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Tag: 2025

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister virtual meeting with the Coalition of the Willing [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister virtual meeting with the Coalition of the Willing [August 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 19 August 2025.

    The Prime Minister co-chaired a virtual meeting of the Coalition of the Willing this morning with over 30 international leaders to update on the talks in Washington last night.

    The Prime Minister began by reflecting on the constructive meeting, saying it was clear there was a real sense of unity and shared goal of securing a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

    Turning to next steps, the Prime Minister outlined that Coalition of the Willing planning teams would meet with their US counterparts in the coming days to further strengthen plans to deliver robust security guarantees and prepare for the deployment of a reassurance force if the hostilities ended.

    The leaders also discussed how further pressure – including through sanctions – could be placed on Putin until he showed he was ready to take serious action to end his illegal invasion.

    The Prime Minister said he looked forward to updating the group again soon, as further work progressed in the coming days and weeks.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Appointment to House of Lords Appointments Commission [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Appointment to House of Lords Appointments Commission [August 2025]

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

    Professor Adeeba Malik CBE DL has been appointed as an Independent Member of the House of Lords Appointments Commission (HOLAC).

    The appointment will be for a period of five years, with her term beginning on 1 September 2025.

    Professor Adeeba Malik CBE DL has over 35 years experience of working in the voluntary sector and has held several ministerial and non-ministerial appointments at local, regional and national level. She is the Deputy Chief Executive of QED Foundation.

    A former High Sheriff of West Yorkshire, her current public service roles includes Member of a State Honours Committee; External Expert Advisor to the Home Office Strategic Race Advisory Board and Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire.

    HOLAC recommends individuals for appointment as non-party-political life peers and vets nominations for life peers to ensure the highest standards of propriety.

    It is an advisory non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Cabinet Office.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK partners with Uttar Pradesh Government to provide scholarships [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK partners with Uttar Pradesh Government to provide scholarships [August 2025]

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

    The UK has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Uttar Pradesh to offer the prestigious Chevening Scholarship Programme in the state.

    Under the agreement signed today [19 August] in Lucknow in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron, up to 15 scholars from the state will be eligible for full financial support to pursue a one-year master’s in the UK.

    The Chevening programme in India is the largest in the world, benefitting over 3,900 scholars and fellows since 1983, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to developing the leaders of tomorrow. Chevening alumni use their world-class education and global networks gained in the UK to create meaningful, lasting change when they return home, whether by tackling global challenges or making a tangible impact in their own communities.

    Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, said:

    The UK is a fantastic place to study, and I am delighted that our new partnership with the Government of Uttar Pradesh will help even more talented young people from the state experience our world-class education.

    Chevening alumni in India include some of the brightest minds, working on everything from cyber, science and innovation to policy and development. They are a fundamental part of how the UK and India work together to solve global challenges and the unique living bridge that connects our countries.

    The High Commissioner is currently on a one-day visit to Lucknow to explore deeper links with the state as part of UK-India Vision 2035. She held wide ranging discussions with the Chief Minister covering higher education and trade and investment opportunities following the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between the UK and India in July 2025.

    Further information:

    • The ‘Chevening Bharat Ratna Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Uttar Pradesh Rajya Sarkar Scholarships Yojana’ will run for three academic years, from 2026-2029. Applications for the inaugural year are currently open from now until 7 October 2025. Five scholars will be selected every year. For details and to apply, visit https://www.chevening.org/apply
    • The Government of Uttar Pradesh will contribute 50% of the total cost of the scholar that will be match-funded by the UK Government. A representative from the Government of Uttar Pradesh will be invited to join the interview panel for scholar selection.
    • The Chevening programme in India is the largest in the world, benefitting over 3,900 scholars and fellows since 1983. Over 40% of Chevening scholars come from outside metro cities, are first generation learners and belong to lesser privileged groups.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK recognises aid workers for life-saving work after deadliest year on record [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK recognises aid workers for life-saving work after deadliest year on record [August 2025]

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

    On World Humanitarian Day (19 August), Minister for Development Baroness Chapman pays tribute to humanitarian workers who have lost their lives while delivering vital aid.

