Tag: 2025

PRESS RELEASE : Boost for UK Growth and Security as Norway Selects UK Warships in £10 billion partnership [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 31 August 2025.

Billions of pounds will be pumped into the UK economy following Norway’s decision to select British warships for their Armed Forces – securing thousands of jobs in Britain for years to come.
- Major export deal sustains 4,000 UK jobs including more than 2,000 in Scotland.
- £10 billion boost to UK economy is expected to support more than 400 British companies, delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change.
- Norway’s biggest ever defence procurement 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 UK economy following Norway’s decision to select British warships for their Armed Forces – securing thousands of jobs in Britain for years to come.

The UK, in its biggest ever warship export deal by value, will supply Norway with Type 26 frigates designed for anti-submarine warfare in the deal worth £10 billion announced today, a clear example of this Government is delivering on its Plan for Change.

The deal will support 4,000 jobs across the UK supply chain until well into the 2030s, including more than 2,000 at BAE Systems’ Glasgow shipyards. The programme is also expected to support 432 business, including 222 small and medium enterprises, across the UK including 103 in Scotland, 47 in the North West of England and 35 in the West Midlands.

Norway’s selection of the UK’s world leading Type 26 frigates builds on decades of close cooperation between close 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 selected the design for Type 26 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.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Støre said:

Norway and the United Kingdom are close allies, with common interests and strong bilateral ties. I am confident that the strategic partnership with the UK for purchasing, developing and operating frigates is the right decision.

This partnership enables Norway to reach the strategic objectives our Parliament set out in the current Long-Term Plan on Defence.

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

Norway’s operation of identical Type 26 ships alongside the Royal Navy hails the deepening of a long term-strategic relationship that will see a combined fleet of 13 Anti-Submarine Warfare frigates – eight British and at least five Norwegian – to detect, classify, track and defeat hostile submarines – significantly reinforcing NATO’s northern flank.

This ambitious partnership will also cover shared maintenance, extensive crew training, in-service support and personnel exchanges.

As outlined in this year’s Strategic Defence Review, Norway remains one of the United Kingdom’s most valued strategic allies, serving as the only nation participating in the UK Carrier Strike Group’s complete 2025 deployment whilst also collaborating with the UK and NATO partners in safeguarding critical undersea infrastructure in Northern Europe.

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 Britain’s defence industry as world-leading. It will support thousands of high-skilled jobs for the next 15 years and beyond, driving forward this Government’s Plan for Change and making defence an engine for growth.

On behalf of Team UK industry partners, Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive of BAE Systems, said:

The Norwegian Government’s decision reflects its confidence in British industry’s ability to deliver a superior anti-submarine warfare platform, together with systems and equipment, that will support its future maritime security and reinforce its position within NATO.

We look forward to playing our part in further strengthening the strategic partnership between the UK and Norway, as we work together with Norwegian industry to deliver this important capability to the Royal Norwegian Navy.

The Type 26 features sophisticated weapons, advanced sensors, and cutting-edge communications, with a flexible design that enables future upgrades to counter emerging threats.
August 31, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK announces new support for women and girls in Gaza [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 August 2025.

UK announces new life-saving support for pregnant women and new mothers, and menstrual hygiene kits for thousands of women and girls.
- Foreign Secretary calls for a full resumption of aid into Gaza, as women and girls risk pregnancy complications and disease
- It comes amid ‘catastrophic’ humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with ‘women and girls bearing the brunt of the suffering’
Against a backdrop of an appalling humanitarian crisis, the UK has pledged vital funding to deploy midwives and deliver emergency medical supplies for new mothers in Gaza. The aid could reach thousands—but only if Israel allows a substantial increase in vital humanitarian access.

The announcement comes after the Famine Review Committee confirmed famine in parts of Gaza.

The UK reiterates that the Israeli government’s refusal to allow sufficient aid into Gaza has caused this man-made catastrophe and urges it to take action to improve the situation immediately.

The Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

“The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic, with famine in Gaza City and women and girls bearing the brunt of the suffering. The UK is doing all we can to improve the situation but we remain crystal clear: for aid to have impact, Israel must ensure it is allowed in and delivered safely and securely to civilians in desperate need.

