Tag: 2025

PRESS RELEASE : All aboard for cheaper days out – the attractions you can reach with £3 buses [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 23 August 2025.

Families can continue to travel to dozens of popular destinations for no more than £3 for a single fare.
- families can travel to top UK attractions for no more than £3 a journey, thanks to the government’s extended bus fare cap
- the fare cap is part of the government’s mission to improve bus services, committing over £1 billion to improve bus reliability, frequency and access in towns, cities and rural areas
- new Bus Services Bill will put power back in local hands, protect vital routes and make buses more reliable, driving growth and access to opportunity as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
Families across the country can enjoy cheaper days out this summer, thanks to the government’s continued support for affordable travel through the £3 bus fare cap – making it easier than ever to reach top attractions without breaking the bank.

From seaside escapes to countryside adventures, the capped fare means families can travel to dozens of popular destinations for no more than £3 for a single fare on thousands of routes, opening up access to opportunities, boosting local economies and driving regional growth in towns, cities and rural communities.

Whether it’s exploring museums, getting out into nature, or enjoying coastal days out, the extended cap – backed by continued investment in the recent Spending Review – ensures that great days out remain affordable for all and puts money back in people’s pockets as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

Some of the destinations families can reach for no more than £3 per each single fare include Alton Towers, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Warwick Castle, West Midlands Safari Park and the National Space Centre.

Minister for Local Transport, Simon Lightwood, said:

Whether it’s a trip to the seaside, a day out at a museum, or just visiting friends, we want people to get out and enjoy everything their area has to offer – without worrying about the cost.

That’s why we’ve kept the £3 fare cap in place and why we’re investing in better, more reliable buses across the country. It’s about making travel simpler, cheaper and better for everyone, driving growth and access to opportunity as part of our Plan for Change.

The fare cap is just one part of the government’s commitment to fixing buses. The incoming Bus Services Bill will reform the sector – putting buses back at the heart of local communities by giving local leaders the powers to overhaul how services operate and prevent vital routes from being scrapped.

Better buses are central to the government’s Plan for Change – connecting communities, strengthening the local economy and boosting access to jobs. The Bus Services Bill comes alongside the government providing over £1 billion this financial year to improve the reliability and frequency of bus services across the country, and confirming multi-year funding to maintain and improve buses long-term.

Sabrina de Carvalho, managing director of Merlin’s UK operations, added:

We see an increasing number of guests travelling to Merlin’s UK attractions by public transport and we always encourage them to leave the car at home – where they can – and make use of sustainable travel options when having memorable days out.

With bus fares continuing to be capped at £3, I have no doubt that more and more visitors will reach our entertainment destinations using this affordable mode of transport. Information about public transport options, including bus routes, is made available on our attraction websites.

Alison Edwards, director of policy and external relations at the Confederation of Passenger Transport, said:

Bus operators are ready for one of their busiest weekends of the year up and down the country this August Bank Holiday. With warm and dry weather forecast across most of the country, as many as 20 million journeys are likely to be taken by bus over the long weekend as people take the opportunity for an affordable day out.

Bus travel is enjoying a revival nationwide with journeys up steadily year-on-year, which is great news for communities, for tourist destinations and for the economy.

VisitEngland CEO, Patricia Yates, said:

England’s first-class attractions, from our world-renowned museums, art galleries and historic houses to our parks and gardens, remain vitally important to our tourism offer to both international and domestic visitors. By reducing the cost of public transport to these destinations, we’re removing barriers whilst supporting greener travel choices.

Our research shows people will be out exploring this weekend. I encourage you to get out and discover England’s fine attractions. Not only will you be giving our great attractions a much-needed boost, I know you will enjoy a fantastic day out with family and friends creating memories of a lifetime.
August 26, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : The UK is deeply concerned by the scale of human rights abuses, including sexual violence, by armed groups in eastern DRC – UK statement at the UN Security Council [August 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 August 2025.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

I will make three points.

First, the United Kingdom welcomes the positive momentum towards peace generated by the work of EAC-SADC and the AU, the signing of the Peace Agreement between DRC and Rwanda in Washington, and the Declaration of Principles between DRC and M23 in Doha.

Second, the United Kingdom condemns the widespread killing of civilians by the Rwanda-backed M23 in Rutshuru territory as well as killings by ADF in Ituri province.

The scale of human rights abuses, including sexual violence, by armed groups in eastern DRC is deeply concerning.

We call on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and to protect civilians.