    • 2024 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian aid workers, with 2025 set to be as bad or worse due to the ongoing crises in Gaza and Sudan.
    • Around 100 more aid workers are set to be honoured for life-saving relief efforts in Gaza, where humanitarian need has reached new depths.

    Around 100 more aid workers are set to be recognised for life-saving relief efforts in Gaza, Minister for Development Baroness Chapman has announced on World Humanitarian Day (19 August).

    2024 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarians, with 383 aid workers losing their lives around the world, including British citizens.

    2025 is set to be as bad or worse due to the ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine. Gaza remains one of the most dangerous places for humanitarians, with over 450 aid workers killed since the beginning of the conflict.

    In January, the Government announced the first recipients of the new Humanitarian Medal. The national honour recognises the courage and dedication of humanitarian workers who risk their lives to help others as part of the UK’s humanitarian responses in the world’s most dangerous places.

    The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is now recommending around 100 more aid workers receive the honour for their efforts responding to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Among the recipients will be brave humanitarians deployed with organisations like UK-MED who, backed by UK Government funding, have treated over 500,000 Gazans in field hospitals over the course of the conflict and aid workers who have urgently tried to reach Gazans with food, water and shelter.

    Minister for Development Baroness Chapman said:

    “Today, World Humanitarian Day, is a day to celebrate brave and inspiring humanitarian workers across the world. These remarkable people do untold good in places like Gaza, Myanmar and Sudan where hideous preventable conflict costs an obscene loss of life. What aid workers do for humanity needs to be recognised and celebrated.

    “This World Humanitarian Day, alongside our work with the international community to provide support and relief to the people of Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine, we are preparing to award around 100 more aid workers with the Humanitarian Medal, for their efforts to alleviate suffering in Gaza.

    “Our funding to the world’s worst humanitarian crises is delivering real hope on the ground.”

    UK aid groups are also recognised globally as leaders in delivering lifesaving aid. Last week (13 August) the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) based in Manchester, were awarded the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize. This is the world’s largest annual humanitarian award, presented to organisations that have made an extraordinary contribution to the alleviation of human suffering.

    MAG, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, remove the threat of landmines and unexploded bombs from places affected by conflict. Since 1989, MAG has helped over 20 million people in 70 countries rebuild their lives and livelihoods after war.

    No nation can tackle global challenges alone. In a world where security threats are growing and humanitarian crises are multiplying, the UK is sharpening its focus, helping to protect aid workers and promote international humanitarian law.

    The UK has suspended relevant export licences to Israel following concerns about International Humanitarian Law violations, hosted the London Sudan Conference to address humanitarian access, and increased investment in critical organisations like the International NGO Safety Organisation and the Aid Worker Security Database that help keep aid workers safe wherever they are.

    The UK is working with partners to strengthen global safety, security and prosperity. Fostering stability overseas supports our security in the UK too, helping us deliver our Plan for Change.

    Notes to editors:

    • We expect to be able to award the additional humanitarian medals by early 2026.
    • The UK intends to continue our proud history of helping those in need, including in Gaza. The UK’s support to date has meant:
    • UK funding to UK-Med has supported over 500,000 patient consultations across Gaza.
    • At least 647,000 have received food.
    • Almost 300,000 people have improved access to water, sanitation and hygiene services.
    • 14,000 children have access to education materials and welfare support. The UK has provided 1.3 million items of life-saving medicines, over 50,000 shelter items and over 70,000 wound care packs.
    • The Prime Minister released a statement on 8 August calling for a ceasefire and a surge in humanitarian aid, urging Israel to reconsider its decision to take further military action in Gaza.
    • In April, the Foreign Secretary hosted a conference to discuss the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The UK announced £120 million in humanitarian support, to deliver lifesaving food and nutrition supplies, including for vulnerable children and to provide emergency support to survivors of sexual violence.
    • The UK provided over £120 million in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine in 2024 to 2025, bringing our total humanitarian contribution to over £477 million for Ukraine and the region from the start of the full-scale invasion to the end of the previous financial year.
  • PRESS RELEASE : £120 million regeneration boost to transform Newcastle’s last major brownfield site into new neighbourhood with up to 2,500 homes [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : £120 million regeneration boost to transform Newcastle’s last major brownfield site into new neighbourhood with up to 2,500 homes [August 2025]

    The press release issued by Homes England on 19 August 2025.