“Gaza’s healthcare system has been decimated. With ongoing strikes on healthcare centres and most hospitals no longer functioning at all, pregnant women will be extremely anxious about giving birth safely.

“That’s why we’re announcing this support today as part of our sustained humanitarian assistance to the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

“This new funding will help improve midwifery provisions and make giving birth safer. It is critical to improving the situation for mothers and their new-born babies.

“But this funding can only have maximum impact if the Government of Israel allows it. Israel must ensure protection of civilians including healthcare staff and health infrastructure, and enable the delivery of life saving medicines, medical equipment and healthcare supplies into Gaza.

“We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, a surge in aid and a framework to deliver long-term peace.”

UK funding is set to support some of the 130 women who give birth every day against the backdrop of conflict in Gaza. This £3m funding, delivered through the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency (UNFPA) is supporting midwives to provide essential lifesaving care for mothers and newborn babies in conflicts and crises.

UNFPA is providing life-saving reproductive health supplies for women and girls in Gaza. Since the conflict began, UNFPA has reached over one million people with sexual and productive health services and gender-based violence prevention and response support.

It has also ensured that over 150,000 women and girls have been able to purchase essential menstrual and hygiene items to meet their basic needs.

Laila Baker, UNFPA Arab States Regional Director said:

“Women and girls are enduring increasingly horrific conditions in Gaza – with widespread malnutrition and disease putting the lives of pregnant and breastfeeding women and their babies at particular risk.

“This vital contribution from the United Kingdom will support UNFPA in providing lifesaving medicines, deploying mobile maternity units, and supporting midwives across the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

“With one in five babies in Gaza born prematurely or underweight, and maternal and neonatal services collapsing from fuel and supply shortages, UNFPA also reiterates its urgent call for unimpeded, sustained and demilitarized humanitarian aid into the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”

The FCDO is also working with Oxfam GB to distribute Reemi’s zero waste menstrual hygiene products that are suitable for women and girls with limited access to clean water. In incredibly difficult circumstances, Oxfam and local partners distributed over 5,000 Reemi kits in Northern Gaza in early 2025.

Background
- The UK is committed to supporting humanitarian efforts in Gaza and has announced £60m in humanitarian funding for the Occupied Palestinian Territories so far, this financial year.
- Earlier this month the UK government announced additional funding for UN agency UNOCHA’s pooled fund, to help deliver food, water and fuel to areas most in need and called on Israel to allow safe and large-scale access for the UN, its agencies and humanitarian partners to deliver aid on the ground.
- This support from the UK government builds on its previous support for UNFPA’s humanitarian response in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including for reproductive health kits, mobile health teams, and services for gender-based-violence survivors.
- UK support has helped UNFPA and its partners reach tens of thousands of women and girls with vital health and protection services.
August 31, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Government to crackdown on bad behaviour and boost attendance [August 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 31 August 2025.

Education Secretary makes back-to-school call for parents to ensure children are in the classroom ready to learn.

Hundreds of thousands of children will benefit from improved attendance, calmer classrooms and government support as the Education Secretary tells parents to join a united effort to get children at their desks and ready to learn.

Bridget Phillipson is starting the new school year by calling time on bad behaviour as shocking new data shows seven out of every 30 classroom minutes are lost to kids kicking off.

The Department for Education has today (Sunday 31 August 2025) unveiled a game-changing package of support for schools to help tackle the behaviour and attendance crisis, but the Education Secretary warns “when it comes to getting kids in and behaving – this includes mums, dads and carers too”.

It’s part of the government’s Plan for Change mission to break the link between background and success through education, which is already turning the tide on attendance with five million more days in the classroom and 140,000 fewer pupils persistently absent last year.

This signals the biggest year-on-year improvement in attendance in a decade, equivalent to 1,000 classes of children learning full time for a year – estimated to protect over £2 billion in pupils’ future earnings.

This new school term the Education Secretary is determined that mums and dads also need to do more as the scale of this government’s inheritance has been laid bare. The latest behaviour survey, covering the 2023/24 academic year shows a staggering majority (78%) of teachers reported that poor behaviour had a negative impact on their health and wellbeing.

Further action to tackle this will begin from the start of the new term, as 800 schools – responsible for around 600,000 pupils – will benefit from new RISE Attendance and Behaviour Hubs.

