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Tag: 2026

  • PRESS RELEASE : New radar systems to unlock offshore wind [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New radar systems to unlock offshore wind [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 20 March 2026.

    Upgrades to air defence radar systems will help unlock record breaking offshore wind capacity.

    • New radar systems will help unlock 10 GW of offshore wind in UK waters, powering thousands of homes with clean, homegrown energy
    • New technology secures coexistence of air defence and offshore wind – enabling government to deliver its clean power mission while protecting national security
    • This comes as the government launches a consultation today to unlock up to 6 GW of onshore wind capacity near the Eskdalemuir seismic array in Scotland

    Up to 10 GW of offshore wind capacity will be unlocked as a result of government upgrades to air defence radars. 

    Following close collaboration with industry, the government has bought specially designed air defence radars, which will mitigate against anomalies currently created by offshore wind farms.  

    These new radars, which will be installed from early 2029, will keep the British people safe by maintaining the UK’s air defence capability. Radars like these are a crucial part of the UK’s air defence, enabling the detection and identification of incursions and threats within UK airspace. They can also coexist with new offshore wind farms, without risk of interference – supporting both national and energy security.  

    This follows the biggest single procurement of offshore wind energy in British and European history, in which the government secured a record 8.4 GW of capacity – enough to power 12 million homes – at a price 40% lower than the cost of building and running a new gas power plant. By upgrading the radar systems, the government is ensuring that this record‑breaking offshore capacity can move from contract to construction. 

    Energy Minister, Michael Shanks said:  

    This new radar technology will unlock a key barrier holding back offshore wind farms, so that we can deliver the clean homegrown power needed to protect families from volatile fossil fuel markets, while bolstering our national security. 

    Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, said: 

    We’re committed to investing in maintaining the UK’s national security. These new air defence radars will enable the Royal Air Force to monitor for potential attacks from adversaries and help our Armed Forces protect the UK. 

    We’re making defence an engine for growth across the country with the largest sustained defence spending increase since the Cold War, reaching 2.6% of GDP from 2027.

    Benj Sykes, OWIC Board Sponsor for Aviation and Defence, and Vice President and UK Country Manager for Ørsted, said:   

    The Offshore Wind Industry Council welcomes the conclusion of procurement for a new air defence mitigation solution. This will ensure we are able to unlock over 10 gigawatts of wind energy by 2030, as well as billions of pounds of investment and thousands of jobs for the UK, without compromising our national defence. This is the culmination of a truly collaborative process over several years, with government and industry working in lockstep to deliver a solution that allows air defence and offshore wind to harmoniously co-exist.

    This comes as the government today launches a consultation on unlocking up to 6 GW of onshore wind capacity near the Eskdalemuir seismic array in Scotland.  

    The proposals would block on onshore wind within 15km of the array, while easing planning rules in the surrounding area between 15km and 50km. This will enable Eskdalemuir seismic array to continue its operations, while supporting national and energy security.  

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government to Improve Support for Affordable Debt Repayments [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government to Improve Support for Affordable Debt Repayments [March 2026]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 20 March 2026.

    People who owe money to government will receive clearer, more tailored support to repay in a way they can afford, under new plans launched during Debt Awareness Week.

    • Better use of data will help create realistic repayment plans, ensuring payments remain manageable for those who need support.
    • While supporting people in difficulty, the government will maintain a firm approach to fraud and deliberate non‑payment, helping protect over £100 billion collected each year to fund vital public services.

    Millions of people and businesses who owe money to government will benefit from more personalised and affordable repayment support, as the government sets out new plans to improve how debt owed to the public sector is managed.

    The 2026–2030 Government Debt Management Strategy outlines how departments will better use data and earlier engagement to help people who fall behind on payments, ensuring repayment plans reflect individual circumstances and remain genuinely affordable. This means people who are struggling will have clearer routes to support and more consistent treatment across government.

    Government is owed money for a wide range of reasons — from unpaid taxes and benefit overpayments, to fines, fees and loans. Recovering this money matters because every pound collected helps fund public services that people rely on every day, including the NHS, schools and policing.

