UKPOL.CO.UK

Tag: 2025

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Erdoğan of Türkiye [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Erdoğan of Türkiye [August 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 4 August 2025.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan this afternoon.

    The leaders discussed the appalling humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They were clear that an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the urgent lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid were paramount.

    The Prime Minister set out the further action the UK is taking to get humanitarian aid to those who need it and his work so far with allies on a long-term peace plan.

    He outlined that it was his government’s longstanding position that a viable and sovereign Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel can be the only basis for a just and lasting peace. He then set out how the UK will recognise the state of Palestine before UNGA in September unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza and commits to a long-term peace.

    On the topic of Iran, the Prime Minister underlined the fact that only a diplomatic solution can end Iran’s nuclear ambitions in the long-term and welcomed Türkiye’s role in hosting recent talks.

    Finally, the leaders discussed the latest progress towards signing a new export deal to sell UK-built Typhoon jets to Türkiye, and looked forward to speaking again soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Business leaders back the UK Government’s Small Business Plan [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Business leaders back the UK Government’s Small Business Plan [August 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 2 August 2025.

    Business leaders from across business representative organisations, small and large businesses have endorsed the launch of the UK Government’s new Small Business Plan.

    Small businesses across the UK will benefit from the most comprehensive support package in a generation. From faster payments and easier access to finance, to cutting red tape and launching a new Business Growth Service, we’re backing businesses to thrive.

    Business Groups

    Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Tina McKenzie, said:

    Making sure businesses are paid on time, that our high streets thrive, and creating conditions in which everyone can start and succeed in business are crucial priorities for small businesses, communities and the economy. It’s very welcome that the Prime Minister has today made them his Government’s priorities.

    I’m pleased that FSB and the Government have been able to work in lockstep on the bold and ambitious measures needed to tackle the scourge of late payment through legislation, and other pro-growth, pro-small business measures.

    Today’s plan is an encouraging commitment from the Government to take the side of small businesses in the great growth challenge ahead.

    Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder, Small Business Britain, said:

    I am thrilled to see the Small Business Plan launched today, putting the nation’s smallest businesses at the heart of Government strategy where it should be. These job creators and economy builders will benefit from a huge boost to funding through the British Business Bank, a boost to skills, support for high streets and a long hoped for legislative backing for getting paid on time. We will not see economic growth without small business growth, so I am eager to get on and help the Government deliver on this agenda – and help small businesses regardless of their background start, grow and thrive.

    Daniel Woolf, Enterprise Nation’s Head of Policy & Government Relations, said:

    We welcome the Government’s new Small Business Plan as a serious attempt to reset the relationship between small firms and Government. Many of the commitments like digital adoption and access to affordable finance reflect the everyday challenges our members experience, and several directly align with recommendations Enterprise Nation has set out in recent policy work.

    We’re particularly pleased to see a comprehensive approach to late payment reform, including shorter payment terms and stronger enforcement through the Small Business Commissioner. 90-day payment terms stop small businesses from investing and growing.

    This is a strong foundation. Enterprise Nation looks forward to working with government to help ensure these policy ambitions turn into measurable outcomes for small businesses across the UK.

    Philip Salter, Founder of The Entrepreneurs Network, said:

    Small businesses are where opportunity begins – new jobs, new skills and new ideas. Practical help, such as being paid on time, easy access to advice and finance, and less administrative burden, makes a real difference.

    In a world where online banking, accounting software and e-invoicing exist, it’s completely unacceptable that so many burgeoning startups see their growth stall due to late payments. At its worst, they can send perfectly good businesses to the wall – leaving Britain’s economy less dynamic and competitive. Founders in our network will hope the measures outlined today mean it is the beginning of the end for late payments.

    Fiona Graham, Chief Operating Officer for Family Business UK said:

    Family Business UK welcomes today’s publication of the Small Business Plan as a positive step towards creating a fairer and more resilient environment for small family-run firms.  We are pleased to see many of the areas highlighted by our members addressed in this plan.

    Family businesses make up over 85% of all private sector firms in the UK and are deeply rooted in their communities. But like many small businesses, they are held back by red tape and limited access to finance and support – challenges that this plan rightly seeks to address.

    The announcement of a Business Growth Service will give small family-run businesses the tools they need to grow, scale up and expand into international markets, as well as streamlining essential advice and support into one national platform. This will give small businesses peace of mind that support is readily available and easily accessible when they are looking to invest and grow.

    We look forward to continuing to support small businesses as the initiatives in this plan are developed and rolled out.  We are also committed to working with DBT in the development of a future strategy to ensure that mid-sized businesses are also getting the bespoke support they need.

    Liz Barclay, IoD Special Advisor for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and former Small Business Commissioner, said:

    We welcome this commitment to ensuring that small businesses are paid on time and that larger suppliers are prevented from imposing unfair contractual payment terms beyond 60 days. This will give small and micro firms the certainty they need to invest, increase productivity, and grow.

    We look forward to working with the government as the legislation takes shape, ensuring that there are no unintended consequences for businesses.

    Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive Officer, Make UK, said:

    Manufacturers across the country will welcome the Government’s decisive action to tackle late payments. For too long, delayed invoices have drained cashflow, delayed innovation, and damaged businesses, particularly the thousands of small and medium-sized firms for whom late payments are one of the most consistent challenges to their survival and success.

    Today’s announcement rightly recognises that supporting manufacturing SMEs is essential to unlocking wider economic growth. The introduction of the toughest late payment laws in the G7 sends a clear signal that poor payment practices will no longer be tolerated.

    These reforms, combined with new powers for the Small Business Commissioner, will help create a culture of fairness and accountability across supply chains. Coupled with real enforcement, this Small Business Plan will give manufacturers the confidence and certainty they need to innovate, grow, and create even more high-skill, high-paying jobs in the UK.

