Tag: 2025

PRESS RELEASE : Extra border checks cancelled ahead of UK-EU deal [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 18 August 2025.

The forthcoming deal will slash red tape, cut costs for businesses, and speed up the smooth flow of agrifood trade at the border.
- Introduction of time-consuming border checks suspended
- It comes ahead of the UK’s forthcoming SPS deal with the EU
- Deal will save businesses time and money by cutting red tape as part of government’s Plan for Change
In a win for traders, the government is suspending the introduction of extra border checks on live animal imports from the EU, and on specific animal and plant goods from Ireland, to support British businesses and ease trade ahead of its new SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) deal with the EU.

The deal will establish a UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary zone, cutting costs and red tape for businesses that export and import from the EU, reducing delays at the border, and making food trade with the UK’s biggest market cheaper and easier.

Under the agreement, border checks on live animal imports from the EU as well as on certain plant and animal goods arriving from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (termed non-qualifying goods) will not be required, as their implementation is disproportionate.

Some live animals imported from the EU will continue to be inspected at their place of destination based on a series of risk factors. Non-qualifying goods arriving from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland can continue to enter the UK without physical inspection, and will continue to require pre-notification and certification in some instance.

Protecting UK biosecurity remains a key government priority, and risk-based surveillance will continue to manage the biosecurity threats of these products.

Biosecurity Minister Baroness Hayman said:

Our deal with the EU will boost British businesses as we cut cumbersome bureaucracy and make trading food with our biggest market both cheaper and easier.

Protecting the UK’s biosecurity is essential, and our partnership with the EU will ensure this while delivering for working people as part of our Plan for Change.”

The suspension will be reviewed on a rolling basis to ensure the biosecurity of the UK is effectively maintained.

The forthcoming SPS agreement will remove routine border checks on plant and animal products moving between the UK and EU, strengthening food supply chains and reducing costs for businesses and consumers.

While the details of the agreement are negotiated, traders must continue to comply with the terms of the UK’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) that protect the essential biosecurity of the country, including existing checks.

Defra will continue to work with the Animal and Plant Health Agency, Border Control Post operators, and Port Health Authorities to maintain UK biosecurity while minimising disruption to the flow of goods.

This suspension follows the announcement in June that border checks on EU fruit and veg imports have been scrapped to ease trade ahead of the SPS deal.
August 19, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Government discounts for electric vans and trucks extended [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 18 August 2025.

Plug-in van and truck grant extended to at least 2027.
- thousands of businesses and fleet operators will continue to receive crucial financial support after existing grant scheme extended
- move provides certainty for businesses to continue their switch to electric, supporting their expansion and jobs across the UK
- forms part of government’s £650 million scheme to make it cheaper to buy EVs and helping to boost growth as part of the Plan for Change.
Thousands of drivers and businesses across the country are set to benefit from lower prices as the government has today (18 August 2025) confirmed vital funding to support the uptake of electric vans and trucks.

The plug-in van and truck grant currently offers discounts up to £2,500 for small vans, £5,000 for large vans, £16,000 for small trucks, and £25,000 for large trucks, and the Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood has confirmed the grant will continue through to at least 2027. Grant levels for the 2026 to 2027 financial year will be confirmed in due course.

By switching to electric, businesses could save more than £2,800 annually on fuel alone according to industry figures. This support is helping companies cut costs, expand sustainable operations, and build stronger supply chains, helping to drive growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

The UK logistics sector – which employs 1.2 million people and generates over £79 billion annually for the economy – will benefit from this smoother transition, creating jobs and business opportunities whilst helping keep the UK on track to becoming a clean energy superpower.

Individual drivers can also benefit from the grant, making it cheaper to buy an electric van and putting money back into their pockets.

Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said:

Extending these grants is another decisive step to power Britain’s transition to cleaner transport while backing the industries that keep our economy moving, driving new investment in EVs and helping businesses cut costs and expand.