    The strategy commits government to three principles:

    1.    Preventing avoidable debt, using data and early contact to intervene before debts occur or grow.

    2.    Resolving existing debt fairly and consistently, with repayment plans that take account of people’s ability to pay.

    3.    Improving skills and technology across departments so debt can be managed more efficiently and compassionately.

    While strengthening support for people in genuine financial difficulty, the plans also ensure a tough approach to those who intentionally avoid payment or have obtained money through fraud or criminal activity.

    Lucy Rigby KC MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury

    We want to make sure that those who owe money to government are treated fairly and given the chance to pay it back in a way that’s manageable.

    But we’re also being clear: if you’re deliberately avoiding paying what you owe, or you’ve obtained money through fraud, we will seek to recover it. That money funds our NHS, schools and the services people depend on every day.

    This strategy is about doing both of those things properly — protecting taxpayers and supporting people who are struggling.

    The strategy has been published during Debt Awareness Week which shines a light on how common debt is. The government recognises that debt is a reality for many households, particularly as the cost of living continues to affect family finances. The strategy commits to working alongside debt advice organisations and wider debt industry to make sure people know where to turn for help.

    Chris Leslie, chief executive at the industry trade body Credit Services Association said:

    This strategy sets the government on the right course, striking an appropriate balance between standing up for the taxpayers’ best interests, while also recognising that individuals who owe money sometimes require help and flexibility in managing their repayments. Early engagement is being advocated, which will make a real difference in how cases are managed and it is encouraging to see a clear commitment to embracing new technologies and providing specialist support. The Credit Services Association is pleased to see the government taking collections practices seriously and investing in the systems, processes and skills of those handling recoveries – all necessary to ultimately pay for our vital public services.

    Vikki Brownridge, Chief Executive Officer at StepChange, said:

    We welcome the 2026 – 2030 Government Debt Management Strategy and the government’s responsible creditor commitment – embedding fairness principles across government will help this goal, as well as a growing focus on preventing avoidable problem debt.

    At StepChange, we see how problem debt is driven by cost-of-living pressures and financial shocks. So, it’s positive to see the Strategy acknowledge the financial harm and social cost problem debt creates, and the importance of early intervention. 

    The principles laid out in this strategy are important steps forward, aligning government debt collection with good practice in other regulated sectors, namely financial services, energy, and social housing.

    More information

    • The 2026–2030 Government Debt Management Strategy is published by HM Treasury and the Government Debt Management Function.
    • Link to strategy here.
    • Debt Awareness Week runs from 16 to 20 March 2026 and is led by StepChange Debt Charity.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Local people take the lead in 40 more communities [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Local people take the lead in 40 more communities [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 20 March 2026.

    Forty more communities selected for Pride in Place, with local people choosing how £20 million is invested to strengthen their neighbourhood.

    From saving youth centres and repairing playgrounds, to bringing empty buildings back into community use and expanding affordable after‑school activities – the Pride in Place programme has been designed to deliver improvements that matter to residents. And in many areas, neighbours are coming together to protect vital local services and create new spaces that bring people together.

    The 40 new neighbourhoods named today join the 244 already taking part, bringing the total to 284 communities across the UK where local people are deciding how investment is used in their area.

    As funding now flows to the first communities, work is getting under way across the country to turn plans into action and deliver change people can see in their streets, town centres and shared spaces. Further details will be set out shortly.

    Communities Secretary Steve Reed said:

    Across the country, people step outside their front door and feel like there is nothing for them: no sense of belonging, no investment in their area, no feeling that anyone is listening. 

    Pride in Place backs these people and puts the tools and the money directly in their hands to change that, because strong communities aren’t built for people, they’re built by them. 

    These new neighbourhoods are joining a movement that is bringing people closer together, and this government is backing them to do it.

    Alongside this investment, the government continues to act on the issues that affect people’s quality of life and is taking robust action to protect families amid global uncertainty.

    This includes £117 off energy bills and support for vulnerable households reliant on heating oil to warm their homes, on top of freezing rail fares and prescription charges, and rolling out free breakfast clubs.