    Alan Vallance, ICAEW Chief Executive, said:

    The UK’s economy is made up of small businesses, with 99 per cent of the total business population, two-fifths of all private sector employment and over half of the nation’s business turnover. Small businesses are key to growth, and it’s important that they can operate in the best environment to propel them into the business stars of the future, creating more growth, employment and prosperity for all parts of the UK.

    Chartered accountants are central to this story. As trusted business advisers, they provide expertise and acumen to allow small businesses to thrive and scale up, and often set up small businesses of their own. About 80 per cent of chartered accountancy firms are small businesses themselves, employing four employees or fewer.

    The publication of the Small Business Strategy is an important development to help small businesses realise their potential. With its ambition on entrepreneurship, business advice, late payments and export potential, as well as its close links to the UK Modern Industrial Strategy and Professional and Business Services Sector Plan, it is clear that chartered accountants will make a strong contribution to its success.

    Kate Nicholls, Chair of UKHospitality, said:

    We welcome the Government’s Small Business Plan and the steps that it has put forward to support SMEs across the UK. The wider measures announced today on late payments and access to additional finance sit alongside a raft of new licensing measures that will slash red tape and support the hospitality sector, making it easier to open and operate hospitality venues, create jobs and grow the economy.

    I’m personally very happy to have worked with Government to move us toward a new and improved licensing system that includes modernised planning and licensing rules, hospitality zones, and protections for existing venues. These can provide a real boost to the nation’s pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels.

    We’ve worked on some of these issues for more than two decades so we now need swift implementation, while we keep up the momentum on outstanding issues, to deliver a bold, long term plan for the high streets and hospitality.

    Vicks Rodwell, Managing Director at IPSE, The Self-Employed Association, said:

    Late payments can force freelancers out of business, but obscenely long payment terms for work can put just as much of a strain on the self-employed. It’s hugely encouraging that the Prime Minister is determined to tackle both these issues with the measures in today’s plan”

    It’s not right that freelancers can fall behind on their own bills, and even into debt, whilst the money they’ve earned sits in a bank account for months on end.

    By clamping down on late invoices and long payment terms, government can tear down one of the biggest barriers to growth for freelancers and sole traders.

    Millie Kendall OBE, CEO of British Beauty Council, said:

    The beauty industry – encompassing hair, beauty, nails, barbering, spa and wellness – is made up of 95% small businesses and 78% micro-businesses, contributing more than £30bn to the UK GDP. The British Beauty Council welcomes the Government’s Small Business Plan which sees policy-makers put our businesses first. For years, the beauty sector has faced unique challenges when it comes to growth, this plan is a much needed step towards ensuring our industry – which bolsters social mobility and opportunities for underrepresented communities – can sustain growth.

    Small Businesses

    Elizabeth Vega OBE DUniv, Group CEO, Informed Solutions:

    This Small Business Plan is the strongest and clearest we’ve seen in over a decade. It is a compelling way forward for the UK’s economy.

    The Strategy reflects a truly collegiate and collaborative effort between government, policy experts, and the over 1,000 SMEs that contributed.

    Having advocated for SME policy that supports economic growth and resilience for over 15 years, it’s been a pleasure to work alongside Minister Gareth Thomas, DBT policy teams, and the Small Business Growth Forum to shape a strategy with clear aims, ambitious objectives, and a holistic integrated approach to policy development.

    I’m excited to now turn the shared ambitions in this Strategy into action, helping realise the UK’s full economic potential through SME growth and international trade.

    Simon Groom, CEO of MagnifyB, said:

    MagnifyB welcomes the UK Government’s action to tackle late payments, which will give small businesses the cash flow stability they need to thrive. Alongside this, there is a clear need to provide micro and small businesses with far more than just a repository of information, including a practical digital toolset to strengthen their operations and improve their chances of long-term success. We hope that the new Small Business Commissioner can be instrumental in bringing together ideas and championing the initiatives needed to make this support a reality.

    Julianne Ponan MBE, Founder of Creative Nature, a small business that exports top 14 Allergen Free Baking Mixes and Snacks to 16 countries, said:

    I’m delighted to see the government’s new SME Strategy recognising the critical role small businesses play both at home and globally.

    From tackling late payments to simplifying access to growth advice and support, these measures are a lifeline for SMEs like mine who often face disproportionate challenges with limited resources.

    I’m especially encouraged by the commitment to reduce administrative burdens by 25% and improve access to finance both are major barriers to growth for underrepresented founders, including women and ethnic minority entrepreneurs. The focus on revitalising the high street, digital skills, and exporting support shows that the government is listening to the needs of small businesses.

    Charlie Shaw, owner of Flock and Herd butchers, said:

    We’re proud to pay every supplier on time and once we receive an invoice, so it’s fantastic to see the government put the Small Business Plan into place tackling the big issue of late payments. We believe this is a fair and honest way to conduct business. It gives us a clear and current understanding of how our business is performing. Our relationships with our suppliers have been amazing and truly beneficial to all parties.

    Richard Marshall, Founder and CEO of Pall Mall Barbers, said:

    Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy — and they need access to affordable finance and a fairer tax system to plan and grow. That’s why I look forward to working with the Government to drive down costs on the high street, extend business rates relief, and improve access to finance so SMEs can invest, hire, and build with confidence.

    Today’s announcement is about backing entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive — not just for today, but for the long term.

    Large Businesses

    Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King and co-chair of the Licensing Taskforce commented on the licensing response published today. He said:

    As an industry we welcome the licensing proposals and see this as a positive and necessary step towards updating a planning and licensing system that, for too long, has limited hospitality’s ability to drive economic growth across the UK. I thank the industry and the Taskforce for the serious and meaningful recommendations that we have put forward to bring these proposals to fruition.