Across the whole programme, 5,000 schools are set to benefit, with 500 of those in most need receiving intensive, targeted help.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

I am calling on parents, schools and families to join us in playing their part to get children in class and ready to learn for the start of the new school term.

We have already made progress with five million more days in school this year and are backing parents and supporting schools through our Plan for Change. But we all need to do more, and when it comes to getting kids in and behaving – this includes mums, dads and carers too.

We know what works – strong leadership, consistent attendance and schools standing shoulder to shoulder with families. That’s why we’re investing in proven expertise so that schools facing the biggest challenges can get the support they need.

The programme will share proven strategies from school leaders that have successfully turned attendance and behaviour around.

This work will be supported by Tom Bennett and Jayne Lowe, announced today as new Attendance and Behaviour Ambassadors to play a key role in ensuring the sector’s voice is reflected in shaping the programme.

DfE Attendance and Behaviour Ambassador Tom Bennett, said:

Every child deserves a school that is safe and calm, where they can be treated with dignity- and so do all school staff.

We’re drawing on the professional experience of some of the best schools in England that have successfully created exactly that.

By helping to build relationships between these schools and their peers, we’ll be building a national network of expertise that can change the futures for generations of children.

DfE Attendance and Behaviour Ambassador Jayne Lowe:

This role is a real privilege, and I can’t wait to work with colleagues across the sector to ensure every child feels connected, supported, and inspired in school.

All children deserve to belong in school, and I am committed to helping schools create safe, inclusive environments where they can thrive.

It is vital that schools hit the ground running in September. I urge school and MAT leaders to prioritise culture-setting with pupils and families.”

The Department for Education’s forthcoming schools white paper will set out plans to crack down on bad behaviour – giving schools support and continued accountability while recognising the vital role that parents and families have to play.

This government’s mission is to give every child – from early years to leaving school – the Best Start in Life.

That is why we are delivering free breakfast clubs across the country, expanding mental health support in schools, investing £1.4 billion to fix the crumbling state of classrooms increased pupil premium funding so that every child has the opportunity to achieve and thrive.

August 31, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : MHRA crackdown on illegal ‘Botox’ after victims left seriously ill [August 2025]

The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 30 August 2025.

More than 40 people hospitalised following suspected use of unlicensed botulinum toxin products.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is warning criminals that they face prison as it cracks down on the illicit trade in unlicensed botulinum toxin products, commonly referred to as Botox, used in cosmetic procedures.

The MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit has launched a number of criminal investigations following a spike in hospital admissions believed to be linked to the use of unlicensed botulinum toxin products.

Between 4 June and 6 August 2025, 41 confirmed cases of botulism – a rare but potentially life-threatening condition causing paralysis – were reported across several regions in England, including the North East, East Midlands, East of England, North West, and Yorkshire and Humber.

The Criminal Enforcement Unit has seen evidence that some sellers and practitioners – often untrained – are obtaining unlicensed botulinum toxin products illegally and offering injections in unsafe, unregulated settings. The treatments are being delivered in informal settings such as domestic bedrooms and kitchens, hair salons, and through mobile beauty services. Members of the public are often lured in by adverts on social media promising quick, cheap results.

The Criminal Enforcement Unit is investigating the illegal trade in these products. Anyone caught selling or supplying unlicensed botulinum toxin faces up to two years in prison and unlimited fines under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.

Andy Morling, Head of the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit, said:

“Criminals are exploiting the popularity of cosmetic treatments by peddling dangerous, unlicensed products, putting profit before safety.

“Anyone involved in the supply of unlicensed botulinum toxin – whether through organised networks or informal sales from kitchen tables, hair salons, or via social media – is breaking the law and endangering lives. The 41 individuals we’ve seen between June and August left seriously ill represent the devastating human cost of this trade.

“We are working across the country to identify those responsible, seize illegal products, and bring cases to court. We use the full range of our enforcement powers and techniques to shut down these operations and bring offenders to justice.”

This crackdown is part of the MHRA’s wider work to disrupt illegal botulinum toxin supply. Since May 2023, the Criminal Enforcement Unit, working closely with its partners in Border Force, has seized more than 4,700 vials of unlicensed botulinum toxin both at the border and inland.