The parties must comply with the ceasefires to which they have committed.

Reported violations by both M23 and Wazalendo groups are deeply concerning, as is the rise in inflammatory rhetoric by both sides.

The UK urges the parties to show restraint, avoid further escalation, and engage constructively in the peace process.

Third, President, the United Kingdom remains concerned by restrictions imposed on MONUSCO’s freedom of movement by M23.

UN peacekeepers must be allowed to deliver the mandate agreed by this Council.

We welcome news that supplies of fuel and water are no longer being restricted.

We also welcome that some of MONUSCO’s necessary troop rotations have now taken place. This must be sustained.

To conclude, the United Kingdom strongly supports all efforts towards peace in Eastern DRC.

We commend the ongoing efforts of US, Qatari and AU mediators and facilitators.

We welcome the resumption of talks between DRC and M23.

The parties should now urgently and fully comply with the commitments they have made to a ceasefire and the protection of civilians.

The Security Council should remain seized of their progress.

The full implementation of these agreements is critical to delivering the sustainable peace and prosperity that the people of DRC deserve.

August 26, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Professor Aoife Hunt MBE appointed as Board Member to The Sports Ground Safety Authority [August 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 21 August 2025.

The Secretary of State has appointed Professor Aoife Hunt MBE as Board Member to The Sports Ground Safety Authority for 3 years from 12 May 2025 to 11 May 2028.

Professor Aoife Hunt MBE

Aoife is a Professor of Crowd Safety and Security Science at the University of Greenwich and a leading specialist in crowd dynamics, simulation modelling and emergency evacuation strategies. She has over 17 years’ experience leading projects and research studies to advance the safety and security of crowded places, supporting the design and operation of sports grounds, arenas, major events, the public realm, hospitals, and transport systems. Aoife has extensive experience in designing video studies of human behaviour and led the world’s largest study into virus transmission risk behaviours in crowded places during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aoife regularly contributes to national and international guidance documents and is currently co-authoring the chapter on evacuation modelling in the SFPE Fire Engineering handbook. She is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland, and Co-Chair of the Security Institute’s Protective Security Special Interest Group. Aoife is passionate about inspiring children to continue studying mathematics and regularly works with national educational programmes to deliver outreach talks for schools and colleges. She holds memberships and committee roles across the industry and in 2023 was awarded an MBE for her services to the COVID-19 response.

August 23, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Millions of young minds prepared to progress [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Education on 21 August 2025.

GCSE and vocational results stabilise following disruption during the pandemic with young people progressing on to A levels, T Levels or an apprenticeship.

Millions of pupils across the country are celebrating after receiving GCSE and other vocational and technical qualification (VTQs) results today (Thursday 21 August), as young people prepare to move on to the next stage of their education.

The proportion of entries achieving top grades (grade 7 or above), and grade 4 are broadly consistent with last year, reflecting a stable picture following the disruption this cohort experienced during the pandemic.

Students collecting results today will progress on to one of many high-quality education or training options including A levels, T Levels or exciting apprenticeship opportunities.

There are now 20 high quality T Levels to choose from including Marketing, Health, and Digital giving young people the skills, knowledge and experience they need to progress.

Despite the stability of results this year there are still wide variations between regions with pupils across the North West and West Midlands continuing to be held back compared to their peers in London, and historically poor outcomes year on year for pupils from white working-class backgrounds.

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said:

Behind every grade lies hours of dedication, resilience and determination and both students and teachers should feel an immense sense of pride in what they’ve achieved today.

But while results today are stable, once again we are seeing unacceptable gaps for young people in different parts of the country.

Where a young person grows up should not determine what they go on to achieve. Through our Plan for Change – from revitalised family services to higher school standards – I am absolutely determined to make sure every young person, wherever they live, has the opportunities they deserve.

The government has made tangible progress to fix the foundations of education through its Plan for Change – attendance is up, with over five million fewer days of absence this year compared to last, and teacher recruitment and retention is also up, with 2,300 more teachers in schools.

New Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) teams are also shining a light on those areas of the country that are not delivering for pupils. This sits alongside wider work to tackle disadvantage including expanding free school to reach half a million more children and rolling out free breakfast clubs across the country. Up to 1,000 Best Start Family Hubs will also be rolled out in every local authority by April 2026, revitalising family services and providing wide-ranging help for families, such as parenting and early development.

This builds on the government’s drive to support more young people to gain the skills needed to build successful careers including investing £625 million to create up to 60,000 more bricklayers, electricians, and joiners by 2029 and establishing ten specialist Construction Technical Excellence Colleges.

