Tag: 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.
August 11, 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.

August 11, 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.

August 11, 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.

August 11, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : £150 million in farming grants successfully allocated [August 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 1 August 2025.

Government completes substantial investment in the future of farming as fairer approach to funding means more farmers than ever set to benefit from capital grants offer than in previous years.

Thousands of farmers will benefit from £150 million from Capital Grants funding supporting sustainable food production and environmental improvement.

With over 8,000 applications now submitted in under 5 weeks this is the fastest uptake ever for the offer and shows a clear appetite from the sector to transition towards nature-friendly farming.

Having funding thresholds in place for this round means more farmers have been able to access help to support their efforts to deliver for nature than in previous years, ensuring that every single penny of funding gets into farmers’ pockets.

Grants for reducing farming’s impact on water quality have proved to be the most popular, including upgrades to yard proofing to reduce agricultural runoff and fencing to keep livestock out of water courses.

The government is committed to supporting farming to reduce their impact on waterways, and these grants will help farmers to produce food in a way that is more sensitive to river catchments with reduced water pollution.

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

I am delighted to see such strong demand in our Capital Grants offer, and strong momentum behind nature-friendly farming.

We know that for farm businesses to thrive, they need to be profitable, and we will ensure that every penny of the budget reaches farmers as part of the government’s Plan For Change.

Elsewhere, this round of funding will help support on farm efforts to enhance biodiversity with grants for hedgerow planting and laying, creating and restoring important habitats for wildlife. Grants will also promote sustainable farming practices by funding practical environmental improvements, such as planting shelterbelts to improve air quality, that benefit both nature and long-term farm resilience.

As part of a new approach to communicating with the sector Defra has published updates for farmers and land managers when key milestones for uptake were reached, including at 50%, and 75% and advised that the fund would close as soon as all funding was allocated.

Applicants whose application has been approved, will receive their money once the work has concluded and they have submitted claim for payment.

This government is committed to environmental land management schemes and believe these are the best tools to support the farming sector’s transition to sustainable food production and profitability.

Over the next 4 years, funding for Environmental Land Management schemes, paid directly to farmers, will increase 150% from £800 million in 2023/24 to £2 billion by 2028/29.

Shortly the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier scheme will open for applications in September to those who have been invited to apply and there will be an update on the Sustainable Farming Incentive reformed offer.

A record £11.8 billion for sustainable farming and food production is being invested over this parliament. Alongside farming schemes, the government are slashing costs and red tape for food producers to export to the EU, have appointed former NFU president Baroness Minette Batters to recommend reforms to boost farmers’ profits, and we’re ensuring farmers get a bigger share of food contracts across our schools, hospitals, and prisons.

August 11, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK Chargé inaugurates new accommodation facility in Hamat [July 2025]

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

The building, funded by the UK Ministry of Defence will support UK personnel to deliver a variety of training and support to Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) units.

Ahead of Lebanese Army Day on 1 August the UK Chargé D’Affaires Victoria Dunne, accompanied by Defence Attaché Lt Col Charles Smith, inaugurated a new military accommodation facility in Hamat on Thursday 31 July.

The building, funded by the UK Ministry of Defence will support UK personnel to deliver a variety of training and support to various Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) units. This includes leadership development for junior officers and infantry skills courses, including for female LAF personnel.

The UK continues to be a steadfast supporter of the LAF, the sole legitimate defender of Lebanon, supporting with training, kit and equipment.

Chargé D’Affaires Victoria Dunne said:

A huge congratulations to the LAF on their 80th anniversary whose bravery defending Lebanon internally and on the borders is admirable.

I am thrilled to be in Hamat today to inaugurate this new accommodation facility.

We are proud of our partnership with the LAF and ongoing support for the development of its capabilities, including through training.

Defence Attaché Charles Smith said:

Today is another milestone for UK-Lebanese defence cooperation.

The provision of accommodation and facilities will assist UK personnel in delivering high-impact training to various LAF brigades and units, including to female officers and soldiers.

It also demonstrates that the UK remains a proud and enduring partner to the LAF.