Almost all of the seized products originated in South Korea, including brands such as Botulax, reNTox, Innotox, and Toxpia, which are not authorised for sale in the UK.

The Criminal Enforcement Unit also works with social media companies to remove illegal listings and disrupt criminal networks advertising unlicensed botulinum toxin.

Understanding the health risks

Botulism caused by botulinum toxin in cosmetic procedures is rare, but can be life-threatening. Symptoms can take up to four weeks to develop and may include difficulty swallowing, slurred speech and breathing difficulty. In severe cases, patients may require mechanical ventilation and intensive care treatment.

Anyone who has recently received a botulinum toxin treatment and develops any of these symptoms should seek medical help immediately via NHS 111 or emergency services.

Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said:

“No one should have to suffer serious illness or risk their life because criminals are flooding the market with unsafe products.

“This government is determined to crack down on cosmetic cowboys who exploit vulnerable consumers seeking cut-price treatments outside suitable medical settings. Through the MHRA’s criminal investigations and our new regulations, we’ll use the full force of the law against those who supply unlicensed medicines.

“I would urge anyone considering a cosmetic procedure to consider the risks and find a reputable, insured, and qualified practitioner.”

MHRA Chief Safety Officer Dr Alison Cave said:

“Public safety is a top priority for the MHRA. Botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine and should only be sold or supplied in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate prescriber such as a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional.

“Buying botulinum toxin in any other circumstances significantly increases the risk of getting a product which is either falsified or not licensed for use in the UK. This means that there are no safeguards to ensure products meet the MHRA’s standards for quality and safety. As such, they can have life-threatening consequences for the people who take them.

“If you are offered botulinum toxin without a medical consultation, in an informal setting, or at a price significantly below usual rates, this should be treated as a warning sign. Lower cost does not mean safe; it may put your health at risk and could lead to hospitalisation.”

How to protect yourself and report concerns

Licensed botulinum toxin products undergo rigorous testing and quality controls to ensure they contain the correct active ingredient at safe concentrations. Legitimate treatments should only be carried out by qualified healthcare professionals in proper clinical settings with appropriate emergency equipment available.

Before any treatment, verify that your practitioner is medically qualified and registered with their professional body. Check that products being used are licensed in the UK by asking to see packaging and checking batch numbers. Be suspicious of unusually cheap prices, treatments offered in domestic settings, or practitioners who cannot provide proper credentials.

The MHRA urges anyone who experiences side effects or complications after a cosmetic procedure to report them via the Yellow Card scheme at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/.

August 31, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : 25 Argentines will study in the UK with Chevening scholarships [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 August 2025.

The Chargé D’Affaires welcomed at the British Residence the group of young Argentines who were awarded Chevening scholarships.

On Thursday 28 August, Chargé D’Affaires Tony Kay bid farewell to the 25 Argentine scholarship holders who will leave for the UK to do their master’s studies for a year, wishing them a safe and successful trip.

In his speech, the Chargé congratulated the scholars and appreciated the diversity of courses and universities chosen by the young students who will spend a year in the United Kingdom.

The Chevening scholarships allow outstanding young leaders to carry out postgraduate studies at a British university of their choice with all the expenses covered.

Applications to study during 2026-2027 are open from 5 August to 7 October 2025. Apply today at www.chevening.org/apply.