This year results show that:
- 23.0% of English 16-year-old entries achieved a grade 7 and above this year, a 0.3 percentage points increase on 2024 (22.6%) and an increase on 2019 (21.9%).
- 70.5% of English 16-year-old entries achieved grade 4 and above, similar to 2024 (70.4%) and 0.6 percentage points higher than in 2019 (69.9%).
- The proportion of 18- and 19-year-olds achieving a grade 4 or above in English and maths has risen – for both ages by around 2 percentage points for English and 1 percentage points for maths.
- More students have entered Music this year with entries from 16-year-olds up 6.3% for Music GCSE and at the highest number since the pandemic ended.
- For all ages, where the gaps between regions grew during the pandemic these have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels across both A levels and GCSEs.
- This is particularly notable at Grade 4 where 72% of London students of all ages get a Grade 4 and above compared with just 63% in the West Midlands.
Later this year the government will publish Schools and Skills white papers which will build on the work already underway to tackle entrenched inequalities, setting out the further reforms needed for an education and skills system where every child and young person can achieve and thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.

For the first time some young people across Greater Manchester and the West Midlands will be able to view and share their GCSE results with their future post-16 school or college via a new app. The Education Record App is being trialled to explore how technology can be harnessed to support efficiencies in schools and colleges.

The app gives students the ability to access, control and share their education information easily, without the hassle of paper certificates, long forms or repetitive questions.

The government estimates the technology could save schools and colleges up to £30m per year if fully rolled out, enough money to pay the salaries of more than 600 new teachers in further education.
August 23, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Media Freedom Coalition statement on foreign media access to Gaza [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 August 2025.

Joint statement on behalf of 27 countries on foreign media access to Gaza.

Joint statement:

In light of the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, we, the undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition, urge Israel to allow immediate independent foreign media access and afford protection for journalists operating in Gaza.

Journalists and media workers play an essential role in putting the spotlight on the devastating reality of war. Access to conflict zones is vital to carrying out this role effectively. We oppose all attempts to restrict press freedom and block entry to journalists during conflicts.

We also strongly condemn all violence directed against journalists and media workers, especially the extremely high number of fatalities, arrests and detentions. We call on the Israeli authorities and all other parties to make every effort to ensure that media workers in Gaza, Israel, the West Bank and East Jerusalem – local and foreign alike – can conduct their work freely and safely. Deliberate targeting of journalists is unacceptable. International humanitarian law offers protection to civilian journalists during armed conflict. We call for all attacks against media workers to be investigated and for those responsible to be prosecuted in compliance with national and international law.

We reiterate calls for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of the remaining hostages, unhindered flow of humanitarian aid and for a path towards a two-state solution, long-term peace and security.

This statement has been signed by:
- Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Ukraine
- For further information, please visit Home – Media Freedom Coalition
August 23, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK supports new training facility for the Lebanese Army [August 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 August 2025.

The facility upgraded through the UK’s Integrated Security Fund, will serve as a vital training facility for LAF troops deployed across South Lebanon.

British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell inaugurated the newly upgraded Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) training facility in Zahrani, South Lebanon on Wednesday 20 August.

The LAF facility was developed and upgraded through the support of the UK Government’s Integrated Security Fund. It will serve as a vital training facility for LAF troops strengthening their readiness for deployment across South Lebanon. The UK is also providing 1,000 Personal Protection Equipment sets to protect LAF soldiers as they carry out critical duties.

Ambassador Cowell attended the inauguration ceremony with Head of the Second Intervention Regiment, British Defence Attaché Lt. Col Charles Smith, Deputy Head of the UK ISF James Barber and Head of Programme Sarah Kronfol.

Since 2024, the UK has committed over £17 million to support the expanded deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), including in southern Lebanon, reinforcing their role as the sole legitimate military force of the Lebanese state and strengthening their resilience across the country.

This latest training facility builds on over a decade of UK support. Since 2013, the UK has worked closely with the LAF’s Land Border Regiments to bolster Lebanese state authority along the border with Syria, counter smuggling, and protect local communities.

After the ceremony, Ambassador Cowell said:

I am honoured to inaugurate the newly upgraded training facility in Zahrani – a testament to our enduring partnership and shared vision for a safer Lebanon. The role of the Lebanese Armed Forces is more vital than ever in safeguarding Lebanon and its people.