Every EV on our roads means healthier communities and new economic opportunities across the country, which is why grants like these are crucial to both accelerating that transition and building a resilient, competitive economy.

Commercial transport is responsible for more than a third of CO2 emissions on UK roads meaning it is crucial businesses are supported in make the transition to electric, building a cleaner future for businesses communities across the UK.

The grant extension gives fleet operators, ranging from major logistics firms to smaller independent businesses, the certainty they need to confidently plan their electric vehicle purchases. This builds on the government’s ongoing commitment to help businesses save money and get the charging infrastructure they need to make the switch to electric, after £30 million investment was announced in July to install over 3,000 new chargepoints at depots across the UK.

With over 1.4 million EVs already on UK roads, more than 83,800 public charging points available and over 100,000 more on the way through the £381 million Local EV Infrastructure fund alone – as well as the new Electric Car Grant offering record discounts of up to £3,750 off the price of new EVs – the government is backing British businesses and families to go electric by reducing costs and in turn helping to boost economic growth.

John Boumphrey, UK Country Manager at Amazon, said:

We welcome the government’s continued commitment to supporting the electrification of commercial fleets. Decarbonising the transportation network is a critical step to enable us to achieve our goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions across our operations by 2040.

Checkatrade CEO Jambu Palaniappan:

This news is a big boost for tradespeople across the UK. Lower running costs, freedom from charges like ULEZ, and the ability to plan ahead with confidence – it all adds up to real, practical support. For many Checkatrade members, with help to switch to electric vans, they can keep moving, win more work, and build a future that’s both cost-effective and sustainable.
August 19, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Thousands more checks, tests and scans available out of hours [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 18 August 2025.

100 community diagnostic centres across the country now offer out-of-hours services, 12 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Milestone means tens of thousands of patients can access vital tests, scans and checks around busy working lives
- Delivering more convenient care out of hours as part of government’s Plan for Change, transforming healthcare and making the NHS fit for the future
Tens of thousands of patients across England can now access vital diagnostic tests and scans out of hours and in their community, with 100 community diagnostic centres (CDCs) opening in the evenings and on weekends.

With the government already delivering 7.2 million CDC tests and scans since July 2024, patients no longer have to choose between their job and vital health appointments as more centres open 12 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Based in convenient settings closer to people’s homes like shopping centres, community hospitals and university campuses, many of these centres also offer free parking to make care as easy as possible, with many NHS services already feeling the positive impact of being open out of hours.

Latest NHS England data shows that the NHS delivered over 1.6 million more tests and scans from July 2024 to June 2025 compared to the same time the previous year.  For cancer, the NHS hit the Faster Diagnosis Standard with 76.8% – or 218,463 people – having cancer ruled out or diagnosed within 28 days, the highest June since the standard was introduced. Improved performance on the Faster Diagnosis Standard means that nearly 100,000 (97,000) more people have had cancer diagnosed or ruled out within 28 days between July 2024 and June 2025, compared to the same period last year.

Extending opening hours for CDCs is opening up access and speeding up diagnosis for patients all around the country.

For example, Oldham CDC has slashed lung cancer diagnosis times from 42 days to just 18.8 days, meeting the Faster Diagnosis Standard for the first time. Queen Victoria Hospital CDC in East Grinstead now delivers five times more respiratory patient interactions per session, with 92% avoiding hospital outpatient appointments entirely. These centres are helping to speed up care, making it easier for patients nationwide.

Community diagnostic centres are a pivotal part of the government’s Plan for Change to transform care, moving it out of hospital and into the community.

By speeding up diagnosis and treatment, government is reducing pressure on overwhelmed hospitals and putting patients at ease faster.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said:

This government is determined to offer healthcare that fits around working people’s lives and not the other way around.

From early morning MRI scans to late evening blood tests, we’re meeting patients where they need it most by extending the operating hours for community diagnostic centres and putting patients first.

Our 10 Year Health Plan is revolutionising how healthcare works, and this achievement is a vital step in bringing care closer to community. Delivering on our Plan for Change, we’re building an NHS that’s fit for the future.

Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England National Medical Director, said:

We know people are living incredibly busy lives and it’s vital NHS care reflects that.

The services provided by community diagnostic centres enable people to receive the all-clear or a diagnosis at a time and location that suits them – whether before a school drop-off or after a work shift – and extending their opening hours means more people are being seen more quickly.

So, if anyone has any health concerns, we urge them to seek NHS advice so they can get the care they need.

Wayne Rowlands who visited the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) CDC for an emergency CT scan, said:

I came here for the scan and everything went very smoothly. It was such a pleasant experience. Absolutely brilliant. It’s very bright and not at all like a hospital.

The staff have all been absolutely brilliant as well. This is something really quite special that we have here.

The Plan for Change sets out how government is doing things differently to transform the NHS. By moving care out of hospitals into communities, embracing cutting-edge technology, and redesigning services around patients’ needs the government reforms are creating a more accessible, efficient NHS that works for working people.

The plan is backed by £6 billion of additional capital investment to improve capacity for elective, diagnostic and urgent care services over 5 years – with over £600 million capital funding committed for 2025 to 2026 to transform diagnostic services amidst growing demands. This includes funding up to 5 additional CDCs in 2025/26, as committed to in our elective reform plan, alongside extending opening hours for all CDCs at evenings and on weekends.

Patients can be referred to CDCs via their GP or hospital based clinical teams. The NHS is also making it easier for GPs to refer directly to CDCs via schemes like GP Direct Access, and developing more activity involving CDCs, so patients can have their diagnostic test ahead of meeting their consultant, reducing the number of outpatient appointments they need to attend.
August 19, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Ceri Morgan Appointed Trade Commissioner for Europe [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 18 August 2025.

The Secretary of State is pleased to announce the appointment of Ceri Morgan as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Europe, succeeding Chris Barton from 1 September.

Morgan brings a wealth of experience across multiple sectors to this critical role.

In her most recent position she led the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on international trade, international food security, and heading the government’s overseas agri-food attaché network to tackle market access barriers for UK exports.

Prior to this, Morgan returned to the civil service to establish and lead the Global Trade Negotiations team at Defra after the EU referendum, spearheading the negotiation of agri-food aspects of trade deals.

In His Majesty the King’s first Birthday Honours, Morgan was made a Commander of the British Empire for her services to Capability and Inclusion in International Trade.

We wish her every success in this vital role for the UK.

Ceri Morgan, Director of EU and International Trade at Defra, said:

I am delighted to have been appointed His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Europe and can’t wait to get to know the team later this year and work together to deliver this government’s trade objectives in Europe.

These markets are crucial to the success of the newly launched trade, industrial, and small business strategies for HMG’s Growth agenda and I am thrilled to be leading our efforts.

Chris Barton, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Europe, said:

It has been a great privilege to serve as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Europe. Working across government and our diplomatic network, we’ve made real progress in strengthening trade ties, opening doors for UK businesses, and attracting investment that supports jobs and growth at home.

I’d like to give particular praise to my delightful, talented, industrious, and collaborative team members, who work day in and day out to support British interests across the continent.

I’m delighted to hand over to Ceri Morgan, whose leadership and experience will be invaluable in driving this important work forward.

The HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Europe leads a team of over 300 staff in 34 countries across the continent, working to encourage a thriving trade and investment relationship between the UK and other European countries.

The Trade Commissioner has responsibility for all Department for Business and Trade (DBT) work in Europe including:
- Improving market access for UK companies in Europe
- Attracting inward investment from European companies into UK
- Encouraging UK exports to Europe
- Influencing multilateral trade policy with Europe
- Delivering on the commitments made in the UK’s newly published Trade Strategy
The HMTC works closely with UK based government colleagues, UK ambassadors and the wider diplomatic network in Europe in delivering these goals.

Together they engage extensively with UK and European businesses, European governments and wider stakeholders.
August 19, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : 42 mile stretch of King Charles III England Coast Path opens [August 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 18 August 2025.