    Government has approved funding package to accelerate the creation of new homes, public realm and commercial space at Forth Yards.

    A new funding package worth £121.8 million has brought the transformation of Quayside West at Forth Yards in the heart of Newcastle another step closer for people of the city.

    The package will fund vital remediation, groundworks and infrastructure activity, fixing complex land issues that have long acted as a barrier to investment at the site, which despite its prime location near Newcastle Central Station and the city centre, has lain derelict for decades.

    Government has approved the business case for the package, developed by Homes England, working in partnership with the North East Mayor and Combined Authority, Newcastle City Council and Network Rail.

    Matthew Pennycook, Housing and Planning Minister, said:

    This government has a brownfield first approach to development, and we want to see previously used land prioritised wherever possible.

    We are acting to make it easier to build homes on abandoned, disused and neglected urban brownfield sites across the country – boosting housing supply, regenerating communities, and delivering economic growth.

    Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor, said:

    This derelict land is in a great location on the banks of the Tyne yet has stood mostly unused for 20 years, which is a huge waste of potential.

    That’s why we promised to transform areas like this and now that’s exactly what we’re doing. We’ve secured funding so we can get the last brownfield site in Newcastle city centre ready to start building the homes that local people need.

    This won’t be a vast estate, where people can’t access the services they need, but a thriving community with great transport links, green spaces and shops.

    We’re driving the transformation our region needs – from brownfield to beautiful – and today we’re announcing a huge step towards achieving that here at Forth Yards.

    The new funding package will pave the way for a new development platform and subsequent appointment of a private sector delivery partner, with the procurement process due to start in the coming months, while public sector partners will continue to accelerate progress across the whole Forth Yards site.

    Quayside West, a parcel of land with capacity for around 1,100 homes alone, was brought into public ownership in 2024 after being acquired by Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency.

    It’s one of the largest parcels of land at the centre of Forth Yards, which is set to become a new, sustainable mixed-use neighbourhood next to the city’s central station and Quayside, giving the city a new, well connected western gateway.

    The site is a strategic priority for Newcastle City Council and the North East Combined Authority, which last year strengthened ties further with Homes England through a Strategic Place Partnership.

    Leader of Newcastle City Council, Cllr Karen Kilgour, said:

    This is fantastic news and shows the Government share our vision for the area.

    Forth Yards is arguably Newcastle’s most exciting development site that in time will provide thousands of new homes and create hundreds of jobs.

    The funding will act as catalyst for development, allowing us to bring forward infrastructure improvements that will open up the site to attract much-needed private sector investment.

    In about 15 years it will have created a whole new part of the city to the west and provided a new community for our residents while adding significantly to our economy.

    Pat Ritchie, Chair of Homes England, said:

    This significant investment in Forth Yards demonstrates the Agency’s commitment to transforming previously undeveloped brownfield sites into thriving communities. By working in partnership with Newcastle City Council, the North East Combined Authority and Network Rail, we’re addressing the complex challenges that have held back this strategically important site for decades.

    The new funding package will unlock the potential for thousands of new homes right in the heart of Newcastle, supporting the government’s mission of building 1.5 million homes this parliament.

    The news today follows the recent government announcement on Forth Goods Yard, another parcel of land at Forth Yards, being one of the first regeneration opportunities to be brought forward as part of the creation of Platform4, a new property company focused on transforming rail-led land through the creation of new homes and neighbourhoods.

