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Tag: 2025

  • PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor confirms landmark investment to fix the foundations for Northern Ireland’s future prosperity [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor confirms landmark investment to fix the foundations for Northern Ireland’s future prosperity [August 2025]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 12 August 2025.

    • £310 million previously confirmed in Northern Ireland’s City and Growth Deals to lay the foundations for long-term prosperity across creative and high-growth sectors.
    • As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, £137 million in fresh investment will tackle terrorism, paramilitarism and organised crime, unlocking safer streets and new economic opportunities.
    • Major private sector expansion as Thales commits £100 million and up to 200 new jobs in Northern Ireland’s defence industry.

    Northern Ireland is set for a transformative boost as Chancellor Rachel Reeves visits Belfast to confirm a package of investments designed to fix the foundations for long-term prosperity. The Chancellor’s visit marks a major milestone in delivering the Government’s Plan for Change, with new funding targeted at the sectors driving Northern Ireland’s future: creative industries, defence, and safer communities.

    Headline investments confirmed today include:

    • £310 million in new UK Government funding for Northern Ireland’s City and Growth Deals, confirmed in June’s Spending Review and now allocated to support high-growth sectors.
    • £137 million in new funding to tackle paramilitarism and organised crime, removing barriers to investment and growth.
    • £100 million new private sector investment from Thales, supporting expansion and up to 200 new jobs in the defence sector.
    • The largest real-terms settlement for the Northern Ireland Executive since the Belfast Agreement, averaging £19.3 billion per year until 2029.

    During her visit to Studio Ulster – home to the world’s most advanced virtual production studio – the Chancellor celebrated Northern Ireland’s creative sector, which is benefiting from £25.2 million of UK Government investment through the Belfast City Region Deal. This investment underpins Northern Ireland’s reputation as a global leader in film, TV, and digital innovation, supporting high-value, high-skill jobs and attracting international productions such as Game of Thrones and Line of Duty.

    Chancellor, Rachel Reeves said:

    Northern Ireland is brimming with talent and ambition, from cutting-edge film studios to world-class defence manufacturing. Today’s investments are about fixing the foundations for future prosperity – backing the sectors that will create good jobs, drive economic growth, and allow communities to thrive.

    This is a turning point. Every pound we invest here supports good jobs, strengthens our economy, and boosts the United Kingdom’s standing on the world stage, with Northern Ireland at its heart.

    Later today, the Chancellor will visit Thales’ Castlereagh site, where she will highlight the defence sector’s role in supporting Ukraine and strengthening the UK’s security. Thales’ £100 million expansion will open a third facility and create up to 200 new jobs, adding to the 900 skilled roles already supported by UK Government defence spending in Northern Ireland. The government’s commitment to increase defence spending to 2.6% of GDP will further secure the region’s place at the heart of the UK’s industrial future.

    Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn said:

    With world-class strengths including in advanced manufacturing, cyber, defence and the creative industries, and access to the EU market, Northern Ireland is perfectly placed to seize the opportunities ahead.

    That is why we are committed to supporting Northern Ireland to fulfil its potential through the City and Growth Deals, our Industrial Strategy, local growth funding and the record settlement for the Executive of £19.3 billion per year, which is the largest in the history of devolution.

    Northern Ireland will also benefit from increased UK-wide research and development and aerospace funding, supporting 21,000 R&D jobs and 5,000 in aerospace.

    Recently, the UK Government announced that Belfast and Derry-Londonderry will receive at least £30m to unlock new, locally-led innovation through the new Local Innovation Partnerships Fund. The £500m fund will empower local leaders, making the most of communities’ expertise to grow the economy.

    What’s new:

    • £310 million for City and Growth Deals is new funding confirmed in the June Spending Review and now allocated for delivery.
    • £137 million to combat terrorism, paramilitarism and organised crime, is new investment.
    • Other commitments, including £185 million for public service transformation and £2 million for integrated education, were previously set out and are now being delivered as part of the Plan for Change.

    Professor Declan Keeney, Chief Executive of Studio Ulster, said:

    Studio Ulster, as a globally unique facility, stands at the frontier of world-class storytelling and future-facing innovation. The UK Government’s significant investment and today’s visit together recognise the critical role this facility plays in boosting local skills, attracting international investment, and expanding economic opportunity for communities across Northern Ireland.

    Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University, said:

    This is more than a studio. It’s a symbol of what’s possible when partnerships come together across government, industry and education. With such continuing commitment to the City and Growth Deals, together we can continue to deliver impactful projects that connect innovation to opportunity.

    Nigel MacVean, Managing Director, Integrated Air-space Protection Systems (IAS) of Thales in the UK, said:

    I welcome the news of this increase in defence spending. The support for highly skilled jobs within the defence sector will help to empower us to accelerate innovation, expand our reach, and deliver even greater value to our customers and partners, both in the UK and with our internationally. We remain committed to driving excellence and making a meaningful impact with this strengthened foundation.

    More information

    • The Belfast City Region Deal is one of four Northern Ireland City and Growth Deals receiving a share of the £310 million new funding.
    • Studio Ulster is a landmark £72 million virtual production complex developed by Ulster University, underpinning Northern Ireland’s position as a global leader in screen innovation and creative economy growth.
    • CoSTAR Screen Lab at Studio Ulster is part of a £75 million UKRI network driving innovation in gaming, TV, film, and digital entertainment.
    • The largest real-terms settlement for the Northern Ireland Executive since the Belfast Agreement averages £19.3 billion per year until 2029.
  • PRESS RELEASE : National Drought Group meets to address “nationally significant” water shortfall [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : National Drought Group meets to address “nationally significant” water shortfall [August 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 12 August 2025.

    Five areas remain in drought with six more in prolonged dry weather.

