Tag: 2025

PRESS RELEASE : Multilateralism remains the best tool we have to meet the shared challenges of the 21st century – UK statement at the UN Security Council [July 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 July 2025.

Statement by Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa and the UN, at the UN Security Council debate on peace and security.

Mr President, the United Kingdom thanks Pakistan for convening this timely debate at a time when multilateralism faces unprecedented strain.

As the Secretary-General has said, the world is witnessing more conflict than at any time since the founding of the United Nations.

From Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine to the protracted crisis in Gaza, the international community is being tested.

Our response must strive for peace and be guided by the principles of the UN Charter.
Multilateralism remains the best tool we have to meet the shared challenges of the 21st century.

And this Council, as the UN organ with the primary responsibility for international peace and security, should play a central role.

That includes through a collective commitment to the rule of law, including international humanitarian law, and to the peaceful settlement of disputes.

These are not abstract ideals.

They are principles by which we could collectively prevent and resolve conflict.

That is why the United Kingdom has kept these principles at the heart of its foreign policy.
But as we mark the UN’s 80th anniversary, we must seize this moment to revitalise the peace and security architecture, champion human rights, and strengthen the UN development system and humanitarian architecture to ensure all three pillars are collectively fit for purpose.

We should make full use of the UN’s mediation and conflict prevention capabilities.
In Sudan, we continue to urge the warring parties to engage meaningfully with existing diplomatic initiatives, including the United Nations’ mediation efforts to achieve a lasting national ceasefire and political solution.

Here and elsewhere, we need the UN to help address the root causes of conflict.
Peace operations should be more adaptable, politically attuned and better coordinated with other UN and regional actors, leveraging new technologies and local expertise.
We must focus not only on brokering peace but on sustaining it.

The UN’s efforts to verify the implementation of the Peace Agreement in Colombia is a good example of this work in the field.

And here in New York, we can make better use of the UN Peacebuilding Architecture to support national efforts to sustain peace.

Underscoring this, we must recall that crucially, sustainable peace can only be achieved through inclusive peace processes, with the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women.

Mr President, the UN Charter is our shared foundation.

In this moment of global uncertainty, we must recommit to multilateralism, not as a slogan, but as a strategy.

The United Kingdom stands ready to work with all Member States to this end, including to uphold peace, security, and the rule of law.

Thank you.

July 28, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK Carrier Strike Group contributes to Exercise Talisman Sabre [July 2025]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 22 July 2025.

The UK Carrier Strike Group has led a major British contribution to the large multinational exercise in Australia.

More than 3,000 British forces are taking part in the largest military exercise Australia has ever hosted, as the UK’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG25) demonstrates Britain’s unwavering commitment to Indo-Pacific security.

The Carrier Strike Group is in Australia as part of Operation Highmast, the major global deployment that demonstrates Britain’s strategic commitment to the Indo-Pacific.

From British Gurkhas to US Marines to Australian Defence Force amphibious specialists, Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 serves as one of the deployment’s key moments, bringing together multinational forces to strengthen and test how nations can work together to safeguard global trade routes and maintain regional stability.

Spanning across a vast area in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland, and New South Wales, the Australian-US led biennial exercise is bigger than ever, involving over 35,000 military personnel from 19 nations – making Talisman Sabre the largest exercise of the CSG’s deployment and one of the largest military exercises in the world this year. For the first time, offshore activities will also be conducted in Papua New Guinea.

Defence Secretary John Healey said:

The historic bonds between Britain and Australia run deep, and through AUKUS and exercises like Talisman Sabre we are strengthening these ties for the challenges of tomorrow.

Our commitment to the Indo-Pacific is unwavering, as this huge military exercise demonstrates. The unprecedented scale showcases the growing importance of cooperation in addressing shared challenges. We will continue to work alongside our closest allies to maintain the security and stability that underpins global prosperity.

Commodore James Blackmore said:

This is a real demonstration of the UK and our partners’ warfighting capabilities.

As the first UK-led multinational Carrier Strike Group to Talisman Sabre this is a powerful demonstration of our commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.