    It’s encouraging to see how the Government has worked at pace to take forward the proposals, particularly in areas that matter the most, including the introduction of a new National Licensing Policy Framework.

    Whilst licencing reform won’t offset the significant layered cost of doing business that the industry bears, they form part of wider changes to back the sector, which will support in unlocking opportunities for pubs to further invest in growth across the country.

    Steve Hare, Chief Executive Officer at Sage, said:

    Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy – they drive growth, create jobs, and fuel innovation. But running a small business isn’t easy. From rising costs and late payments to time-consuming admin, the challenges are real and persistent. Today’s Strategy is a welcome step in the right direction. Giving small businesses better access to finance, helping them break into new markets, and supporting them to adopt the latest technology will go a long way in helping them grow and succeed.

    Leigh Thomas, Vice President EMEA, Intuit, said:

    Today’s Small Business Plan is a welcome and much needed initiative for entrepreneurs. Our data shows that with an average of £21,000 owed in unpaid invoices, more than half of our country’s small businesses are now facing cash flow pressures. These pressures can quickly escalate, forcing many small business owners to make difficult financial decisions to keep operations running. Improving payment practices will play a key role in strengthening small business stability, creating the conditions for growth. We look forward to collaborating on this to power prosperity for all.

    James Holian, Head of Business Banking, NatWest, said:

    We welcome the Government’s renewed focus on tackling late payments for small businesses. This is a long-standing challenge that we know can hold back growth and innovation, and NatWest is proud to have been recognised for several consecutive years by Good Business Pays for being a leading business in making fast payments to our suppliers.

    As a leading lender to UK SMEs, we’re committed to playing our part—whether that’s through prompt payment practices, tailored financial support, or initiatives like our accelerator hubs – where this year we’re aiming to support 10,000 businesses for the first time. Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy, and we’re proud to support them in building resilience and unlocking their full potential.

    Tom Wood, Head of Business Banking, HSBC UK, said:

    We welcome the additional support the Small Business Plan provides, SMEs are key to a strong and resilient economy and we must equip them with the tools to succeed at every stage of their growth journey. It is vital we all work together to deliver long-term, practical solutions, including more transparent and accessible financing to ensure long-term growth and economic stability. Recognising the challenges SMEs face, HSBC UK recently launched the Small Business Growth Programme, providing business owners with resources to help early-stage businesses grow with confidence.

    Chris Loring, Managing Director, Lending and Working Capital, Lloyds Banking Group, said:

    At Lloyds Banking Group, we are the bank of choice for around one million businesses, so we see first-hand the ambition and resilience of small businesses across the UK. The Government’s Small Business Plan recognises the importance of increasing access to finance, reducing regulatory burden, and building digital confidence – all of which are essential to helping SMEs grow and scale. We’re especially pleased to see the recommendations of the SME Digital Adoption Taskforce reflected in the plan. These are practical, forward-looking steps that will help SMEs harness technology alongside the finance and support they need to compete and succeed in a fast-changing economy.

    Wider Civil Society and Independent Organisations

    Terry Corby, Founder and CEO, Good Business Pays, said:

    This is what we have been waiting for. The legislative changes the government are planning to tackle our late payment culture are a game-changer. It is no longer seen as good business practice to be making your suppliers wait for a long time to get paid. At Good Business Pays we have been asking for legislative action for five years and it’s great to see these changes to unfair practices being set out in laws.

    Anthony Impey MBE, CEO of Be the Business, said:

    A strategic approach is essential to unlock the huge potential of small and medium-sized businesses, and it’s key to driving the country’s productivity and growth. The Small Business Plan is an important step in achieving this.

    Niall Mackenzie, Acas Chief Executive, said:

    These new measures will help give small businesses the support they need to tackle obstacles to success. At Acas, we know from experience that harmonious businesses are more productive. We also know from our service interaction with small businesses how much support we can give business owners to manage their employment issues and fulfil their potential.

    Business Support Services

    Nicki Clark, Chief Executive of UMi, said:

    At UMi, we see first-hand the incredible impact small businesses have, but also the challenges they face on a day-to-day basis.  This Small Business Plan, including the launch of the Business Growth Service, is a positive step towards making it easier for small businesses to find and access the support and finance they need to survive and thrive.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Public advised to stop using certain non-sterile alcohol-free wipes [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Public advised to stop using certain non-sterile alcohol-free wipes [August 2025]

    The press release issued by the UK Health Security Agency on 4 August 2025.

    Due to risk of infection, non-sterile alcohol-free wipes are not appropriate for the treatment of injuries, wounds or on broken skin, nor for cleaning of intravenous lines.

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are advising the public to stop using certain non-sterile alcohol-free wipes and to dispose of them.

    During investigation of an outbreak, certain wipes were found to be contaminated with Burkholderia stabilis.

    The following products have been found to be affected:

    • ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
    • Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free
    • Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes

    In addition, testing also revealed contamination of Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, although the contamination was deemed to be with a Burkholderia strain not related to the outbreak cases.

    These products which may have been used for ‘skin cleansing’ and cleaning in or around wounds have been withdrawn from sale but may still be found in some first aid kits and in people’s homes. These products are not routinely used in the NHS. If you have these products (listed above), you are advised not to use them and to dispose of them in your household waste as a precautionary measure given the potential for contamination.

    This notice relates only to the products listed above. However, the public are reminded that non-sterile alcohol-free wipes should not be used for the treatment of injuries, wounds or on broken skin, nor should they be used for cleaning intravenous lines, as they are not appropriate for these purposes and their safety cannot be guaranteed. You should follow NHS guidance when treating cuts and grazes. Patients who have intravenous lines in place are advised to follow instructions of their medical team in the care of these.