    Notes to editors

    • The Pride in Place programme, including the Impact Fund, now supports 379 areas across the UK.
    • A full breakdown of areas in receipt of Pride in Place funding can be found here: Pride in Place – GOV.UK
    • The 40 areas have been chosen using an updated selection methodology. We will publish our full methodology shortly. The list of new areas set to benefit, is set out below
    Local authorityNumber of neighbourhoodsNeighbourhood names
    Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole3West Howe, Boscombe West, Hamworthy West
    Medway3Luton, Twydall, Rede Common
    Barking and Dagenham2Mayesbrook Park & Rippleside, Central Park & Frizlands Lane
    Brent2St Raphaels, Harlesden
    Coventry2Tile Hill, Hillfields
    Enfield2Lower Edmonton South, Enfield Wash
    Ipswich2Stoke Park, Whitehouse
    Luton2Central Luton, Marsh Farm
    Newcastle upon Tyne2Fawdon South, Throckley & Newburn
    Slough2Britwell, Langley Foxborough
    Ashfield1Hucknall Westville
    Bexley1Slade Green & Crayford Marshes
    Birmingham1Handsworth West
    Cannock Chase1Cannock North
    Croydon1University Hospital & Queen’s Road
    Derby1New Normanton
    Exeter1Heavitree East & Whipton South
    Gloucester1Matson & Robinswood
    Greenwich1Thamesmead Birchmere Park
    Manchester1Moss Side West
    Newham1Little Ilford East
    Rushmoor1Mayfield
    Sandwell1Tividale
    Stevenage1St Nicholas
    Stoke-on-Trent1Bradeley & Chell Heath
    Thurrock1Tilbury
    Walsall1Brownhills
    Wolverhampton1Waterloo Road
  • PRESS RELEASE : King Charles III England Coast Path inaugurated with royal visit [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : King Charles III England Coast Path inaugurated with royal visit [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 20 March 2026.

    His Majesty King Charles III launched the England Coast Path at an event at Seven Sisters today.

    • Renamed as the King Charles III England Coast Path in his honour in 2023 the 2,700 mile-long trail is the longest managed coastal walking route in the world giving unprecedented access to coastline, 
    • With 1,000 miles of new access and improved infrastructure throughout the path will deliver a boost to the visitor economy and coastal communities. 

    The King Charles III England Coast Path was officially launched today (Thursday 19th March) by His Majesty the King at an event held at Seven Sisters in Sussex.     

    His Majesty walked a 2-kilometre stretch of the coast path, taking in the spectacular views of the Seven Sisters and enjoying the sight of the majestic chalky cliffs and the famous coastguard cottages that cling to the clifftop, immortalised in popular imagination through books and Hollywood movies alike.    

    The Seven Sisters route forms part of the unique King Charles III England Coast Path, which is now the longest managed coastal walking route in the world, to be enjoyed both by visitors and local communities.      

    Work on the King Charles III England Coast Path began in 2010 with the first section opened at Weymouth so that people could watch the 2012 Olympic sailing events from the nearby cliffs and beaches.     

    Since then, works have taken place across the country from Cumbria and Cornwall to Northumberland and Norfolk with new stretches giving people access to the big skies and beaches of East Anglia, the rolling dunes of Formby beach, the ancient geology of the Jurassic Coast and now the iconic white cliffs of Seven Sisters that are being celebrated today.     

    Once completed, 1,000 miles of new path will be created and 1,700 miles improved, allowing people to walk the beautiful headlands, cliffs, beaches, and dunes that make up the English coast. New signage and infrastructure such as bridges and boardwalks are being installed, helping to improve the accessibility of many coastal areas. 

    All new and existing paths are now of National Trail standard and will help to attract more income from tourism for coastal communities as people come to visit the path.  

    His Majesty was accompanied on the walk by the Chair of Natural England, Tony Juniper and the Environment Secretary, Emma Reynolds.    

    Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, said:     

    “The King Charles III England Coast Path is a testament to how access, conservation, and community can come together to make people’s lives better and is a fitting tribute to His Majesty and his lifelong passion for nature.  