Complete list of 2025/2026 scholars:
1. Aguiar, Nicolas – MSc in Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation – The London School of Economics and Political Science
2. Audero, Pablo – MsC in Applied Social Data Science – The London School of Economics and Political Science
3. Caiguara Ramirez, Zaida Ruth – MA in Education and Technology – University College London
4. Cetera, Nelly Julieta – MA in Education (Digital and Social Change) – The University of Oxford
5. Colombo, Natalia – MSc in Development Studies – The London School of Economics and Political Science
6. Czarny, Maia – LLM Master of Laws – The London School of Economics and Political Science
7. Lucía Demeco – MSc Business Analytics – Imperial College London
8. Fernandez Crespo, Sofía – MSc in International Social and Public Policy – The London School of Economics and Political Science
9. Flores Piersanti, Juan Manuel – MSc in Energy Transition Systems and Technologies – University of Aberdeen
10. Galeano, Franco – MsC in Social and Data Science – The London School of Economics and Political Science
11. Greloni, María Jose – MsC in Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation – The London School of Economics and Political Science
12. Jacobo, Agustina María – MA in Development Studies – The University of Sussex
13. Lacapmesure, María Florencia – MSc in Environmental Policy and Regulation – The London School of Economics and Political Science
14. Levy, Nicole – LLM Master of Laws – The London School of Economics and Political Science
15. Moscovich, Nicole – MsC in Economic Policy for International Development – The London School of Economics and Political Science
16. Moya, María Paula – Magister Juris – University of Oxford
17. Maddalena, Carolina Noelia – LLM – King’s College London
18. Merino, Federico Ezequiel – MsC in Environmental Policy and Regulation – The London School of Economics and Political Science
19. Peralta Ramos Guerrero, Camila – MA in Arts Administration and Cultural Policy – King’s College London
20. Roset, Mario – MsC in Societal and Environmental Psychology – The London School of Economics and Political Science
21. Schneider, Camila – MA in Governance, Development and Public Policy – University of Sussex
22. Sielecki, Julieta Tamara – LLM Master of Laws – The London School of Economics and Political Science
23. Sola, Gastón – MsC in Data Science and Public Policy – University College London
24. Soubie, Santiago – MsC in Urban Spatial Science – University College London
1. Elettore, Lucas – MsC in Finance – The University of Cambridge
August 31, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Iran must take the necessary steps to address the international community’s serious concerns over its nuclear programme – Joint statement on the decision to trigger the snapback mechanism to end sanctions relief against Iran [August 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 August 2025.

Joint statement delivered by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, on behalf of France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Yesterday, in accordance with UN Security Council resolution 2231, the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and my own country, the United Kingdom, notified the Security Council that we believe Iran to be in significant non-performance of its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Since 2019, Iran has increasingly and deliberately ceased performing almost all of its JCPoA commitments.

This includes the accumulation of a high enriched uranium stockpile which lacks any credible civilian justification.

In fact, according to the IAEA, Iran is the only country without nuclear weapons producing high enriched uranium.

Iran has stopped providing IAEA access agreed under the JCPoA.

Moreover, it has recently significantly reduced the access to nuclear material and sites it is obliged to provide under the NPT.

Despite this, France, Germany and the United Kingdom are making every effort to resolve this diplomatically.

Most recently, we offered Iran an extension to snapback should Iran take specific steps to address our most immediate concerns.

Our asks were fair and realistic: Iran’s resumption of negotiations on a comprehensive agreement, Iran’s compliance with its IAEA obligations, and steps to address our concerns regarding the high enriched uranium stockpile.

However, as of today, Iran has shown no indication that it is serious about meeting them.

It is not implementing its obligations to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

It has not reengaged in negotiations with the United States with a view to reaching an acceptable diplomatic resolution.

Our notification to the Security Council has now triggered a 30-day period.

It does not mark the end of diplomacy, our extension offer remains on the table.

We hope Iran will take the necessary steps to address the international community’s serious concerns over its nuclear programme.

We urge Iran to reconsider this position, to reach an agreement based on our offer, and to help create the space for a diplomatic solution to this issue for the long term.

Otherwise, targeted UN sanctions focused on tackling Iranian nuclear proliferation return at the end of this 30-day period.

We remain determined that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon.

While we have been left with no choice but to take this course of action, we remain committed to diplomacy and to the peaceful resolution of threats to global peace and security.

There remains a clear diplomatic pathway forward, should Iran choose to take it.

August 31, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : British businesses cheer UK-EU deal to support food trade and profits [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 29 August 2025.

The SPS agreement will making trading with the UK’s biggest market faster, easier and cheaper, adding up to £5.1bn a year to the UK economy.
- Local food businesses to hear how the government’s upcoming SPS agreement with the EU will benefit industry and consumers.
- Deal will save businesses time and money by cutting red tape and speeding up trade as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
- Trade with the UK’s biggest market will be faster, easier and cheaper, adding £5.1bn a year to the UK economy.
Major food businesses will discuss the government’s new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU that will cut costs, slash red tape and support their profits, with the food security minister Daniel Zeichner.

Benefits include the scrapping of most routine border checks on food and agricultural products moving between the UK and EU, allowing faster trade across the UK and EU border, with less paperwork and at lower costs for businesses.