    If you have used non-sterile, alcohol-free wipes you do not have to visit a healthcare professional unless you have symptoms of:

    • a wound infection, which can include redness, swelling, increased pain, warmth around a wound/break in skin, and pus or other drainage from the wound/break in skin
    • infection involving an intravenous line, which can include signs such as redness, swelling, or pain around the insertion site and or fever and chills

    UKHSA advice on appropriate use of ‘skin cleansing’ wipes:

    • only use wipes marked as ‘sterile’ on broken skin such as wounds, scratches, or where you can see blood – it is important to use only sterile wipes on broken skin as this reduces the chances of germs getting into the body and causing infections
    • please ensure your first aid kit only contains wipes marked as ‘sterile’, the packaging around wipes marked as ‘sterile’ is not damaged and that products are in date – dispose of any wipes with damaged packaging or past their expiry date
    • if you have an intravenous line and are managing this yourself at home, you should only use wipes on this line if and as instructed by your medical team
    • if you have an intravenous line or if you have cystic fibrosis and are concerned about your wellbeing or have questions about your care, please contact your medical team

    Burkholderia stabilis is a bacteria found in natural environments, rarely causing infection in healthy individuals and the risk to the general population is very low. However, immunocompromised individuals, and individuals with other risk factors such as cystic fibrosis, or patients at home with intravenous lines are at higher risk of developing infection.

    There have been 51 confirmed cases in an outbreak of Burkholderia stabilis in the United Kingdom between 2018 and 2025, now suspected to be associated with some non-sterile alcohol-free wipe products. No deaths have been linked to this outbreak though there have been some serious infections which have required hospital treatment. No person-to-person transmission has been identified.

    UKHSA has been working with the MHRA, the NHS, and other partners to put in place measures to protect the public. MHRA have been working with manufacturers and distributors to cease sale and supply of the affected products. UKHSA has issued a safety alert to health professionals about recent infections potentially linked to contaminated non-sterile wipes and to reinforce existing infection prevention and control guidance.

    Dr James Elston, Consultant in Epidemiology and Public Health at UKHSA, said:

    While the overall risk to the public remains very low, a number of non-sterile alcohol-free wipe products have been linked to an outbreak of Burkholderia stabilis. It is important these types of wipes are not used for the treatment of injuries, wounds, or broken skin, and that they are not used to clean intravenous lines.

    UKHSA uncovered the link to this outbreak through testing of wipes used by patients and worked quickly to notify health professionals through a patient safety alert, reinforcing existing infection prevention and control guidance.

    When treating cuts and grazes, it is important to follow NHS advice.

    Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, said:

    We consider wipes which are intended for a medical purpose to be medicines. These products do not have a medicines authorisation, and we are taking appropriate action to ensure compliance with the requirements of the applicable legislation governed by MHRA.

    If you have these wipes at home or in a first aid kit, please check the label and only use wipes marked as ‘sterile’ on broken skin. Healthcare professionals are advised to follow instructions and information provided in the national patient safety alert from UKHSA.

    Anyone who has used alcohol-free wipes and has concerns about potential infection is advised to speak with a healthcare professional.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Mexico to bite into best of British pork in new £19m deal [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Mexico to bite into best of British pork in new £19m deal [August 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 4 August 2025.

    Twelve businesses across England and Northern Ireland secure access to Mexico’s rapidly expanding market.

    From chile verde to tacos de buche, British pork is set to be served up on Mexican tables following the UK’s successful bid to secure long-term access to this lucrative market.

    Twelve businesses across England and Northern Ireland have secured approval to export quality British products, including favourites such pork chops, to Mexico’s rapidly expanding market, with the UK securing new access specifically for Northern Irish exporters through dedicated negotiations with Mexico.

    British pork stands out globally for its exceptional quality and strong welfare standards, positioning British pig farmers perfectly to supply premium pork products that meet growing Mexican consumer demand.

    The businesses will also now be able to export offal and edible by-products, bringing British pig farmers a return on parts that are less popular in the UK but which Mexican consumers relish as part of classical buche meat dishes. Sustaining and growing the export market is essential for optimising the full value of British pig carcasses, which in turn helps strengthen prices for UK farmers at the farm gate.

    With consumption in Mexico’s pork market growing by 5.4% annually between 2019 and 2024, industry estimates expect the deal to bring in £19m over the first five years, delivering on the government’s commitment to kickstart economic growth and put more money into working people’s pockets under the Plan for Change.

    Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Daniel Zeichner said:

    British pork is renowned for its exceptional quality and high welfare standards, so it’s no surprise to see global demand continuing to grow.

    This is a tremendous win for our pork producers and builds on our recent success in resuming exports to China. It demonstrates this government’s unwavering commitment to securing better trade deals for British farmers and food producers and will boost their incomes as part of our Plan for Change.

    Exports Minister Gareth Thomas said:

    British pork is the best in the world and this £20 million export win will boost farming and rural communities across the nation.

    The removal of yet another trade barrier is testament to our Trade Strategy which focusses on quick deals that deliver faster benefits to UK businesses and shows how this government is boosting exports as part of our Plan for Change while upholding our world-leading food standards.

    Jonathan Eckley, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) International Trade development Director, said:

    Access and broadening the scope of our pig meat exports to the significant Mexican market is very welcome news and a testament to our levy payers’ work in providing world class products, produced to the highest standards.

    This successful outcome follows eight years of negotiations between Mexican and UK authorities led by Defra, including Food Standards Agency, DAERA and industry partnerships with valuable support from the Department for Business and Trade and the FCDO.

    Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, Andrew Muir, said:

    I am delighted that Mexico has granted approval for Northern Ireland to export pork to its markets.

    This is testament to the exceptional standards we have in place here in Northern Ireland to produce high quality meat at an international level and demonstrates our commitment to supporting our important agri-food industry. Working together with industry, government and key stakeholders was essential to reach this agreement.