    The National Drought Group met today (Monday 11 August) with the current water shortfall situation in England now defined as a “nationally significant incident.”

    Five areas are officially in drought, with six more experiencing prolonged dry weather following the driest six months to July since 1976.

    Despite the unsettled weather last month, many river flows and reservoir levels in England continued to recede compared to June.

    Rainstorms and showers helped mask the fact that July was still the fifth warmest on record.

    August has started to see a return of drier conditions and the fourth heatwave of the summer – putting more pressure on already struggling public water supplies and navigational waterways.

    The National Drought Group – which includes the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, the National Farmers’ Union, Canal & River Trust, anglers, and conservation experts – used the meeting to highlight the water-saving measures each sector is taking.

    They also praised the public for reducing their own daily usage, with Yorkshire Water reporting a 10% reduction in domestic demand following their hosepipe ban. This equates to saving up to 80 million litres per day – equivalent to 32 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

    The less water that is used, the less needs to be abstracted from local rivers – therefore protecting the health of our waterways and wildlife.

    The Environment Agency’s Director of Water and NDG chair, Helen Wakeham said:

    The current situation is nationally significant, and we are calling on everyone to play their part and help reduce the pressure on our water environment.

    Water companies must continue to quickly fix leaks and lead the way in saving water. We know the challenges farmers are facing and will continue to work with them, other land users, and businesses to ensure everyone acts sustainably.

    We are grateful to the public for following the restrictions, where in place, to conserve water in these dry conditions. Simple, everyday choices – such as turning off a tap or deleting old emails – also really helps the collective effort to reduce demand and help preserve the health of our rivers and wildlife.

    The recent rainfall has been welcomed by growers, although the impacts from the dry weather remain as farmers continue their harvest.

    The National Farmers Union noted how water shortages have impacted the growing season this year.

    NFU Vice-President, Rachel Hallos said:

    British farmers and growers continue to face extremely dry conditions, with harvest underway and crop yields proving mixed across the country. Some farms are reporting a significant drop in yields, which is financially devasting for the farm business and could have impacts for the UK’s overall harvest.

    Farming is a long-term industry and there is growing concern about the months ahead. Minimal grass growth means many livestock farmers are already tapping into winter feed stocks, raising the risk of higher production costs later in the year.

    Access to clean, reliable water is essential for food production. What’s worked well during this drought has been early, coordinated communication with stakeholders around licence restrictions and drought permits and orders and it’s crucial this continues.

    To avoid the swing between extreme drought and flooding and to secure water supplies for food production, we urgently need investment in water infrastructure and a more effective planning system.

    Periods of dry weather and low rivers reduce oxygen levels in water that can lead to fish kills and more algal blooms. Lower river flows also prevent wildlife from moving up or downstream.

    Drying out wetlands can be devastating for species that depend on those habits while England has seen an increase in wildfires, devastating vulnerable areas of heathland and moorland.

    The Met Office updated the group on the future weather outlook, noting drier weather has returned.

    Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, Dr Will Lang said:

    This week is starting off warmer than of late across England and Wales with temperatures getting towards the mid-30s Celsius for some in the south.

    While conditions remain mostly settled across the south, the picture is more unsettled further northwest, with rain or showers at times.

    As we move into the second half of August, there are indications of high pressure building and therefore largely settled conditions overall. Although dry weather is more likely, rain, showers or thunderstorms cannot be ruled out.

    The heat and climate change also impact human health, through issues such as heatstroke, dehydration, and respiratory problems.

    Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and Philip Duffy, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, have also briefed Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, about the situation.

    Speaking after attending the meeting, Water Minister Emma Hardy said:

    Working with the National Drought Group, the Government is urgently stepping up its response to ensure we are successfully managing the impacts of ongoing dry weather.

    Water companies must now take action to follow their drought plans – I will hold them to account if they delay.

    We face a growing water shortage in the next decade. That’s why we are pushing ahead with root and branch reform under our Plan for Change, which includes £104 billion of private investment to build nine reservoirs and new pipes to cut leaks.

    CURRENT SITUATION

    • Drought has been declared in: Yorkshire, Cumbria and Lancashire, Greater Manchester Merseyside and Cheshire, East Midlands, and the West Midlands.
    • Areas in prolonged dry weather (the phase before drought) are: Northeast, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, East Anglia, Thames, Wessex, Solent and South Downs.
    • The remaining areas are normal: Hertfordshire, London, Kent, Devon and Cornwall.
    • Yorkshire Water has a Temporary Usage Ban (TUB aka hosepipe ban) in place for all its customers.
    • Thames, South East Water, and Southern Water have postcode-specific bans.
    • Reservoirs fell by 2% last week and are now 67.7% full on average across England. The average for the first week of August is 80.5%. Last month, the average was 75.6%
    • The lowest reservoirs are Blithfield (49.1%), Derwent Valley (47.2%), Chew Valley Lake (48.3%), Blagdon (46.3%).
    • Rainfall in July was 89% of long-term average for the month across England. This is the sixth consecutive month of below average rainfall.
    • Across the country, 51% of river flows were normal with the rest below normal, notably low or exceptionally low.
    • Two rivers – Wye and Ely Ouse – were the lowest on record for July
    • There are currently navigation closures or restrictions across sections of the Leeds and Liverpool, Macclesfield, Trent and Mersey, Peak Forest, Rochdale, Oxford and Grand Union Canal.
    • More information here Dry weather and drought in England: 25 to 31 July 2025 – GOV.UK