Trading food with the UK’s biggest export and import market will be cheaper and easier, adding up to £5.1 billion a year to the UK economy in the long run and benefitting businesses of all sizes, while easing pressure on consumer food prices.

Benefits of the new SPS agreement include:
- British goods such as dairy, fish, eggs and red meat entering the EU are currently subject to 100% documentary checks and up to 30% physical checks. The SPS agreement will see these time-consuming, expensive, and paperwork-riddled processes removed entirely.
- The removal of Export Health Certificates (an official export document required to trade animals and animal products) alone will save businesses up to £200 per shipment of goods, meaning a single lorry carrying a mixed load of animal products could see £1000s in reduced costs.
- The EU currently bans imports of basic UK products such as fresh sausages and burgers, some shellfish, and seed potatoes. The SPS agreement will remove this ban and reopen the EU market for these goods, supporting businesses to expand their production and stimulating new jobs.
The minister will today tour meat processor Dunbia’s Cardington plant outside Bedford with senior Dunbia executives, before visiting Co-op’s flagship distribution centre in Biggleswade with Supply Chain Director Nick Cornwell, Logistics Director Ian Gibb, and Head of Public Affairs Andrew Weston – meeting staff and discussing the forthcoming SPS agreement.

Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner said:

Helping businesses to grow at home, trade abroad and stimulate jobs is central to our Plan for Change.

This deal will make trading with the EU both easier and cheaper, adding over £5bn to the economy and spurring growth that the whole country will benefit from.

Shirine Khoury-Haq, Chief Executive of The Co-operative Group, said:

Being able to move food and drink more smoothly between the UK and EU, whilst maintaining high standards, is good news for our industry, for our business, and therefore for our members, customers, and the communities we serve.

We wholeheartedly welcome the positive steps the government and the EU have taken towards reducing unnecessary friction in the food supply chain. We look forward to working with the UK government to ensure businesses of all sizes – including smaller businesses – benefit from the new arrangements.

Niall Browne, CEO of Dunbia, said:

We welcome the Minister and his colleagues to our plant at Dunbia Cardington to show what we do and the importance of the export business to the EU for Dunbia and the British Food Industry.

The new SPS agreement between the UK and EU is a very welcomed development and this should result in potential cost savings for our business and a smoother delivery to our EU customers which are important to balance the carcase sales.

Protecting UK biosecurity remains a key government priority, and risk-based surveillance will continue to manage the biosecurity risks of imported food products until the agreement is completed and in force.
August 31, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Statement on the latest Russian attacks against Ukraine [August 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 August 2025.

This statement is supported by the UK, the EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy and 26 EU Member States (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden).

On 27 August, Russia launched yet another large-scale attack on Kyiv and many other Ukrainian cities killing at least twenty-three civilians including four children and injuring many more. We extend our condolences, stand in solidarity with all Ukrainians and strongly condemn Russia’s ongoing assaults on civilians and civilian infrastructure, which are a deliberate escalation and undermine efforts toward peace.

The attack also caused serious damage to the buildings of the Delegation of the European Union in Kyiv, once again demonstrating the reckless nature of Russia’s attacks and its disregard for international law. Endangering the lives of diplomats and diplomatic personnel is a clear violation of the Vienna convention on Diplomatic Relations. The British Council building in Kyiv was also extensively damaged, and a security guard injured.

Intentional attacks against civilians and non-military objectives are war crimes. All commanders, perpetrators and accomplices of these grave violations of international humanitarian law shall be held to account.

These crimes only reinforce our determination and resolve to support Ukraine and its people in their defence against Russia and their pursuit of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. The EU will continue and increase its comprehensive support to Ukraine on all strands, including by accelerating work on the 19th package of sanctions.

Since March 2025, Ukraine has been committed to a full and unconditional ceasefire and repeatedly, expressed readiness for peace while Russia has escalated attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.

We will continue working with international partners including the US in order to end Russia’s war of aggression with a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.

Russia must stop the killing and show genuine willingness for peace.

August 31, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Environment Agency highlighting flash flooding in Forest of Dean [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 29 August 2025.