    “With this national asset, people around the country alongside international visitors will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the English Coast and the feeling of wellbeing, both mental and physical, that it brings. This will reconnect people with the land, support nature recovery, and create a more inclusive, sustainable future.” 

    Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:     

    “We have one of the most stunning coastlines in the world and the King Charles III England Coast Path gives people a new way to explore it.

    “This is the longest managed coast path in the world, creating amazing opportunities for people to visit spots of natural beauty in our coastal towns and villages.”

    Visitors to England’s coastal paths already generate £350 million in spending within local coastal economies each year and support nearly 6,000 jobs. The path opens up new opportunities for growth along its route, with the potential to become part of the fabric of coastal economies by boosting tourism and revitalise coastal towns. 

    One of the key features of the King Charles III England Coast Path is its ability to ‘rollback’ with coastal erosion. This means that the path can be easily moved inland to adapt to the changing shape of the coast and ensure access rights remain in place for the future.    

    This launch is the culmination of more than sixteen years of work from Natural England and over 50 coastal local authorities, landowners and others across the country, including Wildlife Trusts, the National Trust and access organisations such as the Ramblers Association, Disabled Ramblers and British Mountaineering Council.    

    The King Charles III England Coast Path has been full submitted to government for approval, while work continues to open remaining stretches around the country. Around 2,100 miles of the path are currently open with full access rights in place. By summer, we expect around 90% of infrastructure works to have been completed.  

    The event kicks off a year of celebration of our coast with a range of visitor experiences being made available across the year and comes on the same day as the declaration of the Seven Sisters National Nature Reserve, which was also opened by His Majesty the King today.   

    Named in honour of His Majesty, a lifelong champion of the natural world, both the King Charles III England Coast Path and the King’s Series of National Nature Reserves stand as enduring commitments to protecting nature and public access.      

    Two commemorative plaques were unveiled by His Majesty to be a lasting legacy of the day.    

    The England Coast Path became the King Charles III England Coast Path in 2023 to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.  

    NOTES TO EDITORS     

    • His Majesty’s visit to Seven Sisters today was covered by the royal rota.   
    • The duty to create an England Coast Path was first placed on Natural England by the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.    
    • The England Coast Path became the King Charles III England Coast Path in 2023, to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.    
  • PRESS RELEASE : Suffragan Bishop of Stepney Appointed [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Suffragan Bishop of Stepney Appointed [March 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 March 2026.

    The King has approved the nomination of The Venerable Roderick (Rod) Ernest Alexander Green, BA, MA, MTh, Archdeacon of Llandaff, in the Church in Wales, to the Suffragan See of Stepney, in the Diocese of London, in succession to The Right Reverend Dr Joanne Woolway Grenfell, MA, DPhil, following her translation to the See of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich.

    Rod was educated at the University of Reading and the London School of Theology, and trained for ministry at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford.  He served his title at Christ Church, Spitalfields, in the Stepney Area of the Diocese of London and was ordained priest in 2008.

    In 2011 he took up the role of Associate Rector at St Paul’s, Shadwell, also in the Stepney Area of the Diocese of London.  In 2014 he was appointed Vicar at St. Peter’s, West Harrow, in the Willesden Area of the Diocese of London. 

    He has served in his current role as Archdeacon of Llandaff, in the Diocese of Llandaff, in the Church in Wales, since 2021.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government cracks down on waste crime to clean up streets and restore pride in communities [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government cracks down on waste crime to clean up streets and restore pride in communities [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 20 March 2026.

    Some of the worst illegal waste sites across England to be cleared, restoring pride in our communities.

    Waste criminals across England face their toughest ever crackdown, as the government and Environment Agency unveil a sweeping package of measures targeting illegal dumping.   

    The new Waste Crime Action Plan sets out a zero-tolerance approach, with action to prevent waste crime at its source by closing loopholes and equipping regulators with the tools they need to stop waste criminals.   