    ACTIONS BY NATIONAL DROUGHT GROUP MEMBERS

    • The UK Health Security Agency is working with the National Drought Group to update its public health impacts of drought guidance
    • Water companies are communicating with customers about current risks and advising them how to use water wisely during this dry period.
    • Water companies have stepped up action on leakage, with leaks down 41% compared to the level in 1989 when the industry was privatised.
    • Over £700 million has been committed by water companies to tackle leaks over the next five years.
    • Water companies have committed to reducing leakage by 50% from a 2017-18 baseline by 2050.
    • Yorkshire Water reported that repairs of leaks identified by smart meters had saved 1.5 million litres per day.
    • Yorkshire Water is fixing over 800 leaks per week.
    • Dwr Cymru Welsh Water is fixing over 700 leaks per week.
    • Over 500,000 customers with Anglian Water have had leaks identified via their smart meters. This helped the firm reduce leaks by a total of 187 million litres a day, equivalent to 75 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
    • Anglian Water’s satellite technology has also helped prioritise leak detection, saving over 320,000 litres of water a day in rural areas, enough to supply 1,000 homes.
    • Southern Water has 24,000 acoustic sensors attached to the 15,500km of their water network to help detect leaks.
    • In the last 12 months, Southern Water have reduced leaks by almost 20%, saving 138.7 million litres per day.
    • Severn Trent has handed out 700 x 1,100 litre bowsers to farmers and several to the West Midlands Safari Park so livestock and animals have water.
    • Water-saving messaging has helped reduce demand in the Severn Trent area by 20%, compared to the peak on 11th July.
    • United Utilities are repairing more than 800 leaks a week and have seen a 200% increase in reports of leaks from customers.
    • United Utilities is offering free home water audits in some areas, with more than 3,700 booked in.
    • Thames Water has installed over one million smart meters, which are critical in helping locate leaks.
    • Since June, Thames Water has fixed over 1,000 leaks in the region impacted by the hosepipe ban.

    DROUGHT AND THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

    • The Environment Agency continues to work with Government, including Defra and the Cabinet Office, on the drought response.
    • The Environment Agency has escalated its operational response and diverted resources to ensure a rapid and nationwide response.
    • It is conducting more compliance checks on businesses who abstract water to ensure regulations are met.
    • It is actively engaging with water companies on requests for drought permits and drought orders and ensuring they follow their drought plans.
    • There is increased monitoring of river and groundwater level and more modelling of rainfall patterns to inform decisions, including additional restrictions.
    • The Environment Agency is working closely with farmers in East Anglia, requesting voluntary reductions on surface water abstraction. This will help conserve and extend the total period when water is available for abstraction, protect the environment and delay the need for any formal restrictions.
    • The regulator has sped up the process of alerting abstractors about restrictions.  Manage your water abstraction licence online – GOV.UK.
    • The EA is managing potential navigation issues caused by low flows on the Rivers Thames, Lark and Great Ouse.

    HOW TO SAVE WATER AT HOME

    • Install a rain butt to collect rainwater to use in the garden.
    • Fix a leaking toilet – leaky loos can waste 200-400 litres a day.
    • Use water from the kitchen to water your plants.
    • Avoid watering your lawn – brown grass will grow back healthy.
    • Turn off the taps when brushing teeth or shaving.
    • Take shorter showers.
    • Delete old emails and pictures as data centres require vast amounts of water to cool their systems.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK farmers to benefit from smoother dairy exports to Egypt [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK farmers to benefit from smoother dairy exports to Egypt [August 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 12 August 2025.

    • Dairy farmers to benefit from protection of additional export opportunities worth £250 million over five years through successful market access intervention
    • Change will see the removal of another costly market access barrier for UK businesses, cutting administrative hurdles and over £1,000 in certification fees per shipment
    • Delivers on the Government’s Trade Strategy and Plan for Change to grow exports and support rural communities

    British dairy farmers are set to benefit from continued access to a major international market thanks to a breakthrough with Egypt that will prevent a trade barrier due to come into effect next year.

    Preventing the trade barrier that was due to come into force in January will protect an estimated £250 million in additional export opportunities for farmers over five years helping them sell more products like milk, butter and cheese.

    Following regular UK Government engagement in support of international efforts—led jointly by the Department for Business and Trade and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs—Egypt will not impose a proposed trade barrier requiring halal certification on all dairy imports.

    From Cornish clotted cream to farmhouse butter and mature Cheddar, UK dairy products are known for their quality and taste. This change means British favourites like cheese and butter can continue to reach Egyptian shelves more easily and affordably benefiting both UK farmers and international consumers.

    Minister for Trade Policy Douglas Alexander said:

    This is a clear win for UK farmers. By opening up the Egyptian market, we’re helping British farmers sell more of their world-class dairy abroad.

    This is what our Trade Strategy looks like in action: removing barriers, boosting exports, and backing communities across the UK.

    Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs Daniel Zeichner said:

    Britain is a great place for dairy farming and has an excellent reputation for quality, welfare standards and sustainability globally.

    The change to certification requirements in Egypt will cut costs and red tape for exporters, boosting growth opportunities.

    This is a key example of the government’s Plan for Change in action, unlocking investment for businesses in the UK.

    In 2024, the UK exported around £26 million of dairy items to Egypt and removing this barrier protects UK exporters already exporting to Egypt and those looking to enter the market for the first time.

    The proposed barrier would have required halal certification on dairy products, adding over £1,000 per shipment in costs and complexity. Its removal has protected UK exporters from these additional burdens—reducing costs, simplifying export procedures, and creating new commercial opportunities for processors.

    This is particularly good news for producers of cheese, butter and milk powder—some of the UK’s most popular dairy exports—who now face fewer hurdles when selling to Egyptian buyers.

    Rod Addy Director General of Provision Trade Federation, said:

    Egypt’s decision to remove mandatory halal certification requirements for imports of dairy products is a welcome development, eliminating a longstanding trade barrier for UK exporters, especially at a time of broader market uncertainty.