    Robin Dobson, Group Property Director, Network Rail said:

    As Network Rail Property bring forward planning submission for the first phase of Forth Yards with up to 600 homes this year, we welcome this financial commitment to unlock the wider Forth Yards estate delivering a further 2,500 homes.

    Forth Goods Yard has been landlocked for decades and the combined efforts of Network Rail Property, Homes England and the Newcastle City Council we will enable the transformation of this strategically important site for generations to come.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Environmental reforms to break planning system gridlock [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Environmental reforms to break planning system gridlock [August 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 19 August 2025.

    Britain’s broken planning and development system is rewired to accelerate infrastructure delivery and homebuilding while safeguarding the environment

    First-time home buyers and local communities will reap the benefits as Britain’s broken planning and development system is rewired to accelerate infrastructure delivery and homebuilding while safeguarding the environment under the Plan for Change.

    Environmental planning reforms will be backed by £500 million, which includes funding for the government’s flagship Nature Restoration and Marine Recovery Fund schemes and funding to build capacity in the planning system. This will help to process planning applications faster and help developers bring their projects to life, without compromising on environmental protections – ensuring we build 1.5 million homes and fast-track 150 planning decisions on major infrastructure projects by the end of this Parliament.

    The Lower Thames Crossing – set to cut congestion for motorists and drive growth across the country – will become the first major UK infrastructure project to have one lead environmental body in charge. A clear, single point of contact will cut the time it takes to secure planning permissions and approvals for large-scale developments, boosting project certainty and minimising costs and delays.

    Moreover, communities across Britain will benefit from new transport, energy and housing schemes sooner, thanks to a new dedicated body that will address planning issues early to keep critical projects on track.

    The Defra Group Infrastructure Board will help accelerate the planning process for at least 50 major infrastructure projects, including Hinkley Point C, East West Rail and Heathrow expansion.

    Early oversight will help to identify challenges such as those faced by HS2 in building the bat tunnel, meaning that for future similar situations alternative solutions to meet environmental obligations can be explored earlier in the process – ensuring proportionate decisions are made and reducing costs and delays.

    Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said:

    “People can’t find affordable homes to live in because Britain’s broken planning system has blocked building work, and that’s pushed up prices.

    “These changes will get spades in the ground quicker so developers can build the homes families need.

    “This is all part of the Government’s Plan for Change that will boost the economy and create jobs by building more homes and also provide new funding from developers to benefit nature.”

    Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said:

    “We have been stuck with a status quo that has stopped us building the homes we need, and has done nothing for nature’s recovery.

    “Communities deserve better, that’s why we’re pushing ahead with our pro-growth reforms to not only deliver vital homes and infrastructure, but drive real, lasting recovery for the environment.

    “This is another step towards our 1.5 million homes Plan for Change target which will restore the dream of homeownership, end the housing crisis, and boost economic growth across the country.”

    The measures announced today build on a £500 million funding package announced as part of the government’s 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy. This funding will give the planning system a boost to help build the homes families need whilst supporting nature recovery on land and at sea at scale. As recommended by the Corry Review, it will increase the capacity of Natural England and the Environment Agency to process planning applications faster, through the use of spatial planning and digital technologies. This will not only help to improve our natural environment but also enable delivery of vital national infrastructure such as wind farms, railways, gigafactories and data centres.

    The new Lead Environmental Regulator approach will end the merry-go-round of developers dealing with multiple, overlapping authorities. Instead, one environmental regulator will deliver a coordinated response on behalf of all regulators. Natural England will take on this role for the Lower Thames Crossing, working seamlessly with the Environment Agency and Marine Management Organisation to provide joined-up advice.

    This government is clear; we will no longer accept Britain’s rigid system of regulation as the status quo. Regulators and regulation must work for the people of Britain, not get in the way of progress.

    By facilitating greater collaboration and stronger oversight within Defra and its arm’s-length bodies, the new Infrastructure Board will overcome bureaucratic barriers and keep projects moving at pace. It will closely monitor an evolving list of significant infrastructure projects, including renewable energy projects critical to meeting the 2030 clean power mission. These could include offshore wind and solar farms, electricity transmission lines, and other nationally significant infrastructure projects.