    Under the plans, the government will ramp up efforts to punish offenders committing waste crime. This could see them ordered to complete up to 20 hours of unpaid work cleaning streets and parks as part of new “clean-up squads” and required to repay the cost of clearing the waste they illegally dumped.

    Expanding enforcement activity is key, and the Environment Agency will also increase its on-the-ground activity against waste criminals – intervening earlier on larger sites. Backed by an additional £45 million from the government over the next three years, this will strengthen enforcement activity and ensure waste criminals face the consequences of their actions. This represents a significant uplift of the Environment Agency’s enforcement budget, which stood at £10 million in 2024/25.  

    The government will directly fund the clean-up of some of the worst illegal waste sites in the country including in Wigan, Sheffield and Lancashire – where a combined 48,000 tonnes of waste has been illegally dumped. The Environment Agency has already conducted preliminary assessments of these sites, with further clean-up assessments to come.

    The government is forcing fly-tippers to pay to clean up illegal waste sites, it will also introduce a Landfill Tax rebate for local authorities that step up to clear sites, easing financial pressures on authorities. 

    For too many communities across England, criminals have left them living in the shadow – and the smell – of illegal waste sites – but this government will not put up with it.    

    Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Emma Reynolds said: 

    Waste criminals have been damaging our communities, countryside, environment and economy for too long. This Action Plan sends a clear message: dump illegally and you will face the full consequences.  

    Waste criminals will be forced to join clean up squads and made to pay for the clearing of illegal waste sites. We will give enforcement officers new police-style powers to bring offenders to justice.” 

    As part of a new 10 Point Plan, the Environment Agency has set out how it will act earlier to address illegal activity and deliver more consistent enforcement action. This includes making greater use of restriction notices – powers that can shut down an illegal waste operation immediately, with no warning. Any operator who ignores a restriction notice faces up to 51 weeks in prison. 

    Where evidence shows that carriers or operators are handling waste illegally, the Environment Agency will also act decisively – suspending or revoking their permits and deregistering authorisations that will shut them down. 

    Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, Philip Duffy said: 

    Waste crime is not a new issue, but the threat is evolving and our response needs to move up a gear.  

    We will act earlier, faster and smarter by shutting down illegal sites before they become established, using our powers decisively to strip rogue operators of their permits, and working with police, HMRC and councils to go after criminal assets. 

    These measures will ensure we stay one step ahead of waste criminals and protect the communities, businesses and environment that they blight.  

    But we can’t fight this battle on our own and will need the public’s eyes and ears to report illegal dumping through Crimestoppers or our incident hotline.” 

    The measures announced today represent a fundamental step up in tackling waste crime, targeting the problem at its root to prevent illegal sites from ever taking hold. Measures include: 

    • New enforcement powers: Defra and the Home Office will arm Environment Agency officers with new police-style powers to intervene earlier, bring more criminals to justice and hit organised gangs where it hurts by disrupting their finances.  
    • Boosted enforcement budget: An additional £45 million for the Environment Agency to spend on waste crime enforcement over the next three financial years, on top of the £5.6 million increase for this financial year announced previously.  
    • New Intelligence Unit to identify risks earlier: The Environment Agency will create a new Operational Waste Intelligence and Analysis Unit to hunt down waste criminals using every tool available – from aerial surveillance to financial data – and ensure enforcement is faster and smarter.  
    • Penalty points on driving licences: Defra and the Department for Transport will give courts the power to award penalty points on driving licences for fly-tipping offences. Litter louts responsible for the most serious cases could face losing their licence altogether. This will make it harder for repeat offenders to continue dumping illegally. 
    • Naming illegal waste operators: For the first time, illegal waste operators will be named and shamed by the Environment Agency. Information will be shared across the waste sector to put waste criminals on notice and ensure waste is not put in the wrong hands.  
    • Supporting landowners: Defra will work with the insurance industry to create more comprehensive policies and remove any existing barriers, helping farmers, businesses and landowners to be covered for the cost of clearing illegally dumped waste from their land. 
    • Clean up the worst illegal waste sites: the government is now committing to clearing up some of the most egregious sites and will start on-site feasibility assessments for the following sites as soon as possible:  
    • Bolton House Road in Wigan where 18,000 tonnes of waste was dumped  
    • A stretch of land in Hyndburn where 10,000 tonnes of waste was dumped 
    • An industrial site in Sheffield where 20,000 tonnes of waste was dumped 
    • A Landfill Tax rebate scheme for local authorities: The government is aware of concerns that Landfill Tax can be a blocker to clearance of high-risk illegal waste sites. We will therefore develop with local authorities a rebate scheme for landfill tax to tackle this issue. 