    The UK is currently among the leading suppliers of dairy products to Egypt, with average annual exports valued at around £26 million in 2024 — driven primarily by powdered milk and cream.

    Hopefully this change will open growth opportunities for other dairy categories such as cheese and butter, helping to diversify and expand the UK’s export portfolio in this key market benefiting both UK producers and Egyptian consumers.

    This forms part of the Government’s Trade Strategy, launched in June, which is focused on removing market access barriers, opening new markets, and growing the UK economy.

    It also supports the Government’s wider aim to deliver a steady pipeline of export wins following the launch of the Trade Strategy—highlighting how targeted interventions can deliver real-world results for UK businesses.

    Notes to editors:

    • This market access win is a result of the Department for Business and Trade’s engagements with counterparts in London, Geneva, and Cairo, including Egypt’s National Food Safety Authority, the General Organization for Veterinary Services and the World Trade Organisation. Its resolution also follows sustained engagement by UK officials and significant support from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and the UK’s Agriculture, Food, and Drink Attachés for Africa.
  • PRESS RELEASE : New help for patients battling obesity through pharmacies and community access [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New help for patients battling obesity through pharmacies and community access [August 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 12 August 2025.

    Tens of thousands of NHS patients living with obesity could get cutting-edge help to improve their health, thanks to a new health innovation programme.

    • New programme backed by up to £85 million from government and pharmaceutical company Lilly to test new ways to support patients living with obesity across the UK
    • The programme could make it easier for people with obesity to access holistic care, including a range of wraparound services, and potentially obesity treatments, through new routes like pharmacies.
    • Improving obesity patients’ health through innovative support bolsters Plan for Change mission to rebuild the NHS, by reducing costs to health service and harnessing cutting-edge research for more patients

    Tens of thousands of NHS patients living with obesity could get cutting-edge help to improve their health, thanks to a new health innovation programme being announced today (Tuesday 12 August).

    Backed by up to £85 million from the government and Lilly – one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies – this programme could make it easier for patients living with obesity to access holistic care to improve their health. It will do so by enabling access to weight management care more easily, wherever they live, through new routes like digital platforms, local community-based access, and pharmacies.

    Improving the health of patients living with obesity will help to ease pressure on the NHS and GPs, as well as helping more people living with obesity to participate fully in work, supporting the government’s Plan for Change mission to rebuild the health system and support people to live healthier lives.

    The UK government will contribute up to £50 million of new UK-wide investment, and Lilly will contribute up to £35 million of grant funding, with NHS organisations able to come up with proposals and apply for a share of the funding. At least £10 million of this funding is earmarked to support proposals in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

    The programme will be open to proposals from across the UK. In participating areas, eligible patients could access innovative services as early as summer 2026.

    Besides the potential benefits to individuals’ health and wellbeing, this could help bring down the £11 billion annual cost to the NHS of supporting patients living with obesity. This programme comes as a result of the prospective landmark collaboration which was agreed between the government and Lilly at the International Investment Summit in October last year, which could generate up to £279m of investment.

    Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

    New ways of accessing support to tackle obesity, such as through pharmacies or with help from digital tools, could be transformational for people’s quality of life, and for society – allowing individuals to more easily manage their weight and freeing them from ill-health that holds them back in daily life – while reducing the strain on our NHS.

    This programme also underlines life sciences’ critical value to our Plan for Change and our modern Industrial Strategy. By working hand-in-hand with one of the world’s largest life sciences companies, we are driving investment into the UK and tackling one of the greatest health challenges of our era.

    Health Secretary Wes Streeting said :

    Obesity is now one of the leading causes of ill health, costing the NHS billions. Yet, we now have the science, technology and knowledge to help tackle the obesity epidemic, if we seize this opportunity.

    As we shift our focus from treatment to prevention with our 10 Year Health Plan we are also determined to bring revolutionary modern care to everyone that needs it, not just those who can afford to pay.

    This collaboration will help patients living with obesity in a matter of months – through testing better access to weight loss services and treatments.

    In the long-term it will inform how we can better tackle one of the biggest modern day health challenges and, through our Plan for Change, create an NHS that is fit for the future.

    Professor Rachel Batterham, Senior Vice President for International Medical Affairs at Lilly said:

    The launch of this programme marks an important milestone in advancing new models of care for obesity. At Lilly, we are deeply committed to addressing the complex health challenge of obesity, and we are pleased to collaborate with the UK government and NHS partners. Together, we aim to build an evidence base that could transform health outcomes for people living with obesity.

    NHS England national medical director Dr Claire Fuller said:

    Obesity is one of the biggest public health challenges we face and costs the NHS billions of pounds every year, so this collaboration between government and industry to drive new ways of supporting people with obesity could make a huge difference.

    The NHS is already developing and rolling out a range of ways to help people to manage their weight and live healthier lives, with patients benefiting from wraparound care from local weight management teams and via online support services, but we are excited by the potential of this collaboration to accelerate efforts to tackle obesity as the NHS moves from treatment to prevention as part of the 10-Year Health Plan.

    Healthcare stakeholders across the NHS such as care boards, working with technology providers, will be invited to submit bids to pilot innovative models of care for people living with obesity, outside of existing specialist weight management services to increase capacity and avoid those services being overburdened.

    The programme, which will be delivered together with Innovate UK, will provide patients living with obesity with new ways to access comprehensive holistic weight management support, including a range of wraparound services, and potentially obesity treatments (for eligible patients as clinically appropriate), or support by digital tools.

    A central part of this programme will be finding new ways to deliver obesity care that are accessible to everyone who can benefit from them, regardless of their background.

    This builds on our recent investment through Innovate UK into 23 projects from the Weight Management Pathway Design Accelerator. Led by Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and health boards across the UK, these focused three-month projects are exploring new ways to design more personalised and joined-up weight management support, delivered in local communities where it’s easier for people to access.

