Tag: 2025

PRESS RELEASE : Whitehaven man, Oliver Kirkbride, sentenced for illegal waste operations [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 20 August 2025.

Oliver ‘Luke’ Kirkbride given suspended prison sentence for the illegal operation of waste sites that led to a major fire.

In a prosecution brought by the Environment Agency, Oliver ‘Luke’ Kirkbride, of Stanley View, Mirehouse, Whitehaven, pleaded guilty to multiple offences relating to the illegal operation of waste sites on the Lune Industrial Estate in Lancaster.

On 15 August, Kirkbride appeared at Preston Crown Court and was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and 200 hours unpaid work. He was also banned from being a company director for 5 years.

Major fire caused by combustible waste

An investigation by the Environment Agency revealed that thousands of tonnes of combustible waste was stored in breach of permit conditions, with operations continuing even after a suspension notice was issued.

The abandoned waste led to a major fire in December 2023, which caused significant disruption to neighbouring businesses and left firefighting and clean-up costs of over £2 million.

Large quantities of combustible waste were stored far in excess of the 500-tonne, seven-day limit set in the site’s environmental permit.

Defendant ignores order to stop taking waste

In February 2022, the Environment Agency suspended the site’s permit because of the significant fire risk, but waste imports continued until April 2022, and then under a second company until October 2022.

The site’s permit was revoked by the Environment Agency in November 2022.

Between September 2021 and October 2022, Kirkbride, as a company director, was found to have deliberately breached environmental permit limits, operated unpermitted waste sites, repeatedly failed to comply with enforcement notices and deposited waste without the necessary authorisations.

Further offences involve waste storage breaches at Unit C4 and the illegal use of Unit C3, which had no permit in place.

‘Waste criminals cause distress and destruction’

An Environment Agency spokesperson said:

Illegal waste activity and breaches of Environmental permits puts communities, businesses, and the environment at serious risk.

The defendant repeatedly and deliberately ignored environmental law and defied enforcement action by continuing to breach the law with no consideration for the environment or the community of Lancaster.

His actions led to a major fire that ultimately caused weeks of harm and disruption to local residents and businesses. The costs of which to resolve and clear were borne by emergency services and multi-agency partners including Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Lancaster City Council.

Waste criminals cause distress to our communities and can destroy the environment. This case demonstrates that we will continue to pursue and take robust action against anyone operating outside the law.

Background
- Kirkbride pleaded guilty to four counts of Offence of depositing controlled waste without an environmental permit, contrary to Section 33(1)(a) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 at Unit 37, Lune Industrial Estate.
- Kirkbride pleaded guilty to three counts of Offence of breaching conditions under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 relating to the operation of waste sites at Units C3 and C4, Lune Industrial Estate.
August 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Baroness Chapman’s visit drives an exciting chapter in UK–Peru Cooperation [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 August 2025.

Press release covering the official visit of Baroness Jenny Chapman, UK Minister of State for Latin America and the Caribbean, and International Development, to Peru.
- UK Minister for Latin America, Baroness Jenny Chapman, visited Peru to strengthen bilateral cooperation and reaffirm the UK’s long-term commitment to the country.
- With the Foreign Minister, the Minister agreed a Joint Declaration on Security, reinforcing collaboration against Transnational Serious and Organised Crime including drug trafficking, illicit economies, and environmental crimes
- The Minister also attended the signing of new education agreement to drive English language teaching, teacher training, and academic opportunities for Peruvian students, supported by the British Council.
Lima, August 20, 2025 – In a wide-ranging visit to Peru, Baroness Jenny Chapman of Darlington, UK Minister of State for Latin America and the Caribbean, and International Development, drove collaboration on Security, Growth, and Climate – deepening the UK’s strategic partnership.

With the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru, Ambassador Elmer Schialer, the Minister agreed a Joint Declaration on Security, a milestone in joint efforts to fight Transnational Serious and Organised Crime, drug trafficking, illicit economies and environmental crimes.