Exercise Talisman Sabre is also an opportunity for the UK to develop new levels of integration between systems and capabilities with the US, Australia, and other partners, enhancing our interoperability even further and to unprecedented levels.

All three branches of the UK Armed Forces are engaged, with the Royal Marines playing a central role throughout the exercise alongside a Ranger Battalion from the Army and RAF Voyager aircraft.

The exercise strengthens operational cooperation with international partners, ensuring our collective ability to maintain the rules-based international order that underpins global trade and security.

The Royal Navy, alongside its AUKUS partners, is testing cutting-edge sub-sea and seabed warfare capabilities, showcasing interoperability across our navies. Additionally, for the first time, AUKUS nations will demonstrate the ability to remotely control Extra Large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (XL-UUVs) from a remote operating centre.

Through DSTL via the Resilience Autonomy and AI Technology collaboration, nations tested autonomy-enabled systems able to find and strike an advancing adversary. This experimentation provided a realistic combat environment for AUKUS to operate as an AI-enabled, integrated force, exploiting cutting-edge technology to ensure strategic advantage against a range of simulated adversaries.

The CSG25 deployment reinforces the government’s Plan for Change by strengthening international partnerships that underpin economic growth and national security, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad. Operation Highmast occurs against the backdrop of the government’s landmark commitment to increasing defence spending to 2.6% of GDP.

This historic investment underpins the government’s mission-led approach to securing Britain’s future, providing the economic stability necessary for growth whilst ensuring the UK maintains cutting-edge capabilities such as the Carrier Strike Group to meet emerging global threats.

July 28, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Government publishes plan to address presence of chemicals from pet flea and tick treatments in UK waterways [July 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 22 July 2025.

New plans to address the presence of chemicals from flea and tick treatments in rivers and streams across the UK have been unveiled today.

The initiative by the Cross-Government Pharmaceuticals in the Environment (PiE) Group focuses primarily on two chemicals – fipronil and imidacloprid – commonly used in topical parasite treatments for pets. These medicines play an essential role in protecting both animal and human health against fleas and ticks, however there are growing concerns around the amount of fipronil and imidacloprid finding its way into UK rivers and lakes .

The new roadmap outlines key actions to reduce levels of flea and tick treatments in the environment while protecting animal welfare – which includes commissioning research to better understand this issue and using this evidence to support an international review of environmental risk assessment guidelines . The three key stages of the roadmap are:
- Communication and Education (Short Term):
  The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) will collaborate with veterinary professionals and industry stakeholders to improve pet owner awareness about the appropriate use and disposal of flea and tick treatments.
- Evidence Gathering (Medium Term):
  The group will build a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impacts of these chemicals, alongside evaluating potential consequences of changing use patterns on animal and human health. The VMD has commissioned scientific research investigating how these substances enter rivers and streams and is working closely with the Environment Agency to assess the environmental risks they pose.
- Regulatory Actions (Long Term):
  Based on the evidence collected, the PiE Group will support a review of international environmental risk assessment guidelines and consider future regulatory approaches to mitigate environmental risks.
Defra Biosecurity Minister, Baroness Hayman said:

This Government is absolutely committed to restoring nature and reducing harms posed by chemicals in the environment.

Our new Roadmap will develop a better understanding of the impact of flea and tick treatments on the environment, while recognising these treatments play a vital role in pet and human health.

Abigail Seager, Chief Executive Officer of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), said:

This roadmap represents an important step forward in ensuring that the benefits of effective parasite control are maintained while taking necessary actions to reduce environmental risks.

It reflects our commitment to an evidence-based approach, working closely with partners across government to protect both animal health and the environment.

Kelly Short, Environment Agency Chemicals Manager said:

The launch of this roadmap is an important step in tackling the presence of harmful chemicals like fipronil and imidacloprid in our rivers and streams.

By improving public awareness, building the evidence base, and working together to assess environmental risks, we can take meaningful action to protect our water environment and the wildlife that depends on it.

The PiE Group brings together key government bodies, including the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), Environment Agency (EA), Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and representatives from devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

This collaborative initiative aims to develop a coordinated strategy to reduce the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals from human, veterinary, agricultural, and non-agricultural sources.
July 28, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Nigel Topping CMG appointed Chair of the Climate Change Committee [July 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 22 July 2025.