August 11, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Churches Conservation Trust members [August 2025]

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

The King has approved the nomination of Bishop Andrew Rumsey, Dr Ingrid Samuel OBE, Lord (Stephen) Parkinson of Whitley Bay, Michael Bithell JP, Vivienne King and Reverend Canon Timothy Goode.

Andrew Rumsey read history at the University of Reading before training for ordination at Ridley Hall, Cambridge and doctoral studies at King’s College, London. Ordained in 1997, he has held a variety of parish posts in London and Southwark and was appointed Suffragan Bishop of Ramsbury in 2018. Andrew is the joint National Church of England Lead for Church and Cathedral Buildings, and is a writer, musician and champion for Anglican heritage.

Dr Ingrid Helene Samuel OBE was educated at McGill University, Canada, obtaining BA in History, she then gained a M Litt and PhD in Modern History at Jesus College, Cambridge. In 2004 Ingrid was Head of Culture for the London Olympic Bid and between 2005 – 2011 has held several roles in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport including Head of Properties and Ceremonial Branch, Head of Heritage, and Head of Heritage and Architecture. Additionally, in 2011 she took up the role of Placemaking and Heritage Director with the National Trust.

Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay was educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, obtaining an MA in History. From 2021-2024 Stephen was Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Culture, Media & Sport, and previously was Political Secretary to the Prime Minister and Special Adviser to the Home Secretary.

Michael Bithell JP was educated at Magdalen College, Oxford, completing a MA in Engineering Science and post-graduate studies in Manufacture and Management at Cambridge University. Now retired, Michael was Group Finance Director of United Westminster and Grey Coat Foundation from 2015 to 2022. Previously, he worked for Deloitte LLP for 23 years, as Director, National Quality & Risk; and Director, Corporate Finance Government & Infrastructure. He has a number of voluntary and non-executive positions, including as a member of London Diocesan Synod, Finance Committee and Non-Property Investment Committee, as a Magistrate and an Honorary Steward of Westminster Abbey.

Vivienne King was educated at Keele University obtaining a BSoc Sci in Law and Politics in 1983, subsequently completing a Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in 1985. In 2010 and 2012 she completed a Corporate Finance Programme with Cranfield University and in 2021 undertook Business Sustainability Management with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. After seven years as Real Estate Associate with Herbert Smith Freehills, Vivienne joined The Crown Estate in 1994 as a Senior Solicitor and was subsequently Director of Business Operations & General Counsel. She was CEO of the Soho Housing Association from 2016 to 2020, CEO of Revo and then Head of Real Estate Social Impact at The Good Economy. In March 2024 Vivienne founded Impactful Places, an independent sustainability consultancy.

Timothy Goode has been the Canon for Congregational Discipleship and Nurture at York Minster since September 2023. Previously he was Rector of St Margaret’s Lee in South East London, and a member of General Synod and Archbishops’ Council. Tim is a member of the National Disability Task Group, which advises the Archbishops of Canterbury and York on disability issues and he led the first debate on disability at the General Synod in July 2022. Tim was a secondary school teacher at the Roehampton Institute and Director of Music of Homefield School from 1995-2007. He trained for ministry at Ripon College Cuddesdon and served his title at Croydon Minster, in the Diocese of Southwark and was ordained priest in 2010. From September 2012 to May 2018, he was Team Vicar of St Luke’s Whyteleafe and St Peter and St Paul, Chaldon, part of the Caterham Team ministry. From 2013 to 2021 he was additionally the Southwark Diocesan Disability Advisor. Tim was made an Honorary Canon of Southwark Cathedral in September 2020 and has been a trustee of the Churches Conservation Trust since November 2020. He has now been re-appointed in the role for a second term until October 2028.