    The deal will also pave the way for future opportunities for British exporters, with 20% tariffs on pork set to disappear once Mexico ratifies the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), making quality British produce even more competitive in this growing market.

    The news follows the launch of the government’s Trade Strategy, with a focus on practical deals that deliver faster benefits to UK businesses and builds on a string of recent successes for British farmers and producers abroad, with the government securing access to the US market for UK beetroot growers and slashing red tape to end China’s Covid-era restrictions on UK unprocessed pork exports.

    Defra will continue to work closely with UK pork producers and traders, as well as relevant industry bodies, to ensure the smooth export of their goods to Mexico.

    NOTES TO EDITORS

    The 12 sites include:

    • Cranswick Country Foods PLC – Hull, Watton and Ballymena
    • Pilgrim’s Pride Ltd – Spalding and Westerleigh, Bristol
    • Thermotraffic Ltd – Wrexham
    • Magnavale Chesterfield Ltd –    Chesterfield
    • ABP Cold Store – Hull
    • Americold Spalding Ltd – Spalding
    • Turners (Soham) Ltd – Suffolk
    • Karro Food Group – Cookstown
    • Interfrigo Ltd – Antrim

    FURTHER QUOTES

    Anjali Juneja, Director of International Affairs at the FSA said:

    “We’re pleased that British pork is in demand, this news provides a welcome boost to the industry and a recognition of how high food safety standards help underpin confidence in British meat, and support exports.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Investment for Border Security Command paves way for new crackdown on people smuggling gangs [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Investment for Border Security Command paves way for new crackdown on people smuggling gangs [August 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 3 August 2025.

    Criminal networks smuggling migrants on dangerous small boats to be targeted with £100m funding boost.

    Dangerous criminal gangs profiting from deadly small boats crossings will face a major new crackdown following a £100 million investment in border security.

    The funding will pay for up to 300 extra National Crime Agency officers (NCA), state-of-the art detection technology and new equipment to smash the networks putting lives at risk in the Channel.

    The investment will see the Border Security Command, the NCA, the police and other law enforcement agency partners receive a significant cash injection to strengthen investigations targeting smuggling kingpins and disrupt their operations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and beyond.

    The package of up to £100 million will boost existing law enforcement operations and allow more intelligence to be gathered on organised immigration crime gang members, support upstream capacity building, purchase sophisticated technology and equipment to strengthen UK border security and disrupt the people-smuggling gangs.

    The investment will build on the recent successes under existing funding, including the arrest and prosecution of major smuggling gang kingpins, the seizure of over 600 small boats and engines, and the disruption of a further 351 criminal gangs through the work of the NCA.

    It comes as the NCA announced their biggest people-smuggling raid and seizure of boat engines in Bulgaria last week – showing the impact increased international law enforcement operations can have.

    The comprehensive funding package will include:

    • Funding to support the new pilot of the ‘one-in, one-out’ returns agreement between the UK and France, which for the first time will see migrants who arrive illegally on small boats returned to France.
    • An uplift in NCA staff of up to 300 personnel focused on intelligence targeting crime gang members.
    • New state-of-the-art technology and equipment for the detection and disruption of organised immigration crime, including hi-tech surveillance capabilities, and AI-assisted intelligence and data analysis tools.
    • Funding to support the implementation of extended police powers to seize and download digital devices to gather evidence and intelligence, announced under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill.
    • Funding for the recently-established Organised Immigration Crime Domestic Taskforce, which is driving law enforcement operations targeting the elements of organised immigration crime activity operating out of the UK, from the facilitation of boat crossings to the running of modern slavery networks.
    • Funding to intensify illegal working enforcement by increasing overtime for ICE teams, enabling more premium-time deployments, funding redeployment of officers to high-risk regions, boosting intelligence generation, and supporting sanctions teams to target non-compliant employers—delivering rapid operational uplift without requiring new permanent staff.
    • And funding to support a series of interventions upstream as well as intensified efforts in transit countries across Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia to target organised immigration crime, disrupt human trafficking and the supply of dangerous small boat equipment, while also continuing to correct the lies peddled by criminal gangs to would-be migrants.

    The investment will also support the new powers that will be introduced when the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill becomes law, which will include the introduction of a UK-wide offence to criminalise the creation and publication of online material that promotes a breach of immigration law, such as the advertisement of small boat crossings on social media.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    For six years, the small boat smuggling gangs were allowed to embed their criminal trade along our coast, and have shown a ruthless ability to adapt their tactics and maximise their profits, no matter how many lives they put at risk. They must not be allowed to get away with this vile crime.

    That is why this government has developed a serious and comprehensive plan to dismantle their business model, from disrupting their supply chains across the European continent to clamping down on their illegal working operations here in the UK.

    In the last twelve months, we have set the foundations for this new and much stronger law enforcement approach – establishing the new Border Security Command, strengthening the National Crime Agency and UK police operations, increasing Immigration Enforcement, introducing new counter terror style powers in our Border Security Bill, and establishing cooperation agreements with Europol and other countries.

    Now this additional funding will strengthen every aspect of our plan, and will turbo-charge the ability of our law enforcement agencies to track the gangs and bring them down, working with our partners overseas, and using state-of-the-art technology and equipment. Alongside our new agreements with France, this will help us drive forward our Plan for Change commitments to protect the UK’s border security and restore order to our immigration system.

    National Crime Agency Director General of Operations Rob Jones said:

    The NCA focuses on making the biggest impact on organised crime groups behind these lethal crossings.

    We currently have 91 investigations ongoing into the most dangerous people smuggling networks impacting the UK, and are working with partners at home and abroad to target, disrupt and dismantle them.

    This additional funding will help boost our capacity and capability, enabling us to target more offenders.