Nigel Topping CMG has been appointed as Chair of the Climate Change Committee (CCC) by the UK and devolved governments today (22 July).

This follows the Secretary of State, Ed Miliband, and the Northern Irish, Welsh and Scottish devolved government Ministers selecting Nigel Topping as the preferred candidate for the role, as well as a successful pre-appointment hearing in front of the Energy Security and Net Zero and Environmental Audit Committees on Wednesday 16 July.

The Energy Secretary has written to Nigel Topping to confirm his appointment, welcoming him to the role and confirming his confidence in him to lead the Climate Change Committee. He has also written to Professor Piers Forster, to thank him for his leadership as interim Chair of the CCC following Lord Deben’s departure in 2023.

The Chair will play a key role in the committee’s work of advising government on the delivery of its carbon budgets, with a critical few years ahead as the government accelerates to net zero as part of its clean energy superpower mission.

Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, said:

I want to congratulate Nigel Topping on his appointment as Chair of the Climate Change Committee.

We highly value the Climate Change Committee’s independent advice on how we can achieve net zero, so I am thrilled to have Nigel in this important role – as he brings extensive experience, including from his time serving as the UN High Level Climate Action Champion for COP26.

Net zero is the economic opportunity of the 21st century and Nigel’s business expertise will help us to maximise on this opportunity as we deliver our clean energy superpower mission – boosting energy security, creating good jobs, bringing down bills and tackling the climate crisis.

Nigel Topping, Chair of the Climate Change Committee, said:

It is an honour to be appointed Chair of the Climate Change Committee at this pivotal moment. The UK has an opportunity to deliver on its climate commitments in a way that reduces costs for households, powers our industries forward, and makes our economy more successful. It’s also important to ensure resilience against growing climate impacts and I look forward to working with Baroness Brown who leads our adaptation work.

I’d like to offer my sincere thanks to Professor Piers Forster, who has been our interim Chair since Lord Deben stepped down. He has led the Committee through an incredibly busy period overseeing advice on the UK’s Seventh Carbon Budget, three devolved carbon budgets, and a number of key progress reports to government.

I am committed to upholding the rigour and independent nature of the Committee’s advice, while harnessing our country’s wealth of scientific, financial and business talent.

Nigel Topping’s selection follows a competitive recruitment process in line with the Governance Code for Public Appointments.

Notes to Editors

The UK government, Scottish Government, Welsh Government, and Northern Ireland Executive agreed to appoint Nigel Topping. The decision-making Ministers were:
- Ed Miliband MP, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
- Andrew Muir MLA, Minister of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs, Northern Ireland Executive
- Gillian Martin MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, Scottish Government
- Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister of Wales and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Welsh Government
Nigel Topping’s term as Chair will begin on Wednesday 23 July.
July 28, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : More infected blood victims set to receive compensation under changes to scheme [July 2025]
The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 22 July 2025.

The Government outlines changes to the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme in response to the Infected Blood Inquiry Additional Report.
- Government makes changes to the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme in response to new recommendations from the Infected Blood Inquiry
- Changes include modifications for those who have endured treatments with adverse side effects, and chronic Hepatitis C individuals
- Further changes will address compensation for affected victims and their estates
More victims of the infected blood scandal will be able to claim compensation as the government proposes changes to the existing Infected Blood Compensation Scheme.

Changes could result in over a thousand people receiving a higher amount of compensation than they would have under the existing scheme.

The proposed changes will ensure that those who endured treatments with adverse side effects, such as interferon, will receive higher compensation to what is currently provided.

The changes will also provide further compensation for the impacts currently recognised by the Infected Blood Support Scheme ‘Special Category Mechanism’, provided to chronic Hepatitis C individuals who have experienced a significant impact on their ability to carry out daily duties.

Further changes will address compensation for affected victims. Under the existing scheme, if an affected person – a spouse, partner, sibling, parent or unpaid carer of an infected person – passed away, their claim would die with them.

However, changes to the scheme will now mean that if the affected person has died or dies after May 21st 2024, their estate will be able to make a claim. While the total number of affected victims is not known, this could enable significantly more people to receive compensation.