August 11, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor backs jobs boost in Scottish defence and energy sectors [August 2025]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 1 August 2025.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will outline how the Spending Review will give Scotland a jobs boost, as she visits RAF Lossiemouth and St Fergus Gas Plant today.
- 18,000 North Sea jobs can be safeguarded through a £200 million investment in the Aberdeen Acorn energy project whilst creating 15,000 new ones in Scotland’s clean energy transformation.
- Increase in defence spending will see more jobs added to the 26,100 skilled Scottish jobs already supported by UK Government defence investment, and three new E-7 Wedgetail aircraft will see even more jobs created by Boeing at RAF Lossiemouth.
- Defence and clean energy commitments, part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, will provide jobs and build thriving communities from Aberdeen to the Clyde.
The UK Government is investing in defence and clean energy to protect existing jobs and create thousands more, while keep the UK secure. Increasing defence spending to 2.6%, could lead to around 0.3% higher GDP in the long run, equivalent to around £11 billion of GDP in today’s money, according to government estimates.

RAF Lossiemouth shows how investment in defence delivers for ordinary families. The Moray base has undergone a huge transformation in recent years and military personnel and civilian workers now work together keep our fighter jets and sub-hunting aircraft in the air. The addition of three new E-7 Wedgetail aircraft to the RAF’s fleet will see even more jobs created by Boeing at the base, where the Chancellor will meet with some of the over 200 Boeing teammates who work alongside RAF personnel.

Chancellor, Rachel Reeves said:

We’re seizing the huge potential and opportunities that Scotland has on offer. Whether it’s in defence to keep the UK safe, or clean energy to power all corners of the country, this government is backing Scotland with billions of pounds of investment to grow the economy and create jobs.

Scottish Secretary, Ian Murray said:

The UK Government is investing in defence to ensure Britain’s security and deter our adversaries and drive economic growth.

This investment is a massive jobs opportunity for Scotland – this ‘defence dividend’ is good news for Scotland, where it will help create skilled jobs, drive economic growth and help tackle the critical skills gaps facing the country in sectors such as nuclear, construction, maritime and project management.

The Spending Review also saw investments that will make Scotland the home of the UK’s clean energy revolution. While Acorn is still subject to final investment decision, this £200 million is just the beginning to this government’s commitment to investing in Scotland and has the potential to safeguard 18,000 North Sea jobs whilst creating 15,000 new ones in Scotland’s clean energy transformation.

Great British Energy will also be headquartered in Aberdeen, to drive clean power generation across the UK. Boosting homegrown energy will also make the UK more secure.

The Chancellor’s visit comes as defence spending rises to 2.6% of GDP and figures from 23/24 reveal that MOD spend maintains 26,100 skilled jobs across Scotland. The Spending Review also committed £250 million to secure the future of HMNB Clyde – the first stage of a multi-decade, multi-billion renewal project and all three Clyde shipyards are currently fulfilling contracts for the Royal Navy.

Further information:
- The Spending Review delivered a record settlement for Scottish public services, with the Scottish Government’s largest settlement, in real terms, since devolution in 1998. Scottish Government’s settlement is growing in real terms between 2024-25 and 2028-29. This translates into an average of £50.9 billion per year between 2026-27 and 2028-29.
Maria Laine, President United Kingdom, Ireland & Nordic region, Boeing, said:

Boeing has a long-standing presence in Scotland including at RAF Lossiemouth, the home to the UK’s P-8 Poseidon fleet and where the E-7 Wedgetail will be based when it enters service. As a key partner of the UK Armed Forces, Boeing welcomes the defence spending increase and has seen first-hand how defence infrastructure investments, such as the £100 million Atlantic Building and new E-7 facilities at RAF Lossiemouth, can deliver for local jobs, suppliers and UK national security.

Michelle Ferguson, Director, CBI Scotland, said:

Scotland’s energy and defence sectors are vital to our economy, driving investment and supporting thousands of skilled jobs. The Chancellor’s announcement of £200 million for the Acorn energy project is very encouraging, but businesses are eager for final approval to unlock its full potential and secure North Sea jobs. Increased defence spending will further boost Scotland’s skilled workforce and create growth opportunities across key supply-chain. Close collaboration between the Scottish and UK governments will be essential to fully realise these benefits, driving forward national security and Scotland’s transition to a resilient, low-carbon economy.