    Waste crime costs the English economy £1 billion every year, with an estimated 20% of all waste illegally managed. The criminal networks behind it are becoming increasingly sophisticated, causing serious harm to communities and the environment, undercutting legitimate businesses and depriving the public purse of millions in lost tax revenue. 

    The Action Plan builds on work already underway in the government’s war on waste crime. Since coming into power, this government’s work to tackle waste crime, includes bolstering the Joint Unit for Waste Crime to 20 specialist officers.

    Successes include a serial waste crook being forced to pay over £1.4 million for widespread illegal dumping, as well as more arrests being made as part of an investigation into illegal tipping at a site in Kidlington.  

    Two arrests were also made in February in relation to waste dumped in a field near Romford, with a lorry seized and mobile phones and a laptop recovered as evidence.  

    Chair of the Environmental Services Association (ESA) and Executive Vice President UK, SUEZ Group, John Scanlon, said: 

    The scourge of waste crime blights communities, damages the natural environment and undermines investment in Britain’s circular economy. Factoring in all types of waste crime, including landfill tax fraud, we believe the cost to the UK economy now exceeds a billion pounds a year. 

    ESA members therefore welcome Government’s commitment to increase funding for waste crime enforcement and to deliver earlier, faster and more effective interventions to deter, disrupt and stop illegal activities before they become environmental and financial disasters. Legitimate industry will play its part, in partnership with regulators, by sharing intelligence to help catch criminals, and by continuing to campaign for legislative change to ensure regulators and enforcement agencies have the power and resources they need to effectively deter criminals from waste activities.

    Dan Cooke, Director of Policy, Communications and External Affairs at the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, said:

    CIWM welcomes the renewed focus that the Government’s Action Plan brings to tackling waste crime.  Aligned to the Environment Agency’s 10 Point Plan, this mix of new, innovative and strengthened measures is a substantial response to this concerning issue.

    The scourge of waste crime causes misery and anxiety to communities affected, causing real damage to local environments and to local economies.  It also undermines the legitimate resources and waste sector, but we will not be defined by it. 

    CIWM, its members, and the wider waste and recycling sector is committed to playing its part in driving towards higher professional standards across our vital services. By remaining vigilant and sharing intelligence we will work alongside sector regulators to continue to disrupt and prevent criminal behaviour in our sector.  We commend Defra for this response and look forward to the rapid deployment of the range of measures and increased resources.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Transformative new childcare support will save Defence families up to £6000 a year [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Transformative new childcare support will save Defence families up to £6000 a year [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 20 March 2026.

    A new Defence scheme to transform support for forces families with young children will be rolled out across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland from September 2026, the Defence Secretary has announced today.

    This major boost for UK Armed Forces families will save forces families living in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland up to £6,000 per year for each child and will help with the cost of living as they serve to protect the nation. 

    It will be delivered through the Ministry of Defence’s existing Early Years childcare reimbursement scheme and will ensure that eligible working UK Armed Forces families receive the same Government funded childcare support as forces families in England.

    This government promised to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve, and this support is another major step to deliver on that pledge. Childcare is cited as one of several factors affecting Armed Forces retention and morale and this government is on a mission to fix the recruitment crisis. The announcement was made by Defence Secretary John Healey MP on a visit to meet families at Dreghorn Barracks, Edinburgh. 

    The early years childcare offer currently differs in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to that available to UK Armed Forces families in England and overseas. Today the government is taking action to change that by providing a reimbursement of childcare costs for eligible working UK Armed Forces families with children aged 9 months until they reach 3 years old in Scotland and Wales, and from 9 months to 4 years in Northern Ireland. 

    The scheme recognises the commitment and uniqueness of service life and the dedication of service families who can be assigned anywhere in the UK or overseas. This government is delivering on the commitment to support service families wherever they live and work. 

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    Our Armed Forces families are at the heart of our nation’s security. With demands on defence rising, from the conflict in the Middle East to growing Russian aggression, we are asking more of our military, and it is right that we continue to step up our support for them.

    This transformative offer will ensure more military families get the childcare support they need, no matter where they are posted.

    We are making good on our promise to Armed Forces families – supporting them as they support our dedicated military personnel defending the UK and our allies. Our message to the Armed Forces community is clear: this government is on your side.

    This is part of the wider support that MOD has delivered to service families since July 2024, including a new housing strategy which will make homes fit for heroes, the biggest pay rise in 20 years and putting the Armed Forces Covenant into law through the Armed Forces Bill introduced this year.

    Through the new scheme, MOD will reimburse the difference in early years childcare costs for eligible working families. Aimed at working families, where both parents are employed and meet the income thresholds required to access an active Tax-Free Childcare account, the scheme could save forces families thousands.

    Hundreds of families in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to be eligible for the scheme, which follows feedback from forces families on the cost of childcare.

    The scheme will be rolled out from September 2026, giving eligible families time to prepare and explore suitable childcare options.

    MOD is committed to supporting forces families no matter where they live. Defence will continue to work closely with the devolved governments, and further details will be set out for eligible families in the coming months.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Lights out for the ‘Landy’: British Army to retire iconic Land Rover fleet [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Lights out for the ‘Landy’: British Army to retire iconic Land Rover fleet [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 20 March 2026.

    British soldiers will use a new fleet of thousands of modern vehicles, following the start of the retirement of the iconic Land Rover fleet.  

    The retirement, which begins today, marks the end of an era for the vehicle that has been a cornerstone of military operations for more than 70 years.  

    As the Army looks to the future, plans are now underway to identify the next generation of light mobility vehicles, with the first new vehicles are expected to be in the hands of soldiers by 2030.   

    Simple, dependable and a workhorse of the British military, the Land Rover has been used for a range of duties, including patrol, command liaison and transportation of equipment and personnel. 

    A special commemorative event was held today, Thursday 19 March, at Bovington, home to the Armoured Fighting Vehicle School, to honour the Land Rover’s legacy and outline the Army’s vision for its successor. The event brought together Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, military personnel, and industry, who showcased modern vehicles that could replace the Land Rover.  

    Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard said: 

    The Land Rover and British Army share an incredible history and the image of a Landy in Army livery is truly iconic.  

    As we look ahead to the future of light mobility vehicles, it is fitting to pay tribute to this extraordinary fleet that has served our Armed Forces so faithfully. 

    I’m firing the starting gun on the replacement vehicle competition, seeking to put a modern vehicle in the hands of our personnel.

    Land Rovers have been a trusted workhorse for the British Armed Forces since their widespread adoption in the 1950s. In 2025, more than 5,000 Land Rovers remained in service across the UK military, a testament to their durability and versatility. 

    The retirement of the Land Rover marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the British Army’s mobility capabilities. While the Land Rover’s legacy will endure, the Army is now focused on ensuring its personnel are equipped with a modern, technologically advanced fleet to support future operations. 

    The Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) programme aims to identify an enduring successor to the Land Rover, ensuring the Army’s continued operational effectiveness, and the programme will formally launch in due course. LMV will offer opportunities to British-based businesses through vehicle support and maintenance, helping make defence an engine for growth.

    Over the decades, several bespoke Land Rover models were developed exclusively for military use, including: 

    • Series IIA Ambulance – Designed to carry four stretchers and a medic. 
    • Series IIA Pink Panther – Designed for use in the desert by the SAS, it was used for special operation missions and long-distance reconnaissance. 
    • Amphibious SIIA 109” – A prototype of a vehicle that could be used for sea landings. 
    • V8 Centaur Multi-Role Half-Track – Created with a track taken from the Scorpion light tank, it represented an attempt to merge road vehicle with a tank.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Tailgating shown the red card as new law comes into force [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Tailgating shown the red card as new law comes into force [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 20 March 2026.