    This package demonstrates rapid delivery of high-impact recommendations from a landmark review of environmental regulation, led by former Head of the No10 Policy Unit Dan Corry and commissioned by Steve Reed. Of the 29 recommendations published in April 2025, 9 are already being fast-tracked by Defra, with the government actively considering next steps on the remaining 20.

    This represents a significant step forward in delivering on the government’s Plan for Change commitment to build 1.5 million homes this Parliament and fast-track 150 planning decisions on major infrastructure – more than double the number decided in the previous Parliament.

    Notes to editors:

    • The Nature Restoration Fund will enable infrastructure builders to meet their environmental obligations faster and at greater scale by pooling contributions from developers to fund larger strategic interventions for nature. This approach will mean the burden of individual site-level assessments and delivering mitigation and compensation is reduced. Further information is on gov.uk.
    • The Marine Recovery Fund will deliver industry-funded, strategic measures to compensate for adverse effects of offshore wind developments on marine protected areas – supporting the Clean Power Mission.

    Lead Environmental Regulator

    Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England, said:

    Infrastructure, housing and nature are not competing interests. Sustainable development and nature recovery must go hand in hand, and urgent action is needed to restore our depleted nature and build desperately needed homes and infrastructure.

    That’s why we’re proud to be the Lead Environmental Regulator delivering the Lower Thames Crossing. This model brings developers and all the regulators together to agree how to avoid environmental harm and plan opportunities for nature recovery, so streamlining the approvals process.

    Matt Palmer, Executive Director, Lower Thames Crossing, said:

    As one of the Britain’s most important economic infrastructure projects we are delighted to be the first to work with a Lead Environmental Regulator. Driving economic growth and enhancing nature are at the heart of the Lower Thames Crossing. As we gear up to start construction, this new approach will help us to move at pace, while ensuring we protect the natural environment and meet our environmental commitments.”

    On Lower Thames Crossing:

    • The Lower Thames Crossing will be a new road crossing connecting Kent, Thurrock and Essex. Approximately 14.5 miles (23km) in length, it will connect to the existing road network from the A2/M2 to the M25 with two tunnels (one southbound and one northbound) running beneath the River Thames.
    • The Lead Environmental Regulator pilots will test a new operating model for how environmental regulators support major development projects. The project team is working with developers and regulators to identify suitable projects on which to pilot the approach. These pilots will test new ways of working and team structures including:
    • Better coordination – through clear named contacts for developers, who will coordinate all input, push work ahead at an appropriate speed and resolve issues.
    • Ensuring coherent advice across regulators to give developers a single view.
    • Streamlined processes sharing data, information and expert advice across all regulators to build a shared project understanding, improve coordination and accelerate decisions.
    • Resolving issues to escalate quickly where there is disagreement or divergence, by identifying causes, resolving them and reaching consensus before involving developers or other stakeholders. Proposed innovative solutions will be resolved at working level or escalated quickly, including to the Infrastructure Board. Defra will consider the use of Ministerial powers to unblock issues if necessary.
    • Set a proactive, energetic and “can-do” culture across regulators which is focused on enabling development whilst protecting and improving the environment.

    On Infrastructure Board:

    • The Board will not pre-empt or influence the consenting process, which will continue to be overseen by the Planning Inspectorate.
    • The measures announced today support many of the commitments in the government’s 10-year infrastructure strategy. For example, the Defra Infrastructure Board will help support fast-tracking 150 planning decisions on major infrastructure projects by the end of this Parliament.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Millions to receive essential benefit payments ahead of August bank holiday [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Millions to receive essential benefit payments ahead of August bank holiday [August 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 19 August 2025.

    Millions of people will receive their essential financial support before the August bank holiday weekend, as the Government has confirmed that benefit payments will be brought forward to Friday 22 August.