Environment Agency is leading efforts to raise awareness of flash flooding in the Forest of Dean area.
- Local councils supporting Environment Agency in visiting communities
- Officers ‘door knocking’ in Lydney area to talk to residents on Tuesday 2 September
- Residents urged to learn how to prepare for flooding issues
Officers from the Environment Agency will be joined by colleagues from Forest of Dean District Council and Lydney Town Council on 2 September 2025 to share information about flood issues with local residents.

Some properties in Lydney are in rapid response catchments which means rivers are very responsive to heavy rainfall and can cause flash flooding even before flood warnings are issued.

Charlie Chandler, area flood risk manager for the environment in the West Midlands, said:

Flash flooding is dangerous and can happen very quickly.

The effects of flooding can be devastating and knowing what to do in a flood can significantly reduce the risk to life, property and possessions.

We are visiting Lydney to speak to residents about how to be prepared and what they can do to stay safe if they are impacted by flooding.

Councillor Adrian Birch, Leader of Forest of Dean District Council, said:

We’re committed to supporting our at-risk communities that could be affected by rapid response catchment flooding in our district.

That’s why we are working with the Environment Agency again this year to ensure that people in these areas know how to prepare for flooding, and if it does occur, what to do and who to contact about different issues.

I would also like to remind our residents that those looking for more information can find it on the Forest of Dean District Council’s dedicated webpage, which outlines the responsibilities of the various agencies and the support for those affected.

Councillor Jackie Fraser, Cabinet Member for Environment at Forest of Dean District Council, said:

The door-knocking events with the Environment Agency will be a great opportunity for affected residents to learn more about the help that is available to them.

I’m so pleased that we are able to work with them once again to provide this service to areas in the Forest of Dean that are most at risk.
August 31, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : New prison houseblocks to make streets safer [September 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 29 August 2025.

A Devon jail is set to almost double in size as the Government ploughs ahead with the largest prison building programme since the Victoria era.
- Two new houseblocks to be built at HMP Channings Wood by end of 2027
- Jail’s capacity boosted by 40 per cent to lock up dangerous criminals.
- Latest step in Government’s plans to build 14,000 prison places nationwide, as part of the Plan for Change.
Work is underway on the 500-place expansion at HMP Channings Wood, which will see the prison grow by around 40 per cent with two new four-storey houseblocks.

The new cells will be fully operational by the end of 2027 and will help ensure there is always enough space for dangerous offenders – cutting crime and keeping the public safe.

The major project will also include the construction of a new jobs and education workshop, training prisoners with the skills they need to turn their backs on crime for good.

Today’s news represents a significant milestone in the Government’s aims to build 14,000 additional prison places by 2031 – with around 2,500 of these having already been built since July 2024.

The build will also create hundreds of jobs in the South West, with an additional 200 permanent jobs expected at the prison once the houseblock is complete.

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

This Government inherited a capacity crisis in our prisons.

We will never let that happen again, ensuring there is always space in our jails for dangerous offenders, part of our Plan for Change.

We’ve delivered 2,500 new places in the last year, on track for 14,000 by 2031. In the fourteen years to April 2024, only 500 places were added to our estate. This new site alone will provide that many.

The project will be delivered by Kier, a leading provider of infrastructure services, construction and property developments.

Rebecca Boundy, Managing Director (Justice) at Kier Construction, said:

We’re proud to be a trusted delivery partner for the government, supporting expansion plans here at HMP Channings Wood and across the UK prison estate.

After recently completing HMP Millsike and starting work on expansion projects at HMP Northumberland and HMP Lancaster Farms, our specialist teams are delivering high-quality, state-of-the-art prison accommodation and facilities that are fit for the future.”

Offenders at the prison have also undertaken training by Kier – earning qualifications to work in construction on release to keep them on the straight and narrow.

The construction follows the opening of the around 1,500-capacity prison in Yorkshire, HMP Millsike, in March. The Government is investing £4.7 billion to deliver these prison builds, whilst investing up to a further £300 million towards vital building maintenance across prisons and the probation service in this financial year.

The prison building programme will work alongside the upcoming sentencing reforms to ensure there is always a cell to lock up the most dangerous offenders.

Background
- The houseblocks will provide 494 places.
- Other key stakeholders in the programme include Mace and Gleeds.
- The Government is investing £4.7 billion to deliver these prison builds over this spending review period (2026/27 – 2029/30).
August 31, 2025