    Entering a football match without a ticket will become a criminal offence this weekend, with offenders facing a banning order alongside up to £1,000 fine.

    Football fans who try to enter grounds without a ticket will face lengthy banning orders and hefty fines under strict new laws that come into force this weekend. 

    The government and authorities have teamed up as part of the clampdown on ‘tailgating’ – where supporters force their way through stadium turnstiles by staying closely behind legitimate ticket holders. 

    Bespoke new laws will be in place from Sunday ahead of the Carabao Cup Final between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley. The national stadium was the scene of serious disorder at the Euro 2020 Final as thousands of ticketless hooligans smashed their way in using this tactic. 

    The new act makes it illegal to enter a football match without a ticket, stopping tailgating and forced entry to keep fans and matchday staff safe. It will also be illegal to knowingly attempt to gain entry using forged tickets, passes and accreditation documents, or by posing as a member of stadium or playing staff.

    Until now, there were no specific legal penalties for entering a football match without a ticket – a gap this act firmly closes. 

    Offenders will be arrested and face a football banning order of up to 5 years – preventing repeat offenders for jeopardising public safety – and a fine of up to £1,000.

    Tailgating and forced entry puts fans at risks, particularly at sold out or high-profile fixtures. They can cause overcrowding and injury, divert police resource away from other critical areas, and increase tension between legitimate ticket holders and ticketless fans.  

    Crime and Policing Minister, Sarah Jones, said:  

    Football fans should be able to enjoy the game without feeling unsafe or threatened. We’re giving the police the tools they need to ensure the chaos we saw at Wembley 5 years ago never happens again.  

    Anyone who endangers others by forcing their way into stadiums faces serious consequences.

    In response to the Euro 2020 final, the Football Association (FA) commissioned Baroness Louise Casey to undertake an independent review into the disorder at Euro 2020.  

    The review recommended strengthening the legal framework to deter football-related disorder, including tailgating and forced entry.  

    A government-sponsored Private Member’s Bill was introduced by Linsey Farnsworth, Labour MP for Amber Valley.  

    With England and Wales set to co-host Euro 2028, the Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Act will tackle these risks now so that fans can enjoy world-class football safely. 

    Baroness Casey of Blackstock said:

    Forcing your way into a football match without a ticket isn’t harmless. It jeopardises the safety of legitimate fans and staff. 

    Making tailgating a criminal offence makes it clear that this behaviour is dangerous, won’t be tolerated and those who do it will face consequences.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rapist who threatened woman has sentence increased [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rapist who threatened woman has sentence increased [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 19 March 2026.

    A rapist who broke into a woman’s home and tried to get her to drop case against him has his sentence increased after the Solicitor General intervened

    Ionut Tanae of Nelson, Lancashire, had his sentence increased by three years and seven months after the Solicitor General referred his case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. 

    The court heard that 33-year-old Tanae raped his victim on two separate occasions.  

    He then broke into the victim’s home and tried to persuade her to drop the case against him.  

    After being charged and remanded in custody, Tanae wrote to the victim and for a second time tried to convince her to drop the case.  

    In the victim’s impact statement, she described suffering with depression and anxiety as well as feelings of immense shame.  

    The Solicitor General Ellie Reeves KC MP said: 

    Ionut Tanae’s crimes were devastating. He raped his victim on more than one occasion and then intimidated her to drop the case. Even in custody, Tane continued his campaign of intimidation. 

    No one should have to endure what the victim went through, and the original sentence did not reflect the true gravity of his offending. I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to increase Ionut Tanae’s sentence, and I commend the bravery of the victim throughout this horrendous ordeal. 

    On 26 November 2025, Tanae was sentenced to eight years and six months at Preston Crown Court after being convicted of two counts of rape, two counts of perverting the course of justice and one count of burglary. 

    On 19 March 2026 at the Court of Appeal, Tanae’s sentence was increased to 12 years and one month.