    • Change to benefits payment date for millions of people will help them with their financial planning and providing peace of mind for those on low incomes.
    • It comes ahead of the new school year, which will allow families and carers to plan their spending with confidence, knowing their support is already in place.
    • This proactive measure demonstrates the Government’s commitment through its Plan for Change to raising living standards, breaking down barriers to opportunity and ensuring growth is felt by everyone, everywhere.

    The early payment arrangement will apply to all major benefits including Universal Credit, Child Benefit, State Pension, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance, ensuring that payments originally scheduled for the weekend of 23-25 August reach recipients on time.

    This proactive measure will provide financial certainty for families as they prepare for the new school year, allowing parents and carers to plan their spending with confidence knowing their support is already in place during what can be an expensive time for households.

    Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said:

    We know how much families rely on these payments, and by bringing them forward ahead of the bank holiday we’re ensuring no one has to worry about whether their support will be there when they need it most.

    This is especially important ahead of the new school year – no family should have to choose between buying school supplies and putting food on the table.

    This is what our Plan for Change is all about – putting working families and the most vulnerable first and ensuring every family has the security they need to plan for the future.

    The early payment policy ensures recipients receive their funds before banks and government offices close for the holiday weekend, maintaining the continuity of support that millions depend upon.

    This announcement comes as the Government continues to deliver on its Plan for Change, breaking down barriers to opportunity and raising living standards in every part of the United Kingdom.

    For the first time ever, the Universal Credit standard allowance will permanently rise above inflation, delivering £725 by 2029/30 in cash terms for a single person aged 25 or over. This represents the highest permanent real terms increase to the main rate of out-of-work support since 1980, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, and will benefit nearly four million households.

    These reforms will change the lives of people across the country as part of the Government’s mission-led approach to kickstart economic growth. By putting more money into working people’s pockets and ensuring those seeking employment have the support they need, these changes will drive productivity, prosperity and higher living standards across the UK.

    Additional Information:

    • Benefit payments originally due on Saturday 23, Sunday 24, and Monday 25 August 2025 will be paid early on Friday 22 August 2025.
    • Applies across the entire United Kingdom (Scotland follows the same principle despite different bank holiday arrangements).
    • Affects multiple benefits: Universal Credit, Child Benefit, State Pension, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, and Pension Credit.
  • PRESS RELEASE : New multi-million pound Army support deal for North-East firm to boost national security and growth [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New multi-million pound Army support deal for North-East firm to boost national security and growth [August 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 18 August 2025.

    New agreement with Cook Defence Systems will provide vital spare parts to the British Army armoured vehicle fleet.

    125 jobs are to be supported in the North East through a new agreement between the MOD and Cook Defence Systems to supply spare tracks for the British Army’s armoured fighting vehicles.

    The three-year deal announced today (18 August), worth up to £125 million, will see the company supplying spare parts for all the Army’s principal combat vehicles including its new Challenger 3 tanks, securing investment in advanced manufacturing techniques and supporting skilled jobs at Cook’s County Durham site.

    The announcement supports the Government’s Plan for Change: boosting UK defence spending and our security, backing British industry, and growing the economy by creating skilled jobs in communities across the country.

    The agreement comes ahead of Ukrainian Independence Day on Sunday 24 August. Cook Defence Systems have played a vital role in the UK’s enduring commitment to Ukraine, supporting donated British armoured fighting vehicles and as the main manufacturer of spare tracks for the Soviet-era vehicles used by the Ukrainian Army.

    This highlights how the UK and British industry are working together to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position on the battlefield.

    Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard, said:

    This contract not only strengthens our Army’s warfighting capability, but helps sustain hundreds of skilled jobs in the North East. It’s a clear example of the defence dividend – this Government’s historic increase in defence spending supporting high-skilled jobs across the UK, part of the Plan for Change. This investment is a clear example of the defence dividend where higher defence spending, spent with British firms, supports good, well-paid skilled jobs nationwide.

    The war in Ukraine has taught us that a military is only as strong as the industry behind it. That’s why we’re investing more in our own forces and working with UK industry to scale up production, support our allies, and secure long-term national resilience.