These changes come in response to 16 new recommendations from the Infected Blood Inquiry, published in its Additional Report on Compensation on Wednesday 9th July.

Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, Nick Thomas-Symonds, set out these changes today in Parliament.

He said:

When I appeared before the Inquiry in May, I said that I would take a constructive approach and – carefully – consider the issues that had been put to me.

I have concentrated on removing barriers to quicker compensation, working with IBCA, and am determined to deliver improvements based on this new report.

Our focus as we move forward must be working together to not only deliver justice to all those impacted, but also to restore trust in the state to people who have been let down too many times.

Today, the government has also announced that Clive Smith, President of the Haemophilia Society, will be the Chair of the Infected Blood Memorial Committee.

Mr Smith will lead the work to create a national memorial to the victims of the Infected Blood Scandal. This project will include plans for a UK memorial and support memorials in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

In line with the Infected Blood Inquiry’s recommendation, the Committee will also develop plans for commemorative events and is planning to hold the first by the end of 2025.

Incoming Chair of the Infected Blood Memorial Committee Clive Smith said:

A memorial to the thousands who have died from the contaminated blood scandal is long overdue. It is a great privilege to be asked to lead this important work on behalf of the community.

I am conscious that we are already behind in relation to implementing the Infected Blood Inquiry’s recommendation that community events be held on a 6-month basis post the Inquiry reporting. We intend to correct that by the end of this year.

I look forward to working with the whole community across the UK on building an appropriate memorial to those we have lost and to act as a lasting memorial to the Nation of what can happen when patient safety is not prioritised.
July 28, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : National security powers to be updated to reduce the burden on businesses [July 2025]

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 22 July 2025.

Investment security rules under the National Security and Investment (NSI) Act 2021 will be simplified to ease the burden on businesses as part of the Plan for Change.

Plans to reduce unnecessary red tape for businesses by ensuring mandatory notifications are no longer needed for certain internal reorganisations and the appointment of liquidators
New consultation will put businesses at the heart of potential changes to the sectors facing the greatest scrutiny by the government’s investment security powers
Semiconductors, Critical Minerals carved out into standalone sectors and Water to be considered for addition to list of sensitive sectors
NSIA Annual Report shows just 4.5% of notifications were called in for review, with the vast majority cleared to proceed in 30 days
Investment security rules under the National Security and Investment (NSI) Act 2021 will be simplified to ease the burden on businesses as part of the Plan for Change.

The changes, currently being developed, will when they come into force reduce unnecessary bureaucracy for businesses, no longer requiring them to notify the Cabinet Office’s Investment Security Unit when undertaking certain types of internal reorganisations or appointing liquidators, special administrators and official receivers.

Analysis has shown these types of transactions rarely warrant investigation. Simplifying the rules will ease the regulatory burden and help the government focus its attention on the deals presenting greater risk to national security.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden said:

The government has been clear about our ambition to cut red tape for businesses, while taking firm action to protect national security as we deliver the Plan for Change.

Data shows our investment security powers are working well, but there’s more we can do to ensure our tool kit keeps pace with the modern economy. We’re taking action to hone the type of transactions facing the greatest scrutiny, as well as consulting on updates to the sectors of the economy specified in the legislation. Businesses are at the heart of these plans and I look forward to engaging widely in the weeks ahead.

The announcement comes as the government also publishes a new consultation—due to launch on 22 July and conclude on 14 October—-on separate plans to update the sectors of the economy subject to greater scrutiny under the National Security and Investment Act 2021.

Acquirers of businesses operating in seventeen sensitive sectors must currently notify the Investment Security Unit about relevant acquisitions before the deal can be completed. These sectors were first defined in 2021 and have not been updated since.

Building on business feedback, and to improve clarity and bring the sectors up to date with the latest economic and technological developments, the government is proposing creating new standalone categories for Semiconductors and Critical Minerals, which currently fall under the Advanced Materials sector. Computing Hardware, which is currently a standalone sector, would move under the Semiconductors sector.