    The NCA has reported that, in the 2024/25 financial year, it achieved 351 NCA-led disruptions of organised immigration crime networks and activity – its highest level on record – and a 40 percent increase on the previous financial year. That included 56 high-impact NCA-led disruptions, which meant that those particular investigations led to the prosecution and disruption of those directly responsible for committing the crimes, and resulted in a significant and/or long term impact on the capability of the organised crime group involved.

    These new measures fall within government’s Plan for Change. The government is restoring order to the immigration system, including the introduction of new legislation under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, tougher enforcement powers, ramping up returns to their highest levels for more than half a decade and a major crackdown on illegal working to end the false promise of jobs used by gangs to sell spaces on boats.

    It builds on the work this government has already undertaken to restore order to the immigration system, surging enforcement action against illegal migration, with a 50% increase in arrests of those caught working illegally, returning 35,000 people with no right to be in the UK, and imposing tougher sanctions against gang ring leaders, key intermediaries and suppliers of people-smuggling equipment.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Major law change to criminalise small boat smuggler ads [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Major law change to criminalise small boat smuggler ads [August 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 2 August 2025.

    New offence to target criminal gangs promoting dangerous journeys like Channel crossings to the UK on social media.

    In a blow to the people smugglers’ business model, the government has outlined new measures through its Plan for Change to crack down on social media content which promotes small boat crossings and fuels organised immigration crime.

    Under a new amendment to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill currently going through Parliament, a new, UK-wide offence will be introduced to criminalise the creation of material for publication online, which promotes or offers services facilitating a breach of UK immigration law. This could include small boat crossings, the creation of fake travel documents like passports or visas, or explicitly promising illegal working opportunities in the UK.

    While facilitating illegal migration is already a crime, the proposed changes would add another string to law enforcement’s bow, better enabling them to disrupt the gangs while they are publicising people-smuggling activities and provide an additional tool when building a case against those peddling this content.

    Home Office analysis shows that approximately 80% of migrants arriving via small boats told officials that they used social media during their illegal journey to the UK, including to locate or communicate with an agent or facilitator associated with an organised crime group.

    Many people who come to the UK and end up working illegally are often sold a false narrative about their ability to live and work here, creating a draw for people to risk their lives by crossing the Channel in a small boat. That’s why this offence will also crack down on content which explicitly promises illegal work which clearly breaches UK immigration laws.

    The proposed measure will also make it a crime to post online content that encourages someone to break UK immigration law in exchange for financial incentives. An example of this would be someone being paid by a people smuggler to post content on social media which promotes illegal journeys to the UK.

    Individuals caught by the offence could receive a prison sentence of up to 5 years and a large fine.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    Selling the false promise of a safe journey to the UK and a life in this country – whether on or offline – simply to make money, is nothing short of immoral.

    These criminals have no issue with leading migrants to life-threatening situations using brazen tactics on social media. We are determined to do everything we can to stop them – wherever they operate.

    We have to stay one step ahead of the ever-evolving tactics of people-smuggling gangs and this move, part of our Plan for Change to boost border security, will empower law enforcement to disable these tactics faster and more effectively, ensuring people face proper penalties.

    National Crime Agency Director General (Operations), Rob Jones, said:

    We know many of the people-smuggling networks risking lives transporting people to the UK promote their services to migrants using social media.

    The majority of migrants arriving in the UK will have engaged with smugglers in this way. This is why we work with social media companies to target smugglers’ accounts, and we’ve increased the pace of takedowns.

    These proposed new powers will offer UK law enforcement additional options to target criminal gangs and their business models as they use online platforms for their criminality.

    Joanne Jakymec, a Chief Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said:

    We have been working with the Home Office on this standalone offence to provide our expertise on how best to shape its inclusion in the Border Security Bill to impact people smugglers.

    Once it’s in force, the CPS won’t hesitate to charge cases where we have evidence of suspects using social media to advertise small boat crossings, fake travel documents, or illegal working opportunities.

    We will also use the additional money allocated to us this year to recruit specialist lawyers to prosecute immigration crime cases referred to us by law enforcement agencies.

    Online adverts for people-smuggling services are part of the business model for organised crime groups that everyone in the Border Security Command is working tirelessly to disrupt and stop.

    The National Crime Agency (NCA) has taken action against a number of people-smuggling organised crime groups where social media accounts have been used to promote crossings, including a South Wales-based gang who were convicted in November 2024 and smuggled thousands of migrants across Europe. Social media videos posted by those who had been successful were used to promote the service they offered.

    Another network operated by Preston-based smuggler Amanj Hasan Zada, later jailed for 17 years, also posted videos of migrants thanking him for helping them.

    Cases of Albanian people smugglers who have used social media platforms to promote £12,000 ‘package deals’ to Britain including accommodation and employment upon arrival would also be within scope under the new measure.

    Since December 2021, the NCA has worked closely with social media companies to remove around 22,000 posts promoting organised immigration crime, with more than 8,000 removed in 2024 – a 40% increase on the previous year. The new measure will bolster efforts by the NCA and other law enforcement to build cases against those who facilitate organised immigration crime in this way.

    Combined with the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill’s new counter-terror style powers, the new legislation will ensure law enforcement are able to investigate, disable and bring people-smuggling gangs to justice faster.

    In many cases, people smugglers who post content on social media also help facilitate journeys, for example by sourcing boats and exchanging information. That is why the bill will also make it a crime to supply or handle items suspected of being used to assist illegal entry into the UK, such as small boat parts – which could lead to a prison sentence of up to 14 years. It will further introduce an offence to collect information to be used by organised immigration crime gangs, such as small boat crossing departure points and timings.

    Collectively, the measures will allow law enforcement to intervene in people-smuggling activity at a much earlier stage, disrupting their work before crossings can take place.

