ for Scotland and supports thousands of jobs and reinforces Scotland’s vital contribution to both UK prosperity and international security. The deal demonstrates that when we back Scottish industry, it delivers for communities, workers, and our allies.”

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

“For over 75 years, Britain and Norway have stood together on NATO’s northern and north-eastern frontiers, keeping the UK and Europe safe. This historic defence deal deepens our strategic partnership.

“With Norway, we will train, operate, deter, and – if necessary – fight together. Our navies will work as one, leading the way in NATO, with this deal putting more world-class warships in the North Atlantic to hunt Russian submarines, protect our critical infrastructure, and keep both our nations secure.

“This deal confirms Scotland’s place as a world leader in shipbuilding. It will support 2,000 high-skilled jobs in Scotland for the next 15 years and beyond, driving forward this Government’s Plan for Change and making defence an engine for growth.”

The frigates are designed for anti-submarine warfare – strengthening the strategic partnership and maritime security of both nations in the face of increasing Russian threats in northern Europe.

The decision comes ahead of a new UK-Norway defence agreement that will bolster Euro-Atlantic security while bringing the two defence industries closer together to boost jobs, growth, and innovation.
August 31, 2025