    Patient eligibility will be decided by clinicians at local level, with all services adhering to national guidelines, NHS governance and clinical standards, ensuring a patient centric approach aligned to local need.

    Notes to editors:

    • The work being announced today is a demonstration of the £108 billion life sciences sector’s value to the UK economy, in both improving public health and keeping the UK at the forefront of scientific progress. Life sciences’ critical role in the modern Industrial Strategy, and the government’s ambitious plans for its continued success, are laid out in the Life Sciences Sector Plan.
    • The government is determined to back the UK life sciences sector to support the delivery of innovative new ways of tackling obesity, alongside introducing measures to prevent obesity in the first place, such as restrictions on junk food advertising, to help ease pressure on the NHS.
    • This collaboration falls under the Obesity Healthcare Goals programme, aiming to set the stage for government to work with industry to trial innovative approaches to treating obesity as part of a rounded package of care.
    • Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is the UK’s innovation agency. Their mission is to help companies to grow through their development and commercialisation of new products, processes and services, supported by an outstanding innovation ecosystem that is agile, inclusive and easy to navigate.
  • PRESS RELEASE : 40,000 people to get skills in new Technical Excellence Colleges [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : 40,000 people to get skills in new Technical Excellence Colleges [August 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 12 August 2025.

    Tens of thousands of future construction workers to be trained up in high-demand construction skills by 2029, delivering growth and helping build new homes.

    More than 40,000 future builders, bricklayers, electricians, carpenters and plumbers will get cutting edge skills to get Britain building at state-of-the-art Technical Excellence Colleges unveiled today (Tuesday 12 August).

    The specialist colleges will be in every region of England to deliver the workforce needed to turbocharge the building of new homes, schools and hospitals, helping to realise every Brit’s dream of owning their own home.

    The move will allow the industry to draw on homegrown, British talent in the years to come rather than relying on overseas workers, backing the British working class with well-paid, high skilled job opportunities.

    Backed by a £100 million investment, the colleges will help deliver well-paid jobs for British workers, support the construction sector and deliver the government’s commitment to build 1.5 million homes through its Plan for Change.

    Not only did the government inherit a severe shortage of housing, the UK also doesn’t have enough construction workers to start building more homes at the rate required, with figures from the Office for National Statistics showing around 35,000 job vacancies need to be plugged in the sector.

    Britain cannot and should not rely on foreign labour, which is why the specialist colleges are central to delivering growth – by working closely with employers, existing colleges and local communities to make sure that the skills people are getting are in-demand and will lead to well-paid work.

    The new specialist colleges announced today will train 40,000 construction learners by 2029. They will also break down barriers to opportunity, by supporting young people breaking into the sector at the start of their careers as apprentices, as well as established workers getting new skills for better paid jobs. This future proofs the economy, preserving our highly-skilled construction workforce for generations to come.

    This builds on the £625 million investment announced in March, which will separately be used to train up to 60,000 more skilled construction workers by 2029. This will pay for new foundation apprenticeships, skills bootcamps and industry placements for school leavers, all of which will help lay foundations for long term economic growth through the government’s Plan for Change.

    Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

    We need skilled workers to deliver the homes, schools and hospitals that communities across the country are crying out for, and today’s announcement underlines our commitment to the next generation of homegrown talent.

    Construction Technical Excellence Colleges will enable us to invest in people and give them the skills they need to break down barriers to opportunity in an industry which is essential to delivering growth through our Plan for Change.

    The colleges will soon be online to deliver high quality skills training, announced in the same week that young people across the country get their results in A-levels, T Levels and a range of vocational qualifications.

    A recent survey found that the percentage of construction firms funding or offering training to their workers has fallen from 57% in 2011 to 49% in 2024. This coincides with an increasing reliance on construction workers coming to the UK from abroad, preventing our young people from filling the skills needs of our nation and perpetuating the issue of almost one million young people not being in education, employment or training.

    In response, the industry-led Construction Skills Mission Board has pledged to recruit an additional 100,000 construction workers a year by the end of this parliament. This will build on the £625 million government investment announced at Spring Statement, which will also help to provide more flexible apprenticeship options and get out of work young people into the workforce.

    David Hughes CBE, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, said:

    Today’s announcement is very positive news for people wanting good jobs, for the construction employers looking for skilled people and for the government’s ambitions to build 1.5 million new homes. It represents significant investment and trust in the 10 successful colleges, and the college sector, recognising their crucial role in boosting the country’s construction sector by opening up high quality learning opportunities all over the country.

    We look forward to supporting the TECs as leaders in the construction skills arena, partnering with employers, developing new courses and ensuring that innovation in construction techniques and approaches can be supported across all employers with skills training. We are also keen to help the TECs build their networks with other colleges in their areas.

    Tim Balcon, Chief Executive of the Construction Industry Training Board, said:

    It’s wonderful to see the progress being made towards establishing these Technical Excellence Colleges for Construction. They represent a transformative opportunity for people to complete local vocational training, helping to drive regional growth and nurture the next generation of skilled construction workers in local communities.

    This builds brilliantly on the wider £600 million construction skills package we’re delivering in partnership with government, helping create a robust pipeline of talent that will break down barriers to opportunity, delivering good jobs and powering economic growth across the UK.

    Andrew Hockey, CEO at the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board, said:

    Investing in Further Education and independent training providers is critical for both the construction and engineering construction industries to equip learners with sustainable, transferable and future-proofed skills.

    The construction and engineering construction workforces will be critical in delivering the UK’s industrial strategy, including major projects such as the nuclear new build sites at Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C and nascent industries such as hydrogen and carbon capture.