A continuous path from the Scottish border to Gibraltar point in Lincolnshire has officially been completed with the trail between Easington to Bridlington  .

The final stretch of King Charles III England Coast Path in Yorkshire and the North East has officially opened today (18 August)

The new stretch joins Easington to Bridlington, forming a continuous path from the Scottish border down to Gibraltar point, in Lincolnshire, some 397 miles. It is the latest part of the 2,700 mile (4345km) national path to be completed.

Commencing at the village of Easington, the King Charles III England Coast Path traces a remarkable route northward along the Holderness coastline. The path reveals a striking juxtaposition between industrial landscapes, such as the Easington Gas Terminal, and the natural beauty of the ever-changing clay cliffs and expansive beaches below.

Progressing north, the trail passes through the resort town of Withernsea and crosses the first landfall of the Prime Meridian near Sand Le Mere. It continues past the historic site of the former RAF Cowden before arriving at Hornsea, a coastal town noted for its recently regenerated Victorian Promenade and charming seaside character.

The journey then skirts the vibrant holiday parks that dot the Holderness coast, eventually reaching the rolling dunes south of Bridlington. From there, the path enters the town’s lively harbour and esplanade before culminating in North Bridlington.

1,800 Miles Done, 900 To Go

The King Charles III England Coast Path will be a 2,700-mile long National Trail around the whole of the English coast, passing through some of our finest countryside and some of England’s most stunning, dynamic and internationally famous coastal scenery.

Natural England has worked in partnership with local authorities to open 1814 miles of the route so far – connecting communities from Northumberland to Cumbria via Cornwall.

Commenting on the approval, Paul Duncan Natural England Deputy Director for Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire, said:

Todays new route opens up easy access to our spectacular local coastline for people across the country. It invites visitors to discover the stunning North East shoreline, renowned for its unique blend of heritage and seaside charm, featuring historic gems like Withernsea Pier Towers and Bridlington Harbour.

With this latest, and final stretch, for Yorkshire and North East marking 1814 miles of the King Charles III England Coast Path now open, the benefits of walking for health and wellbeing through getting closer to nature are becoming more available for all. The trail will also support the local economy and growth – bringing walkers and visitors to the towns and villages for daytrips, refreshments and places to stay.

Connecting Coastal Communities

Councillor Barbara Jefferson, cabinet member for heritage and coastal at East Riding of Yorkshire Council said:

We are delighted to announce that the final section of the new National Trail is now open, seamlessly connecting the previously established stretches of the King Charles III England Coast Path.

Thanks to funding from Natural England, a range of enhancements have been carried out to bring the path up to National Trail standards, with particular attention given to accessibility and environmental sustainability. Walking is a year-round activity, and its ability to extend the tourism season makes it a valuable contributor to the local economy.

This newly completed route is expected to attract both domestic and international visitors, inviting them to experience our natural landscapes, heritage, culture and recreational opportunities. It will also enrich the walking experience for local residents who already enjoy the path.

The King Charles III England Coast Path represents a positive development for coastal communities, creating stronger links between them and encouraging exploration through a continuous, scenic walking route.

Start your adventure and discover your perfect trail with National Trails. So that everyone can make the most of the King Charles III England Coast Path, please follow the Countryside Code. This includes not bringing BBQs or dropping litter, and not lighting fires or camping stoves.

August 19, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Sunderland-based debt collection agencies shut down after keeping client funds they recovered [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Insolvency Service on 18 August 2025.

Companies wound-up by the High Court following Insolvency Service investigations.
- EDC Group NE Ltd, UK EDC Ltd and UK TCF Limited have been shut down by the High Court after keeping more than £50,000 in funds they collected on behalf of clients
- The three companies falsely claimed decades of experience despite being recently established, and used fake testimonials and misleading websites to deceive small businesses into paying upfront fees
- Clients paid fees of hundreds of pounds but received no service, with the companies becoming uncontactable while bank records showed payments were made to the director, bookmakers and football clubs
Three connected debt collection companies which kept more than £50,000 in client funds they collected on their behalf have been shut down.