Pat McFadden has also requested businesses’ views on bringing certain deals in the water sector into scope of the NSI Act’s mandatory notification requirements. This new requirement, while not expected to affect large numbers of deals, reflects increasing risks to the sector’s resilience in a growing threat landscape.

Alongside the reforms and consultation, the Cabinet Office is also publishing the National Security and Investment Act Annual Report. This sets out the Investment Security Unit’s activity between 2024-2025.

It shows that the government saw an increase in the number of notifications received year on year, rising from 906 to 1,143.

Similar to last year, only 4.5% of notified acquisitions reviewed were called in for further assessment, with the vast majority of businesses notified within 30 working days that no further action would be taken.

The government issued 17 final orders: 16 allowing the acquisitions to proceed subject to conditions and one requiring divestment.

Like last year, the largest proportion of notifications involved acquisitions in the Defence, Critical Suppliers to Government and Military & Dual Use areas of the economy, and acquirers associated with the UK, followed by the US.

Of the 17 final orders issued, the largest number involved acquirers associated with the UK, followed by acquirers associated with China and acquirers associated with the USA. Defence and Military & Dual Use acquisitions also accounted for the largest number of final orders.

July 28, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : New Executive Chair to strengthen government’s plan to unleash life sciences for a healthier, wealthier Britain [July 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 22 July 2025.

Steve Bates OBE appointed to help champion research and innovation and the use of technology to transform health and grow the UK economy.
- Industry leader Steve Bates OBE appointed as Executive Chair for the Office for Life Sciences.
- Office for Life Sciences to report into Health, Science and Business departments, recognising the industry’s importance to the health and growth missions in the Plan for Change.
- Appointment is immediate action on Life Sciences Sector Plan pledge to strengthen links between sector and government.
Industry leader Steve Bates OBE has today (Tuesday 22 July) been appointed as Executive Chair of the Office for Life Sciences, the cross-Government unit that champions research, innovation and the use of technology to transform health and grow the economy across the UK.

The Office for Life Sciences (OLS) will report directly into the Business Secretary in addition to the Health Secretary and Technology Secretary, recognising that driving economic growth and investment in this key sector will be a crucial part of the OLS agenda in support of the Plan for Change.

The moves show the government is taking immediate action to deliver the Life Sciences Sector Plan, the ambitious blueprint for unleashing the UK’s circa £100 billion life sciences sector as a force for economic growth and bettering the nation’s health, in aid of the Plan for Change. Forming one of the 8 core pillars of the modern Industrial Strategy, the Plan sets out the government’s commitment to deepening its ties with the life sciences sector, and strengthening the Office for Life Sciences to do so.

It builds on the positive momentum coming from recent successes for OLS, such as the recent £1 billion investment deal with BioNTech which the Office was instrumental in delivering, and backing for groundbreaking research like that supported by Our Future Health and UK Biobank, as well as its role in the up to £600 million investment to deliver a Health Data Research Service that will be unmatched globally – bringing the power of data to bear to unlock breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Steve Bates is a recognised industry figurehead, having led the UK BioIndustry Association as CEO since 2012. He sits on the UK Life Sciences Council, and was a founder member of the UK Government’s Vaccine Taskforce. Steve was made OBE for services to innovation in 2017 and became a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences in 2020.

Steve Bates OBE said:

The UK is great at life sciences. Great science, growth finance, world leading entrepreneurs, agile regulators, and key health data assets, all network here within a sector focused industrial strategy.

I know we can deliver global health outcomes and UK economic growth because we did so through the Vaccine Taskforce during COVID. I look forward to selling the sector’s great story to the globe. It’s a privilege to help life science businesses start, grow, scale and renew in the UK ecosystem to deliver economic growth, prosperity and health.

Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

The life sciences sector plays a unique role, as a catalyst for both economic prosperity, and better health outcomes for people across the UK. Its ongoing success will be pivotal to both our Plan for Change, and our modern Industrial Strategy.

It is only right that we draw upon the nation’s best talent and expertise to push this sector on to even greater heights, and to that end I am delighted that Steve will be joining us in these endeavours.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

We’re turning the UK into a life sciences powerhouse and harnessing the genius of our country’s greatest scientific minds.

I know that Steve will bolster this mission and help make Britain the envy of the world when it comes to medical innovation.

Under his leadership, I’m confident the Office for Life Sciences will continue to drive groundbreaking research and fulfil the Plan for Change’s goal to transform healthcare for patients across the country.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

We want to make the UK a life sciences superpower. That’s why we earmarked it as a priority sector in our modern Industrial Strategy, which sets out how we will back the industry to keep it at the forefront of global innovation.

This single front door for industry to engage with government will be key to achieving our life sciences mission, as will appointing talented leaders like Steve – boosting the sector to deliver on our Plan for Change to grow the economy.

The Office for Life Sciences is a Directorate of 120 civil servants, which drives policy and delivery in the Life Sciences sector, supporting the government’s ambitions on economic growth and improved health that sit at the heart of the Plan for Change. Currently overseen by the Health Secretary and Technology Secretary, it will now also have more formalised links into the Department for Business and Trade to support the government’s Industrial Strategy.

In his new role, Bates will act as an ambassador both domestically and internationally for the UK life sciences sector. He will work across government and the wider public sector to ensure engagement with industry around policy and investment happens productively and at pace, working closely with all 3 Secretaries of State, providing support and expert advice as required.

The UK is already a global leader in life sciences, with the sector worth around £100 billion to the economy, and employing around 300,000 people. These moves show the government’s determination to immediately deliver on its goals for the sector, as laid out in the Life Sciences Sector Plan. Developed in close coordination with the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan, the Plan is a vision for doubling down on the sector’s strengths – turning cutting-edge research into real-world results: new treatments, faster diagnoses, and more lives saved. It’s about making sure breakthroughs happen here – and stay here – creating jobs, improving lives in every part of the country, and driving growth.
July 28, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Miscarriages of justice victims given access to vital support [July 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 22 July 2025.

Victims of miscarriages of justice will no longer lose out on key benefit support, thanks to legislative changes coming into force today.
Miscarriage of justice victims will no longer have their compensation counted when applying for benefits.

New legislation will unlock vital support for those victims, helping them back on their feet.

Comes alongside boost to amount victims will be able to receive in compensation payments.

Justice for the wrongly convicted vital to Government’s ambition to restore trust in the system as part of Plan for Change.

The change ensures that awarded compensation will no longer be taken into account when applying for means-tested benefits – such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Housing Benefit.

Until now, compensation for miscarriage of justice cases pushed some people over the savings limit for claiming certain benefits, leaving them ineligible for much-needed help.

To restore trust and fairness to our systems as part of the Plan for Change, the government is acting to ensure victims receive the support they deserve to rebuild their lives.

It comes after a campaign for rule changes to unlock benefit entitlement for those who have received miscarriage of justice compensation payments.

Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms MP, said:

Rebuilding trust in our systems begins by restoring trust with those the system has failed.

We can’t return the years lost by miscarriage of justice victims — but we can, and must, ensure they have every opportunity to restart their lives so they can make the most of the years ahead.

That’s why we’re bringing in this milestone legislation, and I encourage anyone who has received a miscarriage of justice compensation payment to come forward, so we can ensure they receive the help they are entitled to.

The move comes as part of wider government action to restore justice and build trust in public services.

In a boost for victims, the Ministry of Justice recently announced an uplift to the amount a miscarriage of justice victim will be able to receive in compensation by 30%, raising the maximum payout to £1.3 million for long-term wrongful imprisonment.

Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies-Jones, said:

Miscarriages of justice steal irreplaceable time and devastate lives. Better benefit support combined with the uplift of the compensation cap will make a real difference, providing not just financial redress but rightfully deserved recognition to individuals affected.

We can’t turn back the clock, but I hope these changes go some way in making the future brighter than the past for those who have already lost so much.

It also follows similar legislation already in place to ensure compensation awarded to victims of the Infected Blood Scandal, Horizon Post Office scandal, and LGBT people dismissed from the Armed Forces, won’t affect their benefit entitlement.

Additional Information

The benefit disregard will apply to all compensation payments paid via the United Kingdom Government and Devolved Governments compensation schemes for miscarriage of justice.

The disregard scheme will exempt miscarriage of justice compensation payments when assessing eligibility for: income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit and Universal Credit.

If you would like to know more about how this may affect you, or whether you may wish to consider making a claim to benefit, please see here.
July 28, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : £63 million lift-off for clean aviation fuels [July 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 22 July 2025.

Winning 17 companies will share £63 million to accelerate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and support 1,400 jobs in the UK.
- 17 UK companies developing sustainable aviation fuel to receive share of new £63 million funding boost, supporting around 1,400 jobs
- latest investment builds on this year’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) drive, which will help position the UK as the world leader in homegrown sustainable aviation fuel production
- latest investment supports greenlighting of multiple airport expansion schemes to kickstart economic growth and deliver on our Plan for Change
Passengers are a step closer to greener flights as the Aviation Minister today (22 July 2025) announced the 17 cutting-edge UK companies that will share £63 million to accelerate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production.

The boost will support around 1,400 jobs and secure Britain’s position as the global leader in the green aviation market – critical to provide the clean fuel that’s essential to realise sustainable growth in the aviation sector.

Today’s investment means government has provided £198 million to date through the Advanced Fuels Fund (AFF) to scale up cleaner aviation technologies. Creating a clean aviation ecosystem will help power the next generation of airport infrastructure and capacity scale up, kickstarting economic growth and delivering the UK’s clean energy superpower ambitions to deliver on the Plan for Change.

Low carbon fuel production could add up to £5 billion to the economy by 2050, position the UK as a global hub for SAF production and enable the UK to go further and faster with expansion plans.

Aviation Minister, Mike Kane, said:

This £63 million is lift off for Britain’s green aviation revolution. We’re not just backing brilliant British innovation, we’re creating thousands of high-skilled jobs and positioning the UK at the forefront of the global sustainable aviation market.

From the labs of Sheffield to the runways of the future – this is how we kickstart economic growth, secure energy independence and make Britain a clean energy superpower.

SAF is an alternative to fossil jet fuel which reduces greenhouse gas emissions on average by 70% on a lifecycle basis, from feedstock to biofuel, making it the key technology that will allow UK aviation to grow capacity while achieving net zero commitments.

The SAF Bill will help secure the future of the aviation sector by boosting green fuel production in the UK and delivering cleaner flights. This bill will give investors the confidence to back sustainable aviation fuel production. It will help grow the sector, providing good green jobs and enabling the delivery of carbon savings.

Announcing the new funding at the University of Sheffield’s Energy Innovation Centre – which just received £1.5 million in this latest round – the Aviation Minister, Mike Kane, saw firsthand the groundbreaking work on aircraft engine testbeds and revolutionary aviation fuels.

Professor Mohamed Pourkashanian, Managing Director of the University of Sheffield’s Energy Innovation Centre, who is leading the project, said:

It is fantastic to see the University of Sheffield playing a leading role in the development of sustainable aviation fuel and supporting the aviation industry in its efforts to reduce its emissions. At Sheffield, we have some of the most advanced SAF research facilities in Europe and are excited to work with partners from the industry to help them test and develop new fuels and next generation clean energy technologies.

The AFF winners include a range of companies and are spread across the country, such as OXCCU Tech, which is developing a demonstration plant at Oxford Airport, to LanzaJet, which is building a commercial-scale plant in Teesside.

Andrew Symes, CEO and Co-Founder of OXCCU, said:

Support from the Advanced Fuels Fund is a key step in scaling our technology. This funding enables the detailed design and construction of OX2, our demonstration plant launching in 2026, and builds on the successful delivery of OX1. It brings us closer to producing lower-cost, lower-carbon aviation fuel and supports the UK’s ambition to become a global leader in SAF production.

Jimmy Samartzis, CEO of LanzaJet, said:

We’re proud that Project Speedbird, developed in partnership with British Airways, has been recognised by the Department for Transport as part of its continued commitment to advancing SAF in the UK.

This support demonstrates confidence in LanzaJet’s technology and the critical role ethanol-to-SAF can play in delivering economic growth, creating jobs and decarbonising air travel. Project Speedbird is vital to building a national SAF industry in the UK and to unlocking opportunity and innovation in the region.