    On top of this robust new legislation, the government has surged enforcement action against illegal migration, with a 50% increase in arrests of those caught working illegally, returning 35,000 people with no right to be in the UK, and imposing tougher sanctions against gang ring leaders, key intermediaries and suppliers of people-smuggling equipment.

    And last month the Prime Minister agreed a groundbreaking new returns deal with the French. The pilot scheme will see small boat arrivals being returned to France, then an equal number of migrants will be able to come to the UK from France through a new legal route.

    The agreement is intended to prevent illegal migrant journeys across Europe to the UK and prevent dangerous small boat crossings, helping to undermine the business model of organised gangs profiting from people’s misery by showing others these journeys could result in them being returned to France – ultimately saving lives.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New wave of mums to benefit from 24/7 breastfeeding support [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New wave of mums to benefit from 24/7 breastfeeding support [August 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 2 August 2025.

    Thousands of mothers and babies will benefit from extended support to breastfeeding services this year.

    • Government extends National Breastfeeding Helpline to provide round-the-clock support for families
    • £18.5 million investment this year in infant feeding support through Family Hubs and Start for Life programme
    • Support forms part of mission to give children the best start in life under government’s Plan for Change

    Thousands of mothers and babies will benefit from extended support to breastfeeding services this year, thanks to government assistance.

    The government has extended the National Breastfeeding Helpline – helping to ensure more mothers across the UK can access dedicated breastfeeding support 24 hours a day.

    It means all parents can access free, non-judgemental, evidence-based information and support on breastfeeding whenever they need it – recognising that feeding challenges can arise at any time of the day or night.

    The government is committed to raising the healthiest generation of children ever and giving every child the best start in life. That includes helping families to access support to feed their baby. It’s important that all parents and caregivers are supported to make the choice that’s right for them and can access the help they need to achieve their infant feeding goals.

    The service is just one of the ways the government is helping families through the Plan for Change. The announcement comes as the government undertakes a complete reform of family services, including the roll-out of up to 1,000 new Best Start Family Hubs across every local authority, ensuring parents can easily access joined-up early help on everything from breastfeeding to mental health and housing.

    The government is providing £126 million in funding in 2025 to 2026 to support its Family Hubs and Start for Life programme, which helps families with advice and support services including infant feeding, parenting classes and perinatal mental health support, among other areas.

    Public Health and Prevention Minister Ashley Dalton said:

    Supporting women and families is a top priority for this government, which is why I am so pleased to announce the extension of the National Breastfeeding Helpline.

    Many parents will know the struggle of being up in the middle of the night, desperately trying anything to get your baby to feed. It can be incredibly overwhelming and deeply lonely.

    We are determined to make sure more women get the support they need through this vital 24/7 helpline.

    And through our Plan for Change, we’re going further to ensure every child gets the best start in life. We’ve provided extra funding for local infant feeding services through the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme, where parents can access drop-in sessions for practical and emotional support.

    Minister for Children and Families, Janet Daby, said:

    Ensuring families have the support they need from day one is central to delivering our Plan for Change and giving every child the best start in life.

    We know those first days and weeks can be overwhelming, and services like the National Breastfeeding Helpline are there to give parents reassurance and expert help whenever they need it most.

    And this is just one part of a much bigger effort to transform how families are supported – with new Best Start Family Hubs opening in every local area across the country over the coming years, taking the best of family hubs and honouring the proud legacy of Sure Start to give parents the support they deserve in the earliest years of their children’s lives.

    Catherine Hine, Chief Executive of the Breastfeeding Network said:

    The National Breastfeeding Helpline is a vital source of infant feeding support, run by the Breastfeeding Network and the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers, and trusted by tens of thousands of families every year.

    While some callers seek help for a wider range of infant feeding challenges, we know that almost 9 in 10 (89%) callers are more confident to continue breastfeeding after contacting the helpline. Many women also call to talk about combination feeding, introducing solids, stopping breastfeeding and formula feeding.

    We’re really excited that shifting to a 24-hour service has been so popular and that our great team are being contacted by women and families throughout the UK and with a wide variety of backgrounds and infant feeding experiences.

    The government has outlined a series of measures to improve care and support for women and families. Last month the Health Secretary announced a national investigation into maternity and neonatal services to drive urgent improvements to care and safety, addressing systemic problems dating back over 15 years.

    Background information

    The National Breastfeeding Helpline is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care and run by the Breastfeeding Network and the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers. Through the helpline, families across the UK have access to trained peer supporters who provide practical, non-judgemental information and support on breastfeeding and infant feeding to anyone who needs it. The service operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year by telephone and social media.

    The helpline has been extended for the financial year 2025 to 2026 and more support is now available through the night.

    Evidence shows breastfeeding provides significant benefits for both mothers and babies. It’s important that families are supported to make the choice that’s right for them and have easy access to quality advice and services to help them achieve their infant feeding goals. The helpline is supporting families to overcome challenges that might prevent mothers from successfully breastfeeding.

    The government is taking further steps to improve infant feeding support, including investing £18.5 million through the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme in 2025 to 2026 to improve infant feeding support across 75 local authorities in England. Local authorities are using this investment to strengthen existing support and introduce new offers to help families access breastfeeding support when they need it and in a location that suits them.

    This funding for local infant feeding services forms part of the £126 million investment in the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme for 75 local authorities. Family hubs deliver integrated services including parenting support, health visiting and early childhood development programmes. These services work together to ensure families receive comprehensive support during the critical first 1,001 days of a child’s life.

    Parents can also access support online on a range of topics from healthy pregnancy to feeding their baby at Start for Life on the NHS website.