The Minister also delivered a donation of equipment (scanners, drones, and vehicles) on behalf of UK’s Home Office International Operation to the Peruvian Police, to enhance their operational and intelligence capabilities. At a ceremony with the Viceminister of the Interior, Maxfredid Pérez, Minister Chapman reaffirmed the UK’s long-term commitment to collaborate on counternarcotics, tackling organised crime and preventing cocaine reaching UK streets. That followed a visit to the Port of Callao where the Minister spoke with representatives from the Anti-Drug Directorate of the Police (DIRANDRO) and the National Superintendency of Customs and Tax Administration (SUNAT) to hear first-hand about the shared challenges and vital importance of this joint work.

Baroness Chapman’s visit also strengthened a trading relationship worth over £1bn, highlighting the growing potential of the CPTPP and the Andean Free Trade Agreement. In a series of meetings with the Peruvian Prime Minister, and Ministers of Transport and Finance she discussed mutual growth, and the benefits of the Double Taxation Agreement that the UK and Peru hope to ratify this year. The Minister underscored the importance of this for driving two-way investment, the UK’s position as the largest investor in Peru, and the desire to further that in the key sectors of mining and renewable energy through InPeru’s mission to the UK in September. They also explored strategic collaboration in infrastructure projects on health, education, rail and irrigation, building on the delivery of £7bn+ in key projects by UK companies over the last 6 years, and wider collaboration to improve the infrastructure ecosystem.

With the President, Dina Boluarte and the Minister for Education, Morgan Quero, Minister Chapman participated in the inauguration of the IE 2028 Peruano Británico – part of the Bicentennial Schools Government-to-Government Programme. This is the 35th school completed under this framework, which reflects the UK’s focus on delivering infrastructure in record time and to highest standards, but also adding wider value to support the country’s economic and social development.

UK Minister for Latin America, Baroness Chapman, said:

It’s been an inspiring and productive visit to Peru – and the 200-year strong UK-Peru partnership has never been stronger.

The security and education partnerships we have committed to this week will help to build inclusive, secure, and prosperous futures for both of our nations – underpinning a trade relationship worth well over £1bn, as I discussed with counterparts and industry partners.

The work we are doing here will help create jobs, opportunities and stability for the people of Peru and the UK, and I look forward to continuing our strategic collaboration.

During the visit Baroness Chapman also participated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to advance cooperation to strengthen the Peruvian education system. The agreement, which will be supported by the British Council, will drive English language teaching, professional development for teachers and school leaders, internationalization of higher education, and expand academic opportunities for Peruvian students in the United Kingdom.

Finally, the Minister met the Minister for Environment, Juan Carlos Castro Vargas to drive collaboration ahead of COP30 – including the signature of the new Joint Declaration of Intent – as Peru pushes an ambitious update of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).
August 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : FCDO statement: response to Israel’s revocation of visas to Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority [August 2025]

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

The FCDO has released a statement on the Government of Israel’s decision to revoke the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

The Government of Israel’s decision to revoke the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority is counter-productive. It will only close the space for dialogue and diplomacy which is so essential to delivering a long-term solution for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Together with our allies, including Australia, we are working on a framework for peace for what comes next in Gaza and to deliver a two-state solution. The first step must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and a surge in aid.

August 20, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Investigation opened into charity over trustees’ failure to resolve land dispute [August 2025]

The press release issued by the Charity Commission on 20 August 2025.

The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into Darul-Uloom School London.

Darul-Uloom School London was registered with the Commission in 1995 and operates a school providing Islamic and national curriculum education to children and young people.

The regulator previously opened a separate statutory inquiry into the charity in 2018 after an altercation on the charity’s premises. That inquiry concluded in May 2022 and found serious mismanagement and misconduct in the administration of the charity. Two former trustees were disqualified.

During the course of that inquiry, the Commission became aware that one of the disqualified former trustees had made representations to the charity’s trustees asserting ownership of the land on which the school is based.