    The new agreement delivers on the recommendations of the Strategic Defence Review, published in June, and the upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy. By aligning national security and economic growth, this Government is ensuring that every pound of taxpayer money spent on defence not only makes our country safer but contributes to growing the economy.

    Director of Cook Defence Systems, William Cook said:

    As the only British designer and manufacturer of track systems for fighting vehicles, Cook Defence Systems is critical to the operational independence of the British Army and allied forces.

    This latest contract directly supports 125 jobs at Cook Defence Systems and underpins £5m of investment in new plant and machinery over the next twelve months.

    Our core relationship with the UK MOD is the foundation of our export success, with Cook Defence Systems currently supplying British allies in Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

    This comes as part of wider defence investment, with the UK ramping up procurement of artillery ammunition, drones, and combat spares in response to lessons learned from Ukraine, whilst continuing to support them following Putin’s barbaric invasion.

    The UK, together with allies, is stepping up support for Ukraine – providing £4.5 billion of military support this year – more than ever before. In March this year, the Prime Minister announced a historic £1.6 billion deal to provide more than five thousand air defence missiles for Ukraine.

    The UK is also stepping up on the supply of drones, with £350 million this year to increase the supply of drones from 10,000 in 2024 to 100,000 in 2025; and the UK has completed a delivery of 140,000 artillery munitions since the start of 2025 in a vital boost for Ukraine’s frontline troops.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK calls on South Sudan’s leaders to take urgent steps to end violence and restore dialogue – UK statement at the UN Security Council [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK calls on South Sudan’s leaders to take urgent steps to end violence and restore dialogue – UK statement at the UN Security Council [August 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 August 2025.

    Statement by Ambassador Caroline Quinn, UK Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on South Sudan.

    President, I will make three points.

    Firstly, the United Kingdom remains concerned by the continued violence across South Sudan, which has led to widespread suffering.

    As highlighted in the Secretary-General’s report, military offensives and intercommunal clashes continue to devastate communities.

    We condemn these repeated attacks, including aerial bombardments against civilians, humanitarian workers and medical facilities.

    We call on South Sudan’s leaders to take urgent and concrete steps to halt the violence and restore dialogue, and we urge all parties to protect civilians and comply fully with international humanitarian and human rights law.

    Second, President, as we have heard today, the political situation continues to deteriorate.

    The ongoing house arrest of First Vice President Machar undermines the core principles of the 2018 peace agreement and is a serious obstacle to reconciliation.

    Meanwhile, persistent reshuffles have caused further destabilisation, and government institutions are not operating as they should.

    The United Kingdom echoes the African Union’s call for the immediate release of all political detainees, including the First Vice President.

    This is necessary for credible and inclusive dialogue.

    We also encourage renewed political engagement with regional efforts to advance peace in South Sudan.

    Thirdly, the United Kingdom remains deeply concerned by the ongoing acute humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, with over 7.7 million people facing severe food insecurity, and a cholera outbreak that has claimed more than 1,400 lives.

    These conditions are being exacerbated by spillover from the conflict in Sudan and by the effects of climate change.

    The situation in South Sudan is a clear example of the linkages between climate, peace and security. We commend UNMISS for its tireless work in addressing these climate-related risks, as well as its broader efforts to enable the delivery of aid and protect civilians.

    In this respect, President, the United Kingdom calls on South Sudan’s leadership to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all civilians in need, irrespective of political affiliation or ethnicity.

    And with respect to broader efforts to build resilience and secure lasting peace, we also urge South Sudan’s leadership to take meaningful steps to address the growing impacts of climate change as a key driver of fragility and instability.

  • PRESS RELEASE : United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland–Republic of Korea Senior Economic Dialogue 2025 – Joint Communiqué [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland–Republic of Korea Senior Economic Dialogue 2025 – Joint Communiqué [August 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 August 2025.

    The UK and Republic of Korea held a Senior Economic Dialogue in Seoul on Monday 18 August 2025.