    Roger Morton, Director of Business Change at the National Homebuilding Council, said:

    We warmly welcome the announcement of ten new Construction Technical Excellence Colleges and the government’s continued investment in training for the sector to increase capacity and quality. It’s fantastic to see such support for construction skills and this commitment to training chimes with NHBC’s focus on learning.

    We’re investing £100m into our own national training programme, funding 12 new multi-skill training hubs around the UK. Providing an immersive, on-site learning experience, these hubs will deliver high quality apprentices across a range of key trades including bricklaying, groundworks and site carpentry.

    With government, the wider house-building industry and training providers aligning, we can plug the skills gap and deliver quality new homes at pace.

    John Laramy, Principal and CEO of Exeter College, said:

    Exeter College are absolutely delighted to be selected as the southwest construction TEC. We look forward to working with our college, stakeholder and employer partners across the region to turbo charge construction training.

    It is a particular personal privilege, as an education leader who began their career in construction, to be part of a national initiative to ensure our region benefits from the career opportunities that excellent technical education enables. We are excited about working with colleagues in the DfE and wider Government to ensure this national policy has meaningful impact and benefits for the southwest and beyond.

    To deliver 1.5 million homes, the housebuilding sector will create hundreds of thousands of good jobs around the country over this Parliament. This represents one of the fastest growth rates of all priority sectors, according to a report by Skills England published today.

    The new Construction Technical Excellence Colleges are:

    • Derby College Group, East Midlands
    • West Suffolk College, East of England
    • New City College, Greater London
    • City of Sunderland College, North East
    • Wigan and Leigh College, North West
    • North Kent College, South East
    • Exeter College, South West
    • Bedford College, cross-regional
    • Dudley College of Technology, West Midlands
    • Leeds College of Building, Yorkshire and the Humber

    These colleges will operate on a ‘hub and spoke’ model, working with local training providers and employers to boost training standards and share expertise.

    Currently, fewer than half of FE learners who get a qualification go on to work in a relevant industry, but investment in these colleges will help to ensure learners are ready for work when they complete their qualifications.

    To fill skills gaps and break down barriers to opportunity for young people, the government has also launched the Youth Guarantee, ensuring that every 18-21-year-old in England will have access to an apprenticeship, quality training and education opportunities or help to find a job.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK businesses to benefit as online platforms pay their fair share to recycle electrical waste [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK businesses to benefit as online platforms pay their fair share to recycle electrical waste [August 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 12 August 2025.

    Bill for recycling waste electricals to shift towards online marketplaces to create a level playing field for UK retailers.

    Online marketplaces will now help cover the costs of cleaning up waste electricals, like washing machines, radios and vacuum cleaners, from our homes and streets, Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh announced today (Tuesday 12 August), as new regulations ensuring a level playing field for UK retailers come into force to make the system fairer.

    Before now, UK-based firms covered the costs for the collection and processing of electrical waste, which placed them at a disadvantage compared to their online rivals based abroad.

    In collaboration with online marketplaces, from today a new system will ensure they help pay for dealing with broken electrical items, such as broken radios to battered fridges – ensuring this harmful waste is collected and recycled, rather than fly-tipped by individuals into the natural environment. The changes will for the first time ensure the country’s manufacturers and importers do not unduly bear the cost burden of managing waste they did not create – making the system fairer for British businesses.

    Electrical waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the world. Industry estimates by Material Focus found more than 100,000 tonnes of electricals, like irons and microwaves, are binned across the UK every year.

    Bringing the rules for online marketplaces into force helps deliver on the government’s Plan for Change to end the nation’s throwaway culture and stop the avalanche of waste filling our high streets, countryside and oceans.

    The funds generated will also improve the collection and treatment of waste items collected by local authorities and returned to retailers, helping to move the nation towards a more circular economy and ensure there is increased investment in critical recycling infrastructure and green jobs to deliver growth.

    The government has engaged extensively with online marketplaces and retailers throughout this process and look forward to a new system which is fairer for all.

    Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said:

    We are committed to moving towards a circular economy in which we keep electricals from laptops to toasters in use for longer.

    Ensuring online marketplaces pay their share for managing the cost of the electrical waste they generate will increase recycling and level the playing field for UK-based retailers, boosting growth and making the system fairer through our Plan for Change.

    Paula Coughlan, Chief People, Communications & Sustainability Officer at Currys said:

    We welcome this positive change that helps create a more level playing field for UK retailers. It is important that the responsibility to safely dispose of electronic waste is shared fairly, and we’re pleased the Government has listened to us and other industry leaders. It’s an encouraging step, and we look forward to the Government’s broader Circular Economy Strategy.

    Currys is already leading the way in giving tech longer life, through initiatives like Cash for Trash, and we have ambitious ideas to take this further through close collaboration with industry and Government. As well as making online marketplaces pay for the waste they create, we should be going further to set stretch targets and incentivise investment in cleaning it up too. We believe with the right skills and infrastructure in place, the UK can build a thriving circular economy – enabling lasting and sustainable change.

    John Boumphrey, UK Country Manager at Amazon, said:

    We welcome the Government’s focus in this critical area and look forward to continuing our work with the Circular Economy Taskforce to drive further innovation, supporting the UK’s transition to a more circular economy. We believe retailers have an important role to play in reducing waste, which is why we prioritise reselling, refurbishing, donating or recycling products wherever possible.

    Scott Butler, Executive Director of Material Focus, said:

    We welcome the new vape category announced today, which provides a further opportunity to tighten up the environmental enforcement of vapes. By understanding how many vapes are being sold, Defra can set targets to ensure that vape producers make their fair contribution to the costs of recycling these products.