Sunderland-based EDC Group NE Ltd, UK EDC Ltd and UK TCF Limited falsely presented themselves as professional agencies with decades of experience while taking money from both clients and their debtors.

The companies targeted small businesses through unsolicited phone calls, using misleading information to convince them to sign contracts for debt collection services.

Victims reported paying instruction fees and then being unable to contact the companies, despite assurances that collected funds would be safeguarded.

At least £54,847 in funds was collected and retained by the companies without being passed back to their clients.

The three companies were all wound-up at the High Court in Manchester on Friday 15 August.

David Hope, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:

These companies systematically deceived their clients by presenting themselves as professional debt collection agencies when they were nothing more than operations designed to take money from clients.

The victims trusted these companies to collect debts on their behalf but instead found themselves unable to contact anyone after paying upfront fees, while money that was collected was kept by the companies.

We will continue to take robust action against those who prey on both creditors seeking legitimate debt recovery services and debtors who believe they are making payments to settle their obligations.

All three companies falsely claimed to have “been collecting unpaid debts, resolving disputes and carrying out investigations and research for more than 25 years.”

EDC Group NE Ltd was only set up in March 2022, with UK EDC Ltd incorporated in August 2023, and UK TCF Limited in December 2023.

The companies operated using nearly identical websites, with UK EDC and UK TCF sharing the same website.

False claims on the websites included descriptions of the companies as “market leaders” with “cutting edge collection activity technology” and 65 positive testimonials which presented an inaccurate picture of the companies as having a successful track record in debt recovery.

Insolvency Service investigations revealed sophisticated deceptive tactics, with the companies operating interchangeably to maximise their improper conduct.

One victim paid £750 to UK EDC Ltd for collection of a debt of more than £20,000 but when the debtor made a payment of £12,143 it was collected by the connected company UK TCF Limited operating as ‘The Creditor’s Friend’. The victim was never informed of this collection and never received any of the money recovered on his behalf.

In another example, a woman who paid £600 to recover £15,000 in debts described how EDC Group NE Ltd claimed to have quickly found the debtors’ addresses and new business locations, even boasting of posing as a tax officer to obtain information.

She said: “They gained my trust and gave me false hope. I see now that this was all a confidence trick to gain my trust and impress me so that I would willingly part with my money.”

Complaints to Action Fraud saw one business owner report that the companies had taken payments estimated at £30,000 – £50,000 from his clients alone.

Other victims reported paying instruction fees ranging from £350 to £750 before the companies became completely uncontactable, with phone lines permanently engaged and no voicemail facilities.

Analysis of EDC Group NE Ltd’s bank account revealed that of the £347,837 in total payments out, almost £160,000 went directly to the director, with an additional £78,071 paid to various individuals as salary, gifts and commissions.

Investigators also found payments of more than £17,000 to various bookmakers, £9,679 to football clubs, and £21,362 to hostelries, hotels, restaurants and supermarkets.

No payments to clients for debts collected on their behalf were found.

Bank accounts for the other two companies showed similar patterns, including unexplained payments to EDC Group NE Ltd.

All three companies failed to provide any accounting or financial records to the Insolvency Service. The registered company director failed to co-operate throughout the investigation, ignoring all attempts by investigators to locate and communicate with the companies and those in control of them.

The failure to provide financial records also prevented investigators from establishing whether the companies operated independently or used phoenix practices – repeatedly closing and reopening under new names to evade responsibility and confuse clients.

The Official Receiver has been appointed as liquidator of EDC Group NE Ltd, UK EDC Ltd and UK TCF Limited.
August 19, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Statement of the Co-chairs of the Coalition of the Willing [August 2025]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 17 August 2025.

President Macron and Prime Minister Starmer today co-chaired a virtual meeting of a grouping of ‘Coalition of the Willing’ Leaders with the participation of President Zelenskyy.