    The Second Vice Minister of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kim Jina, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West MP (hereinafter referred to as “the Ministers”), co-chaired the second UK–ROK Senior Economic Dialogue in Seoul on 18 August 2025.

    The Ministers welcomed the opportunity to meet under two new administrations, reaffirming the strength of the UK–ROK Global Strategic Partnership and their shared commitment to advancing sustainable economic growth, resilience, and prosperity. They acknowledged the evolving global economic landscape, including developments in US economic policy, trade relations with China, and ties with the EU.

    The Ministers welcomed the opportunity today to discuss these issues of shared economic interest and recognised the ongoing efforts of both governments to deepen cooperation across a broad range of areas, including national economic security, defence-related industrial cooperation, and other economic diplomacy issues.

    Bilateral Economic Cooperation

    The Ministers reaffirmed the UK-Korea Global Strategic Partnership, centred around shared interests of growth and economic elements. They reviewed progress of negotiations for an upgraded UK–ROK Free Trade Agreement. They noted the successful conclusion of five negotiation rounds and reaffirmed their ambition to complete talks by the end of 2025.

    Both sides committed to deepening the bilateral trade and investment relationship, and agreed to work together to foster a favourable environment for each other’s business activities in their respective countries.  Ministers noted the complementarity of industrial strategies and discussed greater cooperation in priority sectors such as clean energy, digital technologies, defence industry and engineering biology.  They welcomed the UK’s recent ministerial visit to Korea to promote investment opportunities and the growing bilateral investment pipeline. Ministers expressed support for the first UK-ROK Investment Dialogue at senior official level.

    The Ministers reaffirmed commitment to enable our Joint Defence Exports MOU by facilitating defence industrial collaboration.

    Science, Technology and Innovation

    The Ministers discussed opportunities for enhanced cooperation in science and technology, including artificial intelligence, quantum, engineering biology, and space. They welcomed the UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan and ROK’s ambitious new strategy to become a world-leading AI power.

    They reaffirmed support for the UK–ROK Digital Partnership and looked forward to the next Digital Partnership Forum.

    Economic Security

    Both sides shared the view on the importance of advancing economic security cooperation among like-minded countries, and agreed to enhance collaboration on key issues such as the supply chains of critical minerals, through the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), a multilateral consultative body on critical minerals.

    Energy Transition and Climate Cooperation

    The Ministers agreed to deepen multilateral climate collaboration ahead of COP30 and welcomed efforts to enhance the UK-ROK Clean Energy Partnership.  Minister West welcomed ROK’s continued efforts to transition away from fossil fuels and to submit an ambitious 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

    Ministers noted shared economic growth opportunities through deeper collaboration in expanding clean energy and ensuring energy security.  They discussed opportunities for joint work on nuclear fuel supply chains, including UK investment in LEU and HALEU capabilities.

    Development and Global Cooperation

    The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the UK–ROK Strategic Development Partnership and the implementation of the agreed action plan: to hold workshops enhancing understanding of the ODA implementation systems of the UK-ROK by the end of 2025. They shared their intent to strengthen cooperation in global health.

    They discussed the upcoming 8th replenishment of the Global Fund, under the UK’s joint hosting with South Africa.  The Ministers reiterated the importance of continued multilateral efforts to fight against infectious diseases, AIDS, TB and malaria.

    Multilateral Engagement

    The Ministers discussed cooperation in multilateral forums including the G7, G20, and CPTPP. The UK  offered to share lessons from its own experience of CPTPP accession. Both sides committed to continued dialogue on Indo-Pacific–Euro-Atlantic cooperation.

    Next Steps

    The UK and Korea agreed to further deepen our economic cooperation in various fields including trade, defence, climate and AI and technology. They also welcomed the intention to strengthen links between Korean and British businesses, parliamentarians and academics, including through a proposed UK-Korea High Level Forum.

    The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to holding regular Senior Economic Dialogues, to monitor progress of the bilateral economic cooperation and identify new areas for collaboration and economic growth.