Tag: 2026

  • PRESS RELEASE : Illegal migration update statement from the European Political Community Summit [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Illegal migration update statement from the European Political Community Summit [May 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 4 May 2026.

    Building on the European Political Community Summit (EPC) in Copenhagen last year, European leaders reaffirmed critical lines of effort on upstream migration in Armenia.

    On the occasion of the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Yerevan, the leaders of Albania, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom reaffirmed their commitment to working together to tackle illegal migration.

    At the Copenhagen EPC summit, leaders identified several critical lines of effort in pursuit of a ‘whole of route’ approach to tackling illegal migration. They underlined the need to take action against smugglers, ensure domestic and international frameworks are robust, accelerate returns, forge new partnerships, manage upstream migration effectively, and tackle the instrumentalisation of migration, among other issues. Critically, they also agreed on the need to support one another in these efforts.

    This year, in the face of significant displacement across Sudan, the Horn of Africa and wider Middle East, these priorities remain as vital as ever and, also on the basis of the lessons learned from the 2015 migration crisis and to avoid a similar situation in the future, leaders agreed on how best to prepare and coordinate efforts.

    They agreed on the importance of:

    ● Surveillance and monitoring: ensuring up-to-date information and monitoring is shared to best support preparedness and a coordinated response.

    ● Humanitarian assistance: identifying opportunities for targeted interventions to help those in need, and deter flows from source.

    ● Working with international organisations: partnering with, and supporting the work of key agencies and bodies like UNHCR, the IOM and the Council of Europe.

    ● Security: maintaining a core focus on security, protection and the effective integrity of both land and maritime borders.

    ● Targeting organised immigration crime: deploying targeted interventions against people smugglers and human traffickers as well as their supply chains, including through the use of sanctions.

    ● Governance: ensuring frameworks – both domestic and international – are safeguarded from abuse, so they can meet the demands of the day and so assistance can be targeted to those in need.

    ● Returns: ensuring robust agreements are in place to both deter migrant movements from source and transit countries and alleviate domestic pressure, including through new approaches.

    ● A systems-wide response: using all of the above levers, policies and diplomatic tools, to coordinate international efforts and protect the integrity of our borders.

    Significant progress has been made across last year’s statement, including new measures, partnerships and successes in the disruption of smuggling activity continent-wide.

    Leaders agreed to continue the focus on the most pressing global migration issues, and on opportunities for future cooperation, including at the next EPC Summit in Ireland.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with Prime Minister Pashinyan of Armenia [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with Prime Minister Pashinyan of Armenia [May 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 4 May 2026.

    The Prime Minister met Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister began by thanking Prime Minister Pashinyan for hosting the European Political Community summit.

    He commended the significant steps Armenia had taken to secure peace in the region and thanked Prime Minister Pashinyan for his leadership on the issue.

    The Prime Minister underlined the UK’s support for Armenia’s resilience through counter-disinformation, cyber security and supporting an independent judiciary and media industry.

    As part of discussions, the leaders agreed a new UK-Armenia Strategic Partnership to strengthen cooperation on defence and security, economic growth and democratic resilience.

    The leaders looked forward to staying in touch.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement following a meeting between the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement following a meeting between the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer [May 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 4 May 2026.

    Joint statement following a meeting between the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