Our support is designed to strengthen LAF resilience, address critical infrastructure needs and enable their permanent, and sustainable presence in South Lebanon.

The UK is committed to supporting security and stability in Lebanon, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the LAF and the nation they protect.

August 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Disability rights expert Zara Todd appointed to lead new panel shaping Government’s health and disability policy [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 21 August 2025.

Equity and inclusion consultant Zara Todd has been appointed as Chair of the Government’s new Independent Disability Advisory Panel, taking a guiding role in its development and focus.
- Independent Disability Advisory Panel will have broad remit across health and disability policy.
- Panel will consist of up to 10 Deaf and disabled people and people with long-term health conditions, for the Government to listen to, learn from, and collaborate with.
- Demonstrates Government’s commitment to including the expertise of disabled people in policy design and delivery as part of the Plan for Change.
Deaf and disabled people and individuals with long-term health conditions on the newly-created panel will also advise the Government on health and disability policies.

Announced in the Get Britain Working White Paper, the panel will be an independent advisory group with a broad remit across all of health and disability policy.

It will provide guidance, recommendations and feedback to embed lived experience into policy design and delivery, aiming to build trust and strengthen relationships with the sector.

With over 20 years of experience working with a range of organisations on Disability Equality and participation, Zara Todd will be central in recruiting the wider panel and reporting its ideas and insights back to the Government.

Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said:

It is absolutely vital that the voices of Deaf and disabled people and those with long-term health conditions are at the centre of our health and disability policy design, so I am pleased to announce Zara Todd as the Chair of new Independent Disability Advisory Panel.

Zara’s extensive and wide-ranging experience, including designing and facilitating disability inclusive spaces, will be invaluable in guiding the collaboration we hope to build.

I look forward to listening to, learning from and collaborating with the Panel over the coming months.

Zara Todd, Chair of the Disability Advisory Panel said:

I’m delighted to chair the new Independent Disability Advisory Panel and help ensure Deaf and disabled people and people with long-term health conditions are heard in Government policy-making.

The Panel will aim to strengthen relationships between the Government and sector, and I look forward to working with other disabled people to connect lived experience with policy development.

I hope that working collaboratively, we can build stronger links and build an approach that works for all.

Since 2024, Zara has been a Chairperson of the Edinburgh Accessibility Commission, providing independent advice on accessibility for disabled people to Edinburgh council. She is currently a member of the mobility and access committee for Scotland (MACS) she is a member of the British Council Disability Advisory Panel and is currently the convener of Disability Equality Scotland.

She has a long history of working with disabled people’s organisations including the Alliance for Inclusive Education, the European Network on Independent Living, and Equal Lives. Zara is currently on the board of Disabled Peoples’ International and was previously the chair of Inclusion London. She is an experienced trainer and facilitator and delivers training in disability equality and human rights.

The Panel will run separately to the Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), but expertise and insight will be shared between the two.

Further information
- An Expression of Interest for the Independent Disability Advisory Panel will be launched soon on GOV.UK to appoint Panel members. Full application details will be available on GOV.UK once the recruitment campaign officially launches.
August 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : The United Kingdom remains committed to working with all partners to combat Daesh – UK statement at the UN Security Council [August 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 August 2025.

Statement by Jennifer MacNaughtan, UK Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

As we have heard, Daesh and its affiliates continue to pose a serious and evolving threat to international peace and security.

I will make three points.

First, Daesh continues to spread terror across multiple regions.

Collective pressure is required to prevent them from regrouping to the levels we have seen previously.

In South Asia, counter terrorism efforts against ISKP led by Pakistan have been instrumental in diminishing the group’s capabilities.

In Iraq, the United Kingdom contributes to the Combined Joint Task Force’s Operation Inherent Resolve, which, in partnership with Iraq’s armed forces, has effectively suppressed Daesh and enhanced regional security.

In Syria, there is renewed hope for lasting peace and security, but the threat from Daesh remains.

We must ensure that Daesh cannot exploit the current political transition to regain a foothold in that country.

And across Africa, Daesh attacks have increased, and it has used its appalling violence as a source of propaganda.

We support African-led initiatives to combat this threat.

Second, Daesh continues to adapt, leveraging propaganda to radicalise and recruit its supporters.

It aims to expand its influence by manipulating narratives and exploiting societal divisions.

To counter this, we should invest in comprehensive strategies, addressing both upstream drivers of radicalisation and downstream manifestations of violence.

The United Kingdom’s Counter-Daesh Communications Cell has a strong track record in contesting Daesh’s narrative and degrading its ideological appeal.