Leaders convened to discuss support for Ukraine and next steps in peace negotiations following President Trump’s meeting with President Putin in Alaska.

The Leaders reaffirmed their continued support to Ukraine, and praised President Zelenskyy’s desire for a just and lasting peace as he prepares for further consultations with President Trump in Washington DC.

The leaders also commended President Trump’s commitment to providing security guarantees to Ukraine, in which the Coalition of the Willing will play a vital role through the Multinational Force Ukraine, among other measures.

They re-emphasised the readiness to deploy a reassurance force once hostilities have ceased, and to help secure Ukraine’s skies and seas and regenerate Ukraine’s armed forces.

The President and Prime Minister also informed leaders that they would travel to Washington DC tomorrow for a meeting with President Trump, alongside President Zelenskyy.

August 19, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : AI to cut paperwork to free up doctors’ time for patients [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 16 August 2025.

Patients and frontline staff could see huge benefits from new AI helping people out of hospital quicker and slashing bureaucracy.
- Patients and frontline staff could see huge benefits from new AI helping people out of hospital quicker and slashing bureaucracy
- Tool is one of the Prime Minister’s AI Exemplars, including real-world projects using AI to make people’s lives easier and modernise services across health, justice, tax and planning
- Group of leading projects will receive support to expand the use of their technology more quickly, helping to drive efficiencies and boost growth through Plan for Change
Patients could get home to family and off busy wards more quickly, thanks to game-changing AI that could help write the documents that are needed to discharge people from hospital.

The cutting-edge technology will help cut waiting lists, by giving frontline staff the precious gift of time and making care more efficient so that loved ones return to the comfort of their homes quickly. Currently being developed at Chelsea and Westminster NHS Trust, it is one of many projects to receive backing from the Prime Minister as part of the AI Exemplars programme.

The AI-assisted tool could deliver the support that NHS staff have been crying out for – helping doctors to draft discharge documents faster by extracting key details from medical records, such as diagnoses and test results, using a large language model. After a full review from a medical expert responsible for the patient, these documents are then used to discharge a patient from a ward and refer them to other care services that may be needed.

It would radically improve an outdated system that can leave patients on wards unnecessarily for hours, waiting for time-pressed doctors providing urgent care to sit down and fill in forms before they can go home. In some cases, the current system for writing discharge summaries can also inaccurately record basic patient details – like what treatment they’ve had, or changes to medication – and put them in harms way.

Another project announced today, ‘Justice Transcribe’, will be transformational for Probation Officers – by helping to transcribe and take notes in their meetings with offenders after they leave prison. The technology, which was found to halve the time officers spent organising notes between meetings and in their personal time, is set to be scaled to all 12,000 probation officers following the pilot phase outcome.

Projects being announced today as part of the Prime Minister’s AI Exemplars programme are prime examples of how the government wants to use AI across the public sector to make people’s lives easier and help deliver the Plan for Change. Over the coming months, these exemplars will be developed and trialled, with those showing the most promise potentially rolled out more widely. It follows the Prime Minister’s approach that people should not spend their time on tasks that AI can do quicker and better.

Speaking on a visit to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

This is exactly the kind of change we need: AI being used to give doctors, probation officers and other key workers more time to focus on delivering better outcomes and speeding up vital services.

This government inherited a public sector decimated by years of under-investment and is crying out for reform. These AI Exemplars show the best ways in which we’re using tech to build a smarter, more efficient state.

When we get this right across government, we’re talking about unlocking £45 billion in productivity gains – delivering our Plan for Change and investing in growth not bureaucracy.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

This potentially transformational discharge tool is a prime example of how we’re shifting from analogue to digital as part of our 10 Year Health Plan.

We’re using cutting-edge technology to build an NHS fit for the future and tackle the hospital backlogs that have left too many people waiting too long.

Doctors will spend less time on paperwork and more time with patients, getting people home to their families faster and freeing up beds for those who need them most.