    Clarifying that online marketplaces for electricals must now meet producer responsibilities for their non-UK based sellers is also welcome. This means that they will take their share of the costs of recycling electrical products at the end of their life.  This will also mean that the rise in FastTech, the ultra-cheap, small electrical items, which are surging onto the market will be captured, as the majority of their sales are through online channels.

    Under the new rules, online marketplaces will need to register with the Environment Agency and report data on sales made by their overseas sellers in the UK. This data will be used to calculate the amount of recycling companies must finance annually.

    Alongside the additional requirements for online marketplaces, a new category of electrical equipment for vapes has been introduced to ensure the costs of their collection and treatment fall fairly on those who produce them.

    Vapes contain valuable and critical materials such as lithium and copper and industry research from Material Focus suggests the number thrown away each year could instead power more than 10,000 electric vehicles.

    With wasteful single-use vapes disappearing from the shelves of the nation’s shops as a ban on sale and supply came into effect on 1 June, the government is now taking decisive action to ensure vape producers pay their fair share to manage the waste arising from reusable products.

    The government is committed to moving towards a circular economy in which electricals are kept in use for longer and less waste goes to landfill. A Circular Economy Taskforce of experts has been convened to help develop a Circular Economy Strategy for England, as part of which there will be a roadmap to increase the reuse and recycling of electrical equipment.

    Material Focus’s ‘Recycle Your Electricals’ campaign provides a postcode locator tool on its website to help people find local recycling points for their old electrical items, making it easier for everyone to recycle anything with a plug, battery, or cable.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister Carney of Canada [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister Carney of Canada [August 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 11 August 2025.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to the Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney this afternoon.

    They discussed their unwavering support for Ukraine and ongoing work to stop the killing and end Russia’s war of aggression. Both leaders underscored that Ukraine’s future must be one of freedom, sovereignty, and self-determination.

    They welcomed continued international efforts, led by President Trump, to bring peace and agreed that this must be built with Ukraine – not imposed upon it.

    Both leaders agreed they would continue to work closely with President Trump and President Zelenskyy over the coming days.

    They agreed to stay in touch.

  • David Lammy – 2025 The Spirit of Locarno Speech

    David Lammy – 2025 The Spirit of Locarno Speech

    The speech made by David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, in Locarno, Switzerland on 11 August 2025.

    It’s a real pleasure to be here in Locarno – a place of immense beauty and profound historical significance. Thank you so much to my good friend Minister Councillor Cassis. And I want to thank Professor Frank for his reflections on the Treaties — signed during a remarkable period in history.

    It was perhaps when the world was experiencing what the great historian Adam Tooze called a deluge of modernity. The 1920s brought the first transatlantic phone call, the earliest films with sound, the rise of radio and the dawn of commercial flights. These technologies reshaped daily life and transformed diplomacy.

    Governments could communicate faster, coordinate more closely and respond swiftly to global events — vital in a decade marked by profound challenges with the Great Depression looming, fascism rising and international co-operation reeling.

    It was a time that called for clarity, it was a time that called for strength and conviction. And so it is today, my friends.

    In Silicon Valley, tech leaders speak of the singularity — the moment in which change progresses so far that we enter into a post-human era. I think that is a long way off — indeed it may never come.

    But recent tech shifts are significant enough to call this a new chapter — if you like, I call it the great remaking of our society. A phase where innovation leaps forward and reshapes geopolitics, redefining diplomacy and security once again.

    War has sadly returned to our continent — spreading from the battlefield into cyberspace. Power is being redefined — not just by armies, but by algorithms. And the international order is under strain — from disinformation to digital surveillance, AI-enabled weapons to quantum disruption.

    So, our diplomatic tools have got to adapt.

    They have to become sharper and more effective at building partnerships. So we can seize the immense opportunities that lie ahead.

    That is why the UK is working with friends and allies — to shape those norms, to promote responsible innovation and embed safety into emerging technologies. And Switzerland is one of our closest and dearest partners.

    Together, our scientists are developing early-warning systems for cyber threats. Our universities are creating tools to expose disinformation. And our governments are holding talks on the risks of emerging technologies — from AI to quantum to cyber.

    We are also making progress in the fight against dirty money — the kind that fuels inequality, undermines democracy and holds back the world’s poorest. This is a global fight, and it demands global resolve. Switzerland is a vital partner in that endeavour.

    I am looking forward to hosting a summit next year in London to build an international coalition for transparency, enforcement, and reform. Because when we act together, we can turn the tide.

    But this partnership is not just about managing problems — it’s about unlocking opportunity. In the last few years, we’ve signed a memorandum of understanding to deepen our science and research ties. And our innovation agencies have funded  40 joint projects — from life sciences to next generation tech.

    The same spirit of collaboration guides our pursuit of peace. Switzerland’s role as guardian of the Geneva Conventions and its record in mediation is unmatched.

    And together, we are supporting peace efforts from Myanmar to Colombia. This includes co-funding a pioneering study on how to bring reluctant parties together for dialogue and talks.

    This partnership is a model for diplomacy in the 21st century: agile, collaborative and forward-looking. And that is why I am here – to help shape a future where British–Swiss cooperation is even stronger.

    On a personal note, I’m also delighted to be part of this film festival — I just wish I could stay longer but international events mean I cannot. Given my job, you might be surprised to hear that I enjoy dark, intense, even tragic films. Just as those dramas ask us to stay with the story — through painful and uncomfortable moments — diplomacy asks us to do the same.

    So, in this moment of extraordinary change, let us rededicate ourselves to working together — patiently and persistently. Not turning away or switching off. But engaging in diplomacy that is progressive, realistic and innovative.

    Seeing the world with clear eyes — as it is, and as we wish it to be. And deepening our collaboration — guided by shared values and fuelled by shared purpose.

    That is how we build peace, defend freedom, and shape a future grounded in cooperation and hope.