Following its enquiries, the Commission’s view is that there is evidence which shows that the land is held on trust by the charity, rather than being the personal property of any individual and has shared this view with both the charity’s trustees and the disqualified trustee.

However, despite the repeated deadlines given by the Commission for the trustees to resolve the issue, the trustees have failed to bring the matter of the land dispute to a conclusion. The regulator is concerned that these failures place the charity’s property at serious risk.

As a result, the Commission has escalated its engagement to a statutory inquiry.

The inquiry will evaluate the trustees’ administration, management, and governance of the charity. In particular, it will consider the conduct of the trustees and their compliance with legal duties and responsibilities as it relates to the land dispute.

The Commission may extend the scope of the inquiry if additional regulatory issues emerge.

August 20, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : DVLA backs classic car industry and driving enthusiasts with updated registration policies [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 20 August 2025.

DVLA announces new policies for registering repaired, restored and modified vehicles that will come into effect from Tuesday 26 August.
- DVLA has announced updated policies to modernise the process for notifying DVLA when a vehicle has been repaired, restored and modified.
- Like-for-like repairs and restorations will no longer need to be reported to DVLA, and more modified vehicles – including electric vehicle (EV) conversions – will be able to retain their original identities.
- Changes will take effect from Tuesday 26 August 2025.
DVLA has today (20 August) unveiled a major update to some of its vehicle registration policies, making it significantly easier for enthusiasts to register repaired, restored and modified vehicles.

The new guidance reflects modern restoration methods and simplifies the registration process, helping classic car owners keep their vehicles on the road while ensuring safety and accurate records.

These changes follow an extensive call for evidence, which received more than 1,350 responses from classic car owners, motoring clubs and the historic vehicle sector. In response, DVLA is replacing its existing policies on rebuilt and radically altered vehicles with 2 new sets of guidance that will apply to all vehicles, regardless of age.

Key changes include:
- like-for-like repairs and restorations will no longer require notification to DVLA, providing the vehicle’s appearance is the same as when it was originally manufactured and there are no changes to the log book (V5C)
- vehicles that have been subject to significant structural modifications will be able to keep their original Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and registration number, but the registered keeper must notify DVLA of the changes
- vehicles that have been converted to electric will also be able to retain their original identity, but the registered keeper must notify DVLA of the changes
Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood, said:

We know how much love, time and effort goes into keeping classic cars – and we’re right behind the community.

These changes are about cutting red tape and making life easier for enthusiasts, whether you’re restoring a vintage gem or converting it to electric. It’s all about celebrating the UK’s amazing motoring heritage and helping the industry thrive well into the future.

DVLA Chief Executive, Tim Moss, said:

We recognise the time, passion and care that keepers of classic vehicles invest in keeping their cars on the road. That’s why we’ve worked closely with the community to shape these changes.

These updated policies support historic vehicle keepers, and the wider industry, with clearer registration processes that reflect modern restoration and modification practices, helping safeguard the UK’s rich and wonderful automotive history. These changes will allow enthusiasts to focus on what they love most: preserving and enjoying these remarkable vehicles.
August 20, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Emergency Alert Test Follows Use in Storm Éowyn [August 2025]

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

With just weeks to go, people across Northern Ireland are being reminded to expect the second ever national Emergency Alert test. The system is designed to help protect lives by delivering urgent safety advice directly to mobile phones during major emergencies.

Mobile phones connected to 4G and 5G networks across the country will receive the alert at approximately 3pm on Sunday 7 September. During the test, phones will vibrate and emit a loud, siren-like sound for up to ten seconds. A message will appear on screen, making it clear the alert is a drill and that no action is needed.

The drill follows the live deployment of the system in Northern Ireland during Storm Éowyn in January this year. UK Government minister Pat McFadden authorised that message to help save lives after widespread red weather warnings were issued. Approximately 4.5 million mobile phones received the alert, in the largest-ever live deployment of the system.

Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, said:

We saw the Emergency Alert system’s value first-hand during Storm Éowyn in January and this test will be important in making sure we are prepared for future emergencies

We need to ensure the system is working effectively so people in Northern Ireland get critical information when lives are on the line.

Storm Éowyn, an intense extratropical cyclone, struck Northern Ireland on Friday 24 January 2025. A red wind warning was issued by the Met Office for the entire region for the peak of the storm. The Emergency Alert was broadcast at approximately 6pm on 23 January 2025, warning of the threat to life posed by the storm and urging people to stay indoors.

During the national test on September 7, mobile phones will vibrate and emit a loud siren-like sound for up to ten seconds. A test message will appear on screens, making it clear the alert is a drill.

Ahead of the test, the government is running a public information campaign to notify people it is taking place, including communications targeted at vulnerable groups such as victims of domestic abuse. The campaign has featured the first national information video in British Sign Language.

Last week, the full text of the test message was revealed for the first time, saying:

This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby.

You do not need to take any action. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe.

Find simple and effective advice on how to prepare for emergencies at gov.uk/prepare.

Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information or to view this message in Welsh. Ewch i gov.uk/alerts am ragor o wybodaeth neu i weld y neges hon yn y Gymraeg.

This second test follows a government commitment to test the system regularly to make sure it works optimally and familiarise the public with the alerts. This is in line with standard practice in other countries, such as Japan and the USA.

As well as making clear the test is just a drill, the message will point the public to GOV.UK/PREPARE, a one-stop website offering practical advice about steps households can take to prepare for emergencies.

August 20, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK strengthens international diplomacy to tackle illegal migration [August 2025]

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

New UK-Iraq agreement will bolster efforts to deter small boat arrivals.

The UK is bolstering its border security and tackling illegal migration through international diplomacy, including returns, to deter small boat crossings and undermine organised criminal gangs.

The government has now further strengthened its vital strategic partnership with the Government of Iraq, including on repatriation and enhanced border security collaboration.

As part of a two-day visit to the UK, Iraqi’s Deputy Foreign Minister and Head of the Higher Returns Committee signed a new agreement with Security Minister Dan Jarvis which will establish formal processes to return those with no legal right to be in the UK swiftly.

This agreement aims to further deter small boat arrivals, while supporting the UK Government’s wider commitment to restore order to the asylum system and recognising the Government of Iraq’s significant work to provide reintegration support to those returned.

The bolstered cooperation builds on Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani committing earlier this year to enhance migration cooperation between both countries, and the partnerships signed by the Home Secretary with Iraq last year on border security and serious organised crime. This committed £800,000 to law enforcement training, border security projects and capacity building to tackle people smuggling, organised immigration crime and drug flows.

In a demonstration that the UK-Iraq partnership has entered into a new era, discussions on the visit moved beyond security to include cooperation on regional security, Baghdad-Erbil relations, defence cooperation and a growing trade relationship. This reflects the government’s ‘reset’ approach to international partnerships, moving beyond transactional relationships to build deeper strategic cooperation.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis said:

This visit reinforces the strength of the UK-Iraq partnership and demonstrates our government’s commitment to serious diplomacy that delivers real results.

As someone who served in Iraq, I understand first-hand the importance of building enduring relationships in the region, and the new agreement we have signed is a testament to the trust and cooperation we’ve built with our Iraqi counterparts.

By working together on security, development and migration challenges, we are building stronger relationships that benefit both our countries whilst tackling shared challenges like organised crime and irregular migration.

The number of Iraqi nationals arriving by small boat in the UK has fallen substantially to 1,900 in the year ending March 2025, down from 2,600 in the previous year, demonstrating the effectiveness of upstream cooperation and the government’s comprehensive approach to addressing illegal migration at source through diplomatic engagement.

The UK-Iraq visit also highlighted opportunities for expanded economic cooperation and the UK’s continued support for Iraq’s stability and development, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to constructive engagement in the region.

The UK reiterated its support for infrastructure development projects in Iraq, building on a trade package worth up to £12.3 billion for UK business announced during Iraq Prime Minister Al-Sudani’s visit to the UK in January.

In discussions on the situation in the Middle East, the UK and Iraq agreed on the need for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy to bolster regional security.

The UK-Iraq partnership builds on successful international cooperation, including the operationalised UK-France returns treaty under which people arriving by small boat can now be detained and returned.

Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, said:

The UK-Iraq relationship has entered a new era – going from strength to strength across a number of areas, including driving economic growth and ensuring regional stability.

We will continue to use innovative foreign policy approaches to secure Britain’s borders and support development through partnerships.

In the UK government’s first year over 35,000 failed asylum seekers, foreign criminals and other immigration offenders with no right to be in the UK have been returned – a 14% increase compared to the same period 12 months ago – as part of restoring order to the asylum system.

On top of this, last week the new powers for immediate deportation of foreign national offenders from prison were introduced, building on recent legislation that already reduced the threshold for deportation from 50% to 30% of sentence served. This represents a significant escalation in deportation policy, with the new measures allowing immediate deportation once primary legislation is in force.

The UK government is also expanding its ‘Deport First, Appeal Later’ scheme, nearly trebling from eight countries to 23, with foreign nationals now expected to be deported to their home countries before they can appeal against that decision, increasing the UK’s ability to remove foreign criminals at the earliest opportunity, and easing pressure on the detention and prison estate.

This work is part of the government’s ‘Plan for Change’ approach to secure Britain’s borders through serious international diplomacy, whilst maintaining the UK’s proud tradition of providing sanctuary to those genuinely fleeing persecution through safe and legal routes.

August 20, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK space sector bolstered with government reforms to boost growth and cut red tape [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 20 August 2025.

UK Space Agency to join the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology by April 2026, helping to streamline support for the UK’s growing space industry.
- Move is part of the government’s Plan for Change to cut red tape and make Whitehall more agile and efficient.
- Over 60 new industry-led recommendations published today show how smarter regulation can unlock major opportunities – from tackling space junk to building and repairing satellites in orbit.
People and businesses across the UK will benefit from new changes that will see the UK Space Agency become part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) – cutting duplication, reducing bureaucracy, and putting public accountability at the heart of decision-making.

In a major step to boost support for the UK’s space sector, the change will bring together the people who shape space policy and those who deliver it. This will cut any duplication that exists and ensure decisions are made with clear ministerial oversight.

Taking place by April 2026, the new unit will keep the UK Space Agency (UKSA) name and brand and will be staffed by experts from both organisations. This will drive up efficiency in line with the government’s Plan for Change, cutting red tape and making Whitehall more agile.

Today also sees the publication of over 60 recommendations from industry leaders on how to improve regulation for space missions, including Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) – where spacecraft work together in orbit. These missions are key to unlocking a future market worth £2.7 billion by 2031 (according to the UKspace IOSM Priorities Paper), and the UK is well placed to lead the way. It is a prime example of the joined-up working that will benefit from the merge of UKSA into DSIT.

With the right support, UK space firms could capture a quarter of the global market for in-orbit servicing, assembly and manufacturing. This will help to clean up space, extend the life of satellites, and build new infrastructure above Earth.

Every Arms Length Body across government is being reviewed with a view to rooting out unnecessary bureaucracy and duplication, and to put public accountability first. Ministers have already announced that NHS England, the largest quango in the world, will be abolished as part of this process.

Space Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:

You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to see the importance of space to the British economy. This is a sector that pulls investment into the UK, and supports tens of thousands of skilled jobs right across the country, while nearly a fifth of our GDP is dependent on satellites. The aims for growth and security at the heart of our Plan for Change can’t be met without a vibrant space sector.

Bringing things in house means we can bring much greater integration and focus to everything we are doing while maintaining the scientific expertise and the immense ambition of the sector.

UK Space Agency CEO Dr Paul Bate said:

I strongly welcome this improved approach to achieving the government’s space ambitions. Having a single unit with a golden thread through strategy, policy and delivery will make it faster and easier to translate the nation’s space goals into reality.

In coming together, the UK Space Agency and space policy colleagues are building on the firm foundations of economic growth and capability development laid in recent years, including cutting-edge missions, major national programmes, and the regulations that enable UK launch and leadership in space sustainability.

We will continue to deliver, while reducing duplication and ensuring we work even more closely with Ministers to support the UK space sector, and the country.

The UK Space Agency was founded in 2010 and currently operates as an executive agency of DSIT. It catalysed investment and revenue of at least £2.2 billion for the UK space sector in 2024/2025. DSIT and the Agency will continue to work closely together over the coming months to support the UK space sector and ensure a smooth transition to the new arrangements. Further practical details on the merger will be announced in due course.

This RPO Sandbox report has been delivered by 3 firms with leading expertise in the field: Astroscale, ClearSpace and D-Orbit, working in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority, the UK Space Agency and DSIT. Publishing the Stage 1 Report on the Regulatory Sandbox for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) delivers a key recommendation from the Space Regulatory Review and further demonstrates the strength of the sandbox model to support wider innovation, taking advantage of these safe spaces for establishing ‘what works’ for regulating cutting-edge new technologies.

By tackling bottlenecks and uncertainties that UK firms in this field and beyond currently face, and ensuring regulation keeps up with the fast pace of innovation in this area, we will help encourage investment in nascent space activities like space junk removal, in-orbit refuelling and repair services that are expected to be highly lucrative in the decades ahead.

By stress-testing the regulatory framework for novel space missions, the report’s recommendations provide important clarity for the UK’s space industry, their clients and investors, which ultimately encourages the growth of and investment in British space businesses working on RPO missions. This work is supported by the Regulatory Innovation Office’s (RIO) mission to reform regulation across emerging technologies.

Delivery on these recommendations is already underway, as is Stage 2 of the Sandbox, which will examine issues unique to RPO missions in greater detail. The Stage 1 report sets a model for future sandboxes to follow. Its findings will support the delivery of the UK’s first ever active debris removal mission, planned to launch by 2028 to prove the tech needed to safely remove defunct satellites from orbit. This is technology that will protect the safe, secure and sustainable access to space upon which the UK’s economy and national security depend.

Nick Shave, Managing Director, Astroscale UK:

Astroscale UK is proud to have jointly led the industry delivery of Stage 1 of the RPO Regulatory Sandbox. Rendezvous and Proximity Operations are the foundation of all in-orbit servicing, from life-extension and refuelling to active debris removal – and with the right regulatory framework, the UK can be a global leader in this transformative sector.

The recommendations in this report tackle the real bottlenecks industry faces today, providing clarity, proportionality and the confidence investors need. We look forward to working with government, regulators, and our fellow innovators to turn these proposals into action, ensuring the UK captures the economic and sustainability opportunities of a truly serviceable space sector.

Rory Holmes, ClearSpace COO and UK Managing Director, said:

Together with partners, ClearSpace has been at the forefront of delivering Stage 1 of the RPO Regulatory Sandbox, an important step towards a safe, sustainable, and commercially dynamic space sector. This stage has been pivotal in fostering collaboration between government, regulators, insurers, and operators, enabling stakeholders to address knowledge gaps and reduce uncertainty around licensing in-orbit servicing missions in the UK.

Through the RPO Operators Consortium, we have contributed to comprehensive recommendations on safety, sustainability, security, and liability measures to strengthen the UK’s regulatory framework and benefit all satellite operators. By establishing a clear, transparent, proportionate, and predictable approach, these proposals position the UK to become a global leader in this strategically vital domain. We remain committed to turning this framework into action, supporting its implementation, and advancing the vision of secure, resilient, and sustainable space operations.

D-Orbit’s UK Legal Counsel, Lauren Payne, said:

Stage 1 successfully highlighted a range of challenges associated with the licensing of RPO missions under the current regulatory framework, allowing key stakeholders in licensing to work through these real-life challenges in a focussed, neutral forum. For Stage 2 we will build on the work in Stage 1 and zero in on implementation, where we hope to translate these issues into a better regulatory environment for RPO operators, customers, and regulators.

Colin Macleod, Head of the Space Regulator at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:

The regulatory sandbox on RPO allows us to work with industry and government on cutting edge ideas in a fast-paced, collaborative and safe environment.

RPO is vital for sustainable space but operating satellites at thousands of miles per hour in close proximity brings big challenges. Getting this right unlocks new ways of operating in space, helping the UK space sector grow while operating safely and responsibly.
August 20, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : The UK remains determined to work with partners to end conflict-related sexual violence – UK statement at the UN Security Council [August 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 August 2025.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Women, Peace and Security.

President, conflict-related sexual violence shatters lives and undermines peace.

Impunity remains the norm, and resources to support survivors are increasingly stretched.

We heard from Ms Ahmed about the scale and brutality of this violence in Sudan.

We call on the warring parties to comply with their Jeddah commitments and cooperate with investigations by both the International Criminal Court and the UN-mandated Fact-Finding Mission.

Heightened conflict in eastern DRC has caused an unprecedented spike in sexual violence.

Mass displacement and food insecurity have left women and girls vulnerable to forced prostitution as a means of survival.

In Ukraine, there is mounting evidence of Russian-perpetrated sexual violence against both civilians and detainees.

UN reports suggest more than 2 in 3 detainees are affected.

We have seen reporting of sexual violence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and we continue to call for all reports of abuses by all parties to be fully investigated.

And we have heard harrowing reports of widespread, systematic, and deliberate acts of sexual and reproductive violence in conflict-affected parts of Ethiopia.

The United Kingdom remains committed to this agenda.

In the last year, the UK appointed a new Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict and convened multiple UN discussions on sexual violence in Sudan, DRC, Ukraine, and other contexts.

I will outline three priorities.

First, we call for greater action to support survivors, ensuring their voices are at the heart of any response.

The UK-founded International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict drives survivor-centred international action.

I commend Ukraine’s chairpersonship of the Alliance this year.

Second, we must work together to end impunity, ensuring that survivors can access justice without fear or shame.

The UK is supporting efforts to deliver accountability, including through our work with the UN Action network and UN Team of Experts on Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict.

Third, there must be adequate and sustained resourcing to prevent and respond to conflict-related sexual violence.

The UK has continued to provide vital funding, enabling thousands of survivors to access medical, legal and psychosocial support.

25 years on from the landmark Security Council resolution 1325, we urge members to make strides in fully implementing this resolution and the subsequent resolution 2467 on a survivor-centred approach.

President, the UK remains resolute in our determination to work with partners to end the scourge of conflict-related sexual violence, support survivors, deliver justice and end impunity once and for all.

August 20, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Appointment to Cabinet Office Board [August 2025]

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 19 August 2025.

Greg Jackson has been appointed as a Non-Executive Member of the Cabinet Office Board for a period of three years.

His term started on 21st July 2025 and will conclude in 2028.

The Cabinet Office Board provides strategic leadership for the department, comprising Cabinet Office ministers, senior executives, and non-executives from outside government.

The Non-Executive Board Members are responsible for providing support and challenge to the department’s ministers and senior officials on the delivery of key policies and programmes.

Greg Jackson is the CEO of Octopus Energy Group. He has previously worked as the Co-founder and Chairman of Consultant Connect Ltd (2015-2022), Managing Director of HomeService Alliance (2013-15), Non Executive Director at Zopa (2010-18), CEO of Tangent Labs (2008-10) and CEO/Founder of C360 UK Ltd.

Greg is also an Honorary Fellow at Pembroke College Cambridge, and holds an Honorary Doctorate at the University of Teesside.

August 20, 2025