The NHS Federated Data Platform, a system designed to connect IT across health and care services, is hosting the AI-assisted discharge summaries tool. This means that it can handover information to different care services in an efficient and secure way, while also making it easier to use the technology across the country if tests are successful.

Planning

The AI Exemplars programme will also include the ‘Extract’ tool, which will standardise data faster by converting decades-old, handwritten planning documents and maps into data in minutes. It will power new types of planning software to slash the 250,000 estimated hours spent by planning officers each year manually checking these documents.

Schools

Other technology backed by the programme, the ‘AI Content Store’, will also help make more accurate AI tools to support teachers to mark work and plan lessons – ensuring they are able to spend more time helping children in the classroom with face-to-face teaching, supporting the government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity.

Justice

A further tool in the programme is ‘Justice Transcribe’. Early feedback from probation officers has shown that the technology allows them to focus on the personal, and often emotive meetings with offenders, instead of having to interrupt to take notes and clarify details.

Civil service

The suite of AI tools known as ‘Humphrey’, that helps make the civil service more efficient, is also included in the package. It comes as ‘Consult’, a tool in the package, analyses the thousands of responses any government consultation might receive in hours, before presenting policy makers and experts with interactive dashboards to explore what the public are saying directly.

It has been the first AI tool to undergo testing against a new ‘social readiness’ standard, where the tech was shared with members of the public to get their views on the value it adds, the strength of safeguards in place and the risks associated with using the technology. Members of the public noted that Consult is well targeted to replace an “old school process” that is very “archaic” and ripe for improvement with AI.

The independent report, completed after deliberative focus groups by the Centre for Collective Intelligence at Nesta, a charity focused on innovation for the public good, found that 82% of people felt positive or neutral about the use of the technology across government.

Notes to editors

With more to be announced in the coming months, AI Exemplars include:
- Justice Transcribe, Ministry of Justice.
- ‘Humphrey’, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
- Education Content store, Department for Education.
- AI Tax Compliance, HMRC.
- ‘Extract’ and the Digital Planning Programme, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
- ‘Minute’ for Local Government, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
- GOV.UK Chat, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
- AI for diagnostics, NHS.
August 19, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : AI helpers could coach people into careers and help them move home [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology on 16 August 2025.

AI agents could soon take on boring life admin by dealing with public services on your behalf – from filling in forms to completing applications and booking appointments.
- Brits could have their own AI agent to help them deal with everything from life admin, to getting personalised guidance to pick careers, find work and more
- The UK government will call for frontier AI companies to help it test the tech, progressing a world-first plan to use AI agents for national government services as soon as 2027
- Comes ahead of the Prime Minister unveiling an initial set of priority AI Exemplar projects tomorrow, that are set to show how AI can help to transform public services to make people’s lives easier and deliver the Plan for Change more effectively
AI agents could soon take on boring life admin by dealing with public services on your behalf – from filling in forms to completing applications and booking appointments, as the UK government plans trials to save people time and modernise the state.

Agentic AI is unique in that it can reliably complete basic admin tasks for people as well as provide tailored support for them, by putting in a prompt and watching it do the work for them. Acting on behalf of people, AI agents from private companies can be used to book flights, shop around for the best deal online, or book restaurants and activities from a holiday itinerary.

On Monday, the government will invite specialist companies who have started working with this type of cutting-edge AI to team up with in-house Whitehall experts to test this technology together. This includes exploring if agentic AI can help get young people into work by supporting them to take the next step in their education, find the best apprenticeship for their circumstances, provide custom career guidance and more.

In the first instance the tool could be trialled to help people with employment and skills but if successful, the government will experiment to see if agentic AI can help with other life milestones. For example, when moving home a government-built AI agent could help you update an address on your digital driving licence, register you with a new GP, register you in the correct constituency to vote and more.

Taking a new experimental approach recommended in the AI Opportunities Action Plan, the development of the technology will follow a “test and learn” approach that could be rolled out across the country from late 2027 – and builds on the early success of GOV.UK Chat, an experimental generative AI chatbot which is being developed in government.

UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

We can entirely rethink and reshape how public services help people through crucial life moments using the power of emerging AI technology. Using agentic AI to its full potential, we could provide a level of service to citizens across the country that was previously unimaginable – helping people to find better career opportunities, avoid wasting their time on government admin and more.

We are asking the world’s brightest AI developers to work in collaboration with our own brilliant AI teams as we test how valuable their latest tech can be in helping people in their day-to-day lives. At each step, we’ll only progress if the technology can be used in a safe and reliable way – but if it works, we could be the first country in the world to use AI agents at scale.

The technology, which would be entirely optional to use, could also save people hours of headaches by dealing with dozens of different agencies and government officials at once on their behalf.

To deliver this, the government is today asking for frontier AI labs to share their expertise and dedicate AI specialists to build a prototype of the technology over six-to-twelve months. Together, with government AI experts, a hybrid team will prove what’s possible in applying this new technology to public services, while the UK government will maintain ownership of the product into the future.

The project will be the first “National AI Tender” issued following the AI Opportunities Action Plan, a new method that seeks to build cutting-edge AI solutions to improve public services across the country.

It will follow a “Scan, Pilot, Scale” approach recommended by the AI Opportunities Action Plan, with the tender marking the start of the “Pilot” phase where the government will work with leading AI labs to see whether the technology available is ready to reliably deliver on this ambition.

The technology will be built in small and iterative stages, meaning it is consistently being evaluated and rigorously tested to make sure it is ultimately reliable and accurate enough to be used by people across the country when it’s ready.

The completed “Scan” phase included some user research to test where agentic AI could be most helpful, and some early prototyping and exploration of what data is already available to make further development possible.

Throughout, the project will be evaluated before it progresses to the next stage. If it is successful at each stage, an agentic AI solution could be rolled out across the country from the end of 2027.

It comes ahead of the Prime Minister announcing a wider series of AI Exemplars tomorrow, where he will set out several ways in which AI is being used across the public sector to speed up services, save money and improve outcomes for citizens.

The list will include the “Extract” tool, which will standardise data faster by converting decades-old, handwritten planning documents and maps into data in minutes. It will power new types of planning software to slash the 250,000 estimated hours spent by planning officers each year manually checking these documents.
August 19, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Statement by President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, Chancellor Merz, Prime Minister Starmer, President Stubb, Prime Minister Tusk, President Costa, President von der Leyen [August 2025]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 16 August 2025.

Statement by President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, Chancellor Merz, Prime Minister Starmer, President Stubb, Prime Minister Tusk, President Costa, President von der Leyen.

Early this morning, President Trump debriefed us and President Zelenskyy following his meeting with the Russian President in Alaska on 15 August 2025.

Leaders welcomed President Trump’s efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine, end Russia’s war of aggression, and achieve just and lasting peace.

As President Trump said ‘there’s no deal until there’s a deal’. As envisioned by President Trump, the next step must now be further talks including President Zelenskyy, whom he will meet soon.

We are also ready to work with President Trump and President Zelenskyy towards a trilateral summit with European support.

We are clear that Ukraine must have ironclad security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We welcome President Trump’s statement that the US is prepared to give security guarantees. The Coalition of the Willing is ready to play an active role. No limitations should be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries. Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraine‘s pathway to EU and NATO.

It will be up to Ukraine to make decisions on its territory. International borders must not be changed by force.

Our support to Ukraine will continue. We are determined to do more to keep Ukraine strong in order to achieve an end to the fighting and a just and lasting peace.

As long as the killing in Ukraine continues, we stand ready to uphold the pressure on Russia. We will continue to strengthen sanctions and wider economic measures to put pressure on Russia’s war economy until there is a just and lasting peace.

Ukraine can count on our unwavering solidarity as we work towards a peace that safeguards Ukraine’s and Europe’s vital security interests.

August 19, 2025