We thank DfT for its leadership and vision in accelerating the transition to net-zero aviation.
July 27, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK to lead crackdown on cyber criminals with ransomware measures [July 2025]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 22 July 2025.

Measures to tackle the threat of ransomware and protect businesses and critical services will be taken forward with industry following public consultation.

Hospitals, businesses, and critical services are set to be protected under measures designed to crack down on cyber criminals and safeguard the public, following public consultation on ransomware proposals.

Ransomware is software used maliciously by cyber criminals to access victims’ computer systems. Systems and data can be encrypted, or data stolen, until a ransom is paid. Ransomware is estimated to cost the UK economy millions of pounds each year, with recent high-profile ransomware attacks highlighting the severe operational, financial, and even life-threatening risks.

Public sector bodies and operators of critical national infrastructure, including the NHS, local councils and schools, would be banned from paying ransom demands to criminals under the measure, with nearly three quarters of consultation respondents showing support for the proposal.

The ban would target the business model that fuels cyber criminals’ activities and makes the vital services the public rely on a less attractive target for ransomware groups.

Under the proposals, businesses not covered by the ban would be required to notify the government of any intent to pay a ransom. The government could then provide those businesses with advice and support, including notifying them if any such payment would risk breaking the law by sending money to sanctioned cyber criminal groups, many of whom are based in Russia.

Mandatory reporting is also being developed, which would equip law enforcement with essential intelligence to hunt down perpetrators and disrupt their activities, allowing for better support for victims. Consultation responses showed strong support for a new mandatory reporting regime to better protect British organisations and industry.

The new package of measures will lead the way in tackling ransomware and are designed to strike against cyber criminals’ business model, bolstering our national security and protecting key services and businesses from disruption – delivering on our Plan for Change. They follow an extensive consultation with stakeholders across the UK which showed strong public backing for tougher action to tackle ransomware and protect vital services.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis said:

Ransomware is a predatory crime that puts the public at risk, wrecks livelihoods and threatens the services we depend on.

That’s why we’re determined to smash the cyber criminal business model and protect the services we all rely on as we deliver our Plan for Change.

By working in partnership with industry to advance these measures, we are sending a clear signal that the UK is united in the fight against ransomware.

In addition to the proposed new measures, the government continues to urge organisations across the country to strengthen their ability to maintain operations in the event of a successful ransomware attack. This includes having offline backups, tested plans to operate without IT for an extended period, and a well-rehearsed strategy for restoring systems from backups.

Cyber criminals have not only cost the nation billions of pounds but in some cases have brought essential services to a standstill.

The devastating consequences are not just financial but can put lives in danger, with an NHS organisation recently identifying a ransomware attack as one of the factors that contributed to a patient’s death.

These attacks have brutally exposed the alarming vulnerability at the core of our public and private institutions, from flagship British retailers and essential supermarkets including the Co-op to NHS hospitals.

British Library Chief Executive Rebecca Lawrence said:

The British Library, which holds one of the world’s most significant collections of human knowledge, was the victim of a devastating ransomware attack in October 2023.

The attack destroyed our technology infrastructure and continues to impact our users, however, as a public body, we did not engage with the attackers or pay the ransom. Instead, we are committed to sharing our experiences to help protect other institutions affected by cyber-crime and build collective resilience for the future.

NCSC Director of National Resilience Jonathon Ellison said:

These new measures help undermine the criminal ecosystem that is causing harm across our economy.

Ransomware remains a serious and evolving threat, and organisations must not become complacent. All businesses should strengthen their defences using proven frameworks such as Cyber Essentials and our free Early Warning service, and be prepared to respond to incidents, recover quickly, and maintain continuity if the worst happens.

Co-op CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq said:

We know first-hand the damage and disruption cyber-attacks cause to businesses and communities. That’s why we welcome the government’s focus on Cyber Crime.

What matters most is learning, building resilience, and supporting each other to prevent future harm. This is a step in the right direction for building a safer digital future.

These robust proposals are part of the government’s Plan for Change to defend businesses, services, and infrastructure against cyber threats to better protect the public.

Read the government response to the ransomware consultation on GOV.UK.

July 27, 2025