Mark Sommerfeld, UK Director of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association, said:

The Chancellor’s visit to Acorn further highlights the importance of CCUS in securing the future of our foundational industries and delivering a secure low carbon power system – both in Scotland and across the UK. The Government’s commitment to CCUS means that thousands of skilled jobs will be protected, with thousands more created across our industrial heartlands – delivering economic growth and clean power.

To maintain global leadership in CCUS and realise the full benefits for our industrial communities, we need to see clear deployment pathways for both Acorn and Viking CCS, as well as other projects developing at pace across the UK. By doing so, the Government can deliver on its economic growth mission and climate goals.

Katy Heidenreich, Offshore Energies UK Supply Chain and People Director said:

We share the Chancellor’s commitment to Scotland’s energy future. Our industry plays a vital role in delivering jobs, growth, and energy security through the production of homegrown energy.

Government support for projects like Acorn is crucial. The UK Government has committed £200 million in development funding to Acorn — Scotland’s flagship carbon capture and storage initiative — marking a major milestone in advancing the country’s decarbonisation strategy. The project is expected to support around 15,000 jobs during peak construction and repurpose 175 miles of pipeline infrastructure to transport CO₂ from central Scotland to storage.
August 10, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Free speech rules to protect academic freedom come into force [August 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 1 August 2025.

New legal duties on universities and colleges come into force, as government delivers Plan for Change to restore integrity of higher education.

Students, academics and external speakers at universities in England will have their freedom of speech protected by robust new laws coming into force today (Friday 1 August).

Under the strengthened rules introduced by this government, universities must actively promote academic freedom, ensuring campuses are places where robust discussion can take place without fear of censorship of students, staff or external speakers expressing lawful opinions.

Universities will also be banned from using non-disclosure agreements to silence victims of campus misconduct, protecting vulnerable individuals who may have faced harassment, abuse or sexual assault.

If lawful free speech is silenced the Office for Students (OfS) can investigate, and can take action if universities are found to have failed to protect free speech rights.

The OfS’ director for free speech and academic freedom has warned institutions that flout the new rules could face record penalties, after the University of Sussex was given a landmark £585,000 fine for its failure to uphold free speech in March. Arif Ahmed said future fines could be higher.

These robust protections deliver on the government’s Plan for Change by restoring the integrity of our universities as rigorous centres of intellectual debate, recognising them as a key driver for delivering growth and opportunity across the country.

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said:

Academic freedom is non-negotiable in our world-leading institutions, and we will not tolerate the silencing of academics or students who voice legitimate views.

These strengthened protections make this explicitly clear in law, and the record fine already handed down by the OfS has put universities on notice that they must comply or face the consequences.

Through our Plan for Change we are restoring our world class universities as engines of growth, opportunity and innovation, and fostering a culture of free enquiry and academic freedom is at the heart of that.

In future a new OfS complaints scheme will ensure academics, external speakers and staff can trigger investigations that could lead to fines if their free speech is not protected. Students will have their free speech complaints considered through the Office of the Independent Adjudicator.

The legislation will also ensure student unions are subject to new rules, by holding universities accountable for their activities.

The Education Secretary has previously announced that elements of the Act that could have saddled universities with disproportionate legal costs will be removed, as they would have rendered the rules unworkable.

Jewish community organisations had also raised fears the tort might lead some providers to unduly prioritise speech which is hateful or degrading over the interests of those who are at risk of being harassed and intimidated.

Overseas transparency measures contained in the Act will remain under review while the government assesses the impact of the recently-introduced Foreign Influence Registration Scheme.

The Office for Students already has powers to require information in response to concerns about free speech or academic freedom, including issues related to suspected foreign interference and funding.

August 10, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : British steelmakers regain access to EU market [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 1 August 2025.

British steelmakers regain access to EU market.
- UK steel producers to regain tariff-free access to the EU market for key steel products from today [1 August].
- Cuts costs and gives UK steel producers more certainty when exporting to the EU — one of our largest trading partners.
- Delivers on a UK-EU Summit commitment and reinforces the Government’s Plan for Change to rebuild Britain’s industrial strength.
British steelmakers stand to make millions extra a year as the EU gets rid of its steel tariffs today [Friday 1 August] – a direct win from the Prime Minister’s EU deal signed back in May.

This means UK steelmakers will be able to export more steel used for large building projects – like support beams – to the EU tariff-free, supporting the UK’s wider economic growth ambitions and helping deliver on the Plan for Change.

This follows the decision to take control of British Steel following years of mismanagement – a decision which saved thousands of jobs and secured Britain’s place as a steelmaker. This builds on the significant support that this pro-steel Government has already delivered — from our £500 million investment in Tata’s green steel transition and our deal with the US to reduce tariffs on UK steel.

The UK steel sector supports around 40,000 jobs across 1,145 firms, with a further 61,000 jobs in related industries that supply materials and services to steel producers. These changes will enable UK steelmakers to once again export goods worth several millions of pounds annually to the EU, strengthening vital revenue streams for UK businesses.

Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds said:

This is yet another positive step forward for the UK steel sector and a clear example of our Plan for Change in action — removing barriers, supporting jobs, and backing British industry.

Restoring our steel quota helps give producers the certainty they need to compete, grow, and maintain vital export relationships.

This builds on the significant support that this pro-steel Government has already delivered — from our £500 million investment in Tata’s green steel transition, to action to safeguard jobs at British Steel in Scunthorpe, and our deal with the US to reduce tariffs on UK steel.

The restored quota will re-establish historic trade flows between the UK and the EU, easing the administrative and financial burdens that have affected steel exporters. It will also provide much-needed certainty for UK steel operating in an increasingly volatile global market. Crucially, this change will help safeguard skilled jobs across the country and preserve long-standing supply chains with EU customers.

The country-specific quota allows the UK to export a certain amount of steel to the EU without paying an extra tariff, helping maintain fair trade and avoid sudden surges in imports. We can now export up to 27,000 tonnes of steel to the EU each quarter — that’s roughly a football stadium’s worth of steel every year.

This follows complex negotiations and demonstrates the UK Government’s ability to secure practical wins for domestic industry. It builds on a series of recent measures delivered under the Plan for Change, including a £500 million investment in greener steelmaking at Port Talbot, targeted action to reduce electricity costs and strengthen procurement rules. These steps have been complemented by enhanced trade defences designed to protect jobs and support long-term competitiveness in the sector.

EU Relations Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said:

We have worked constructively with the EU to deliver in our national interest and achieved a bespoke agreement to help secure jobs in steel across Britain.

Today’s news that the EU is slashing tariffs on British Steel shows our approach is working and is another win for UK PLC.

Gareth Stace UK Steel said:

The restoration of the country specific quota is excellent news for UK steel companies which have been plagued by problems shipping category 17 products into the European Union.

The quota will restore historic trade flows and is good news for both UK steelmakers and their EU customers.

British Steel Chief Commercial Officer (interim) Lisa Coulson said:

The removal of EU tariffs on British-made steel is a significant boost to our business.

The EU is an important market to us, particularly for the products our highly skilled colleagues manufacture in Scunthorpe, Teesside, and Skinningrove.

We are delighted we will be able to provide the high-quality products our loyal and supportive EU customers require tariff-free and thank the UK Government for delivering this agreement.

We now look to the future with even greater optimism as we focus on building stronger futures for our customers.

This announcement reinforces the Government’s commitment to fair, open, and stable trade in key sectors — with steel being a clear example of strengthened UK-EU cooperation delivering results for British industry.

Notes to editors:
- The European Commission’s decision restores the UK’s Country Specific Quota (CSQ) for Category 17 steel products from 1 August 2025.
- The UK steel industry employs thousands of people in key manufacturing regions and supports critical supply chains in construction, automotive, and defence.
- The UK Government will publish a comprehensive Steel Strategy later this year to support long-term competitiveness and sustainability in the sector.
August 10, 2025