    This announcement demonstrates the government’s commitment to creating the healthiest generation of children ever. This investment supports the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, published in December 2024, which outlined the ambition to give children the best start in life by strengthening and joining up family services to improve support through pregnancy and early childhood. Alongside investment in the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme, the government is taking action to improve maternity care, strengthen health visiting services, increase access to vaccinations, and reduce tooth decay in children.

    You can contact the National Breastfeeding Helpline through their website or by calling 0300 100 0212.

    Find out more information on the government’s Best Start in Life strategy .

    Find out more information on Start for Life services funding.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Every Russian strike is a commitment not to peace, but an attempt to destroy life and liberty in Ukraine – UK statement at the UN Security Council [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Every Russian strike is a commitment not to peace, but an attempt to destroy life and liberty in Ukraine – UK statement at the UN Security Council [August 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 August 2025.

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

    As we meet here, only a day after our last discussion on Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine, I do so acutely aware that this is a day of mourning in Kyiv. And I extend my sympathy and condolences to all who mourn in Ukraine today.

    Russia continues to inflict devastation across Ukraine.

    The Russian strikes we witness demonstrate the stark reality. While Ukraine continues to set out its willingness to move towards peace, Putin’s response is to kill more innocent civilians.

    Over the last four nights, Russia has fired 487 drones and 10 missiles at Ukrainian cities, killing 64 civilians and injuring over 279 more.

    On Wednesday night alone, 31 people were killed in Kyiv, the deadliest attack on the city this year.

    Local authorities have reported that 12 children were among the injured, making it the highest number of children injured on an attack in the capital since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

    Every meeting we have on Ukraine, we hear more heartbreaking stories about civilian deaths, including the tragic killing of a six-year-old boy on Wednesday night and the hospitalisation of at least nine other children.

    Russia is unmoved by this. We are not.

    These are not just numbers. Each represents an individual life lost, a future snuffed out, and for the wounded, a future irrevocably blighted by Russia, as I saw for myself when I visited rehabilitation centres in Kyiv.

    The human toll of President Putin’s continued illegal, unjustifiable war against Ukraine is immense.

    Russia’s attacks on civilians, on children, and on civilian infrastructure tells us everything we need to know about President Putin’s intentions. Every Russian strike is a commitment not to peace, but an attempt to destroy life and liberty in Ukraine.

    And this is despite Russia’s obligations in international law, in the UN Charter and Russia’s status as a permanent member of this Council.

    Their strikes, however, continue to escalate.

    So we echo President Trump’s calls for President Putin to engage meaningfully at the negotiating table.

    This Council was all but unanimous yesterday in calling for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire. That remains our call today.

  • PRESS RELEASE : OSCE Helsinki +50 Conference Closing Session – UK statement [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : OSCE Helsinki +50 Conference Closing Session – UK statement [August 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 August 2025.

    Ambassador Holland thanks Finland for hosting the Helsinki +50 Conference, reiterates the UK’s support for Ukraine, and welcomes Conference discussions on OSCE reform and addressing future challenges

    Let me begin by thanking Finland for hosting this historically significant event, and for your principled and committed Chairpersonship of the OSCE during a challenging time for European security.

    We meet in an era of radical uncertainty – as recognised in the UK’s national security strategy – marked by intensifying great power competition, resurgent authoritarianism, and the spread of extremist ideologies.

    In this context, the OSCE does invaluable work. Its expert autonomous institutions play a vital role in holding participating States to account for upholding the commitments of the Helsinki Final Act. Its comprehensive conflict toolkit – from early warning to dialogue facilitation – remains unmatched. Its election observation missions and field operations continue to deliver real impact on the ground, supporting stability and resilience across our shared region.

    But as we face new threats, we must reaffirm our core principles. As our Minister for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories said yesterday, abandoning those principles invites instability.

    The Helsinki Final Act remains a landmark. It sets out the basic rules that should govern international relations – principles both sides of the Cold War divide agreed upon. It is a foundation for collective security. And it is clear: no country can achieve lasting security by violating the sovereignty of others or undermining the rules-based order.

    Our support for Ukraine is a test of our determination to defend those principles. Since the full-scale invasion, the UK has worked through the OSCE to expose Russia’s violations of the Helsinki principles. We did so again last week, invoking the Moscow Mechanism on Russia’s treatment of Prisoners of War alongside 40 other countries and we do so again today. Russia must demonstrate it is serious about peace: by accepting the Ukrainian-US ceasefire proposal and returning to its Helsinki commitments.

    But upholding these principles also requires us to look forward. If the Helsinki legacy is to endure, the OSCE must adapt to meet the demands of the future. As custodian of these principles, it must be able to act, speak and respond with credibility and agility. This should include a meaningful role for civil society in recognition that lasting security comes from cooperation, not just between states, but within societies.

    Today’s discussions have helped identify practical ways to restore the organisation’s effectiveness. We must continue this discussion. The UK looks forward to working with Finland and all participating States to carry this momentum through to the Ministerial Council and beyond so the OSCE can fulfil its core mission: serving as a forum for stability, dialogue and cooperation.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine [August 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine [August 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 August 2025.

    The Prime Minister spoke to President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister began by sharing his condolences for the deadly attack on Kyiv in recent days. It was a bitter reminder of the human cost of the awful conflict perpetrated by Russia, the Prime Minister added.

    The Prime Minister then updated on President Trump’s visit to the UK, and both leaders welcomed the President’s new deadline on Russia to stop their stalling tactics and make meaningful progress on a peace deal.

    It was clear Russia was the only barrier to peace, the leaders agreed.

    Turning to the landmark agreement to share battlefield technology and scale up the production of drones that the Prime Minister and President agreed in June, the Prime Minister updated on the strong progress being made at rapid pace. The Prime Minister also welcomed the passing of Ukraine’s anti-corruption bill earlier this week.

    The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.