Third, the United Kingdom welcomes the focus FATF has given to countering terrorist financing under the leadership of President de Anda.

FATF and its Global Network have helped Member States to achieve meaningful and sustained reforms through their robust monitoring and accountability process.

Their work assists our collective understanding and response to current and emerging terrorist financing risks.

Finally, the enduring threat posed by Daesh demands unified and sustained international pressure.

The United Kingdom remains committed to working with all partners to combat Daesh and its twisted ideology and to guard against the threat it poses to international peace and security.

August 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Northern Ireland science and tech industries boosted by over £30 million from UK Industrial Strategy [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 20 August 2025.

Major win for Northern Ireland’s high-tech sectors from the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy, supporting local jobs and growth.
- Industry Minister Sarah Jones visits Belfast to welcome local investments including £30m for innovative tech projects and £2m for Queen’s University Belfast’s cutting-edge cyber AI tech hub.
- Minister to host roundtables with Northern Ireland industry leaders including Artemis Technologies, Thales, Harland & Wolff, Ionic Technologies to promote Industrial Strategy benefits for local people.
Science and technology projects in Northern Ireland in key industries of the future, such as cybersecurity, are set to be boosted by at least £30 million from the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy.

Industry Minister Sarah Jones visited Belfast today to celebrate this news and other recent wins for the city that are delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change to increase economic growth and jobs.

Delivered as part of the UK Government’s modern Industrial Strategy, the package, to be allocated by local leaders, will build on successful pilots in other parts of the UK which have attracted more than £140 million of private investment and created hundreds of jobs so far.

The new funding could go to support Northern Ireland’s thriving cybersecurity sector, which is home to 100 businesses and 2,750 jobs. It comes on top of £2 million of UK Government funding for Queen’s University Belfast’s Cybersecurity AI Tech Hub, confirmed in June, helping Northern Ireland lead the way on cutting-edge technology to keep the UK safe.

UK Government Industry Minister Sarah Jones said:

From defence and cyber to the creative industries Northern Ireland’s economy has great strengths, which is why I’m in Belfast speaking to businesses about how our modern Industrial Strategy can help them grow and create well-paid jobs for local people.

This includes millions for Northern Ireland’s cyber and tech sectors, £1.6 billion supporting Thales to make missiles for Ukraine, and an Enhanced Investment Zone to tear down barriers to growth and boost prosperity across Northern Ireland, as part of our Plan for Change.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said:

This is great news for Northern Ireland and for the businesses that will benefit from this Government’s modern Industrial Strategy.

The investment being announced today will create new opportunities, support long-term growth and innovation, create high-quality jobs, and strengthen fast-growing sectors like advanced manufacturing and the creative industries.

Northern Ireland’s fastest-growing sectors are also being boosted via a wider package of support from the Government’s Industrial Strategy – from advanced manufacturing to creative industries – which Minister Jones celebrated today with visits to some of Northern Ireland’s top companies and employers.

This included defence, cybersecurity and aerospace firm Thales, which was recently awarded a £1.6 billion missile contract with UK Government backing to defend Ukraine, creating 200 new jobs and supporting 700 highly skilled existing jobs.

Minister Jones then visited Ionic Technologies to see their progress so far in developing a rare earth magnetic recycling process to support the UK’s electric vehicle transition, following a £11 million grant from the Government in June.

She visited Harland & Wolff’s iconic Belfast shipyard for an update on their commitments to invest in Northern Ireland and to discuss opportunities to work together to deliver local growth and investment through the Industrial Strategy.

Demonstrating the Government’s commitment to Northern Ireland’s success, it comes after the Chancellor’s visit to Belfast earlier this month where she confirmed £310 million for the Belfast Region City Deal, including over £25 million for world class virtual production studio, Studio Ulster, and £137 million to tackle paramilitarism and create safer streets.

Designs are also underway for a bespoke Enhanced Investment Zone for Northern Ireland, delivered with the Executive, which will tear away barriers to growth and could include further new funding, tax and investment incentives.

The ministerial visits this summer will be followed on 11 September by the Government’s Made in the UK, Sold to the World Roadshow in Belfast. It will put a spotlight on the city’s creative sector and will host 18 market experts from around the world, including from the US, Germany and UAE.

Notes to editors
- The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund has so far earmarked at least £30 million each for ten regions across the UK, with 7 English regions confirmed alongside the Glasgow City Region, Cardiff Capital Region, and the Belfast to Derry-Londonderry Corridor.
Information on the upcoming Made in the UK, Sold to the World Roadshow:
- The Made in the UK, Sold to the World Roadshow takes place in Belfast on Thursday 11 September at The MAC. Businesses will have the opportunity to meet with relevant, overseas creative buyers, and sector/market specialists from UK embassies and consulates overseas.
- There will also be peer learning sessions, workshops focusing on overseas markets and developing your international strategy, networking opportunities and an inspiring and informative seminar programme. Whether you are a Creative business or sit in another sector, join us in Belfast by registering here.
August 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : ‘30 by 30’ – New funding to boost cadet force by over 40,000 by 2030 [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 20 August 2025.

Young people will have more chances to join the Armed Forces Cadets, under a major expansion of cadet forces across the country, announced today (Wednesday 20 August).
- New ‘30 by 30’ drive to increase cadets by 30% by 2030 backed with £70 million as Government delivers on Strategic Defence Review.
- RAF Air cadets to become first military youth organisation in Britain approved to train young people in official drone pilot qualifications.
- Search launched for new National Cadet Champion to boost awareness of how cadets can transform futures for young people and break down barriers to opportunity.
Young people will have more chances to join the Armed Forces Cadets, under a major expansion of cadet forces across the country, announced today (Wednesday 20 August).

Under a new ‘30 by 30’ campaign, launched today, the Government is expanding cadet opportunities for a new generation of young people – boosting cadet forces by 30% by 2030 – backed by £70 million of new investment.

Delivering on the Strategic Defence Review, this would see over 40,000 more cadets across the UK, supporting the Government’s Plan for Change to break down barriers which are holding back Britain’s young people.

In a sign of how cadet forces can offer valuable STEM skills for young people, the RAF Air Cadets will become the first military youth organisation in Britain certified to train drone pilots. Once the Civil Aviation Authority approves the training manual, the Air Cadets will be able to deliver industry-accredited drone qualifications at the higher levels.

Defence has also launched the hunt to appoint a new National Cadet Champion to support and endorse the Cadet Forces and highlight the huge opportunities cadets can offer to young people from all backgrounds.

Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns MP, said:

Every young person deserves the chance to discover their potential, regardless of their postcode or family income.

The cadet experience doesn’t just build character – it transforms futures, helping young people build confidence, develop skills and meet new people.

The government is kickstarting a new era for the cadets through this major expansion, backed by £70 million of extra funding.

Under the expansion, young people will have the chance to gain more qualifications, improve their confidence, and learn about the military.

The initiative, which delivers on the Strategic Defence Review, will prioritise cadets’ expansion across all four nations, ensuring every young person has the chance to discover their potential regardless of postcode or family income.

To support the ‘30 by 30’ campaign, the Government will deliver a package of measures to boost cadet forces, including:
- New joint Army and RAF Air Cadet Centres: adding to the five already opened and 12 under construction since this Government came into office.
- Increasing adult volunteers: streamlining the process for becoming an adult Cadet volunteer and a new fast-track opportunity for veterans to become volunteers.
- A National Cadet Champion: Hunt launched today for a new appointment to support and endorse the Cadet Forces.
- Boosting STEM skills: new opportunities to develop STEM skills and try new technologies through the cadets, including Civilian Aviation Authority approval for RAF Air cadets to deliver a CAA-endorsed qualifications in drone piloting. This will offer air cadet and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers industry recognised and transferable qualifications.
- Improving regular and reservist support for Cadets: greater opportunities for our UK military personnel – both regulars and reserves – to support the Cadet Forces.
New joint Army and Air Cadet Centres will be built – adding to the five already opened and 12 under construction, since the Government came into power to support growth of school-based cadet units.

The investment will also supercharge further opportunities in developing STEM skills and cutting-edge cyber skills training and hands-on experience with the latest drone and submersible technology – the same innovations reshaping Britain’s defence and economic landscape.

Independent research proves the cadet experience works. Participants show dramatically improved school attendance, better behaviour, and significantly higher rates of progression to university or employment.

For young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, the impact is even more pronounced – providing structure, challenge and achievement that changes life trajectories permanently.

Minister Carns is making today’s announcement at The National Air & Space Camp 2025, where he will witness cadets experiencing the future first-hand through spectacular flying displays featuring Typhoon jets, Lightning aircraft, and historic Spitfires. The camp’s careers fair connects young people directly with over 60 leading companies, turning inspiration into real employment pathways.
August 21, 2025