    That, to me, is the true spirit of Locarno. And that is the spirit we must carry forward — together.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Collective action is vital to secure the safety of our seas for future generations – UK statement at the UN Security Council [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Collective action is vital to secure the safety of our seas for future generations – UK statement at the UN Security Council [August 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 August 2025.

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

    The United Kingdom commends Panama’s leadership in upholding international maritime standards through its work to remove ships from its registry that fall short of international regulations.

    We further recognise the strategic importance of the Panama Canal to maritime security and flows in international trade.

    As a fellow maritime nation, the United Kingdom emphasises the importance of keeping trade routes open and secure. They are vital to our shared economic prosperity.

    We reaffirm our commitment to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as the legal framework for all activities in the ocean and seas.

    But we note with deep concern that the rule of law and the safety of our sea lanes is being eroded.

    This includes reckless Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, which the United Kingdom unequivocally condemns.

    We call for the immediate cessation of such attacks and full respect for freedom of navigation.

    As we’ve heard from the briefers, other illicit activities, including illegal fishing, smuggling and illegal migration, pose further threats to maritime security.

    The United Kingdom is implementing programmes to target organised crime groups and disrupt such activities taking place across maritime routes and seaways.

    We are also supporting capacity building and the strengthening of governance at seaports.

    Tackling these challenges means working with international partners across all regions.

    This includes collaboration through the International Maritime Organisation as the pre-eminent global forum for maritime issues.

    For our part, the United Kingdom is leading efforts together with the IMO, Member States and industry to develop a Maritime Cyber Code to enhance the resilience of ports, ships and the digital ecosystem.

    President, collective action is vital to secure the safety of our seas for future generations.

    The United Kingdom stands ready to work with all Member States in support of this shared objective.

  • PRESS RELEASE : British investment boost in Ukraine to benefit both countries [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : British investment boost in Ukraine to benefit both countries [August 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 August 2025.

    British investment boost in Ukraine to support security and prosperity of both countries.

    • new UK package of support for Ukraine’s immediate and longer-term needs at Ukraine Recovery Conference
    • UK and Ukraine conclude historic deal for Thales Air Defence missiles, boosting British growth and jobs and keeping Ukraine in the fight
    • UK also confirms up to £283 million in bilateral assistance for Ukraine over the next year

    Two hundred British jobs will be created and another 700 safeguarded in a major defence deal between the UK and Ukraine to be signed at this year’s Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC).

    The jobs at Thales in Belfast come as the UK and Ukraine successfully conclude the largest export credit agency-backed deal in Ukraine.

    Supported by a £2.5 billion guarantee with a 19-year financing agreement, the funds can now be released. This enables the delivery of more than 5,000 Air Defence missiles from British business Thales – in what is not only a major boost to the UK’s defence capabilities but will also keep Ukraine in the fight, boosting their defence against Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion.

    Representing the Prime Minister at the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Minister for Exports Gareth Thomas will formally sign the agreement with the Government of Ukraine, marking a key milestone in the UK-Ukraine defence cooperation.

    The deal delivers on this Government’s Plan for Change, by spending more on defence and creating jobs we will keep the country safe and boost economic growth.

    In a speech at the conference in Rome, the Deputy Prime Minister will also reaffirm the UK’s bilateral assistance to Ukraine for the financial year 2025 to 2026 of up to £283 million. This will keep the country in the fight and ensure Ukrainians living through Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion have access to vital support across humanitarian, energy, stabilisation, reform, recovery and reconstruction needs.

    Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

    As we continue to witness the enduring strength of the Ukrainian people, the UK stands by their side to provide the assistance their country needs to not only stay in the fight, but to rebuild and recover.

    This announcement underlines our continued support for Ukraine – boosting their air defences against devastating drone and missile attacks and supporting the critical work to reconstruct this nation and provide the hope that they need.

    This will also provide skilled jobs in the UK and is all part of our Plan for Change – bolstering the UK defence industry and strengthening our international ties.

    Minister for Services, Small Business and Exports Gareth Thomas said on the Thales deal:

    This landmark agreement is a powerful example of how British expertise is supporting Ukraine’s defence and recovery while creating high-quality jobs at home.

    By unlocking UKEF-backed finance, we’re enabling the delivery of vital equipment to Ukraine and strengthening our own defence industrial base.

    It’s a clear demonstration of our Plan for Change in action – backing British business, boosting exports, and standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.”

    The UK will provide up to £10.5 million for the Governance Reform Programme and up to £1 million in support of Ukraine’s Green Transition Office in financial year 2025 to 2026 to help Ukraine reform for the future. £10.5 million will go towards efforts on rule of law, justice and anti-corruption while £1 million will fund work on green transition and energy, both supporting Ukraine on its path to becoming a prosperous, green and modern European nation.

    During the conference, British International Investment (BII) will also confirm €30 million for MHP, a leading Ukrainian agribusiness. MHP employs over 30,000 people in Ukraine, with more than 40% being women. The loan will help them to safeguard jobs and boost resilience in the food and agriculture sectors during Russia’s full-scale invasion. MHP, Ukraine’s largest poultry and processed meat producer, exports to over 70 countries.

    Underpinning much of these efforts, the UK will endorse the Government of Ukraine’s insurance agreement. This initiative seeks to make insurance more affordable and widely accessible for businesses, including those in the UK, helping to derisk their investments into Ukraine.

    The UK is committed to supporting Ukraine win the war and the peace, emerging as a stronger, more prosperous and free nation, resilient to Russian threats. Our 100 Year Partnership, alongside the commitments made at URC, reaffirm the UK’s iron-clad support for Ukraine now and into the future.

    In total, the UK has committed £18.3 billion for Ukraine with £13 billion in military support and £5.3 billion in non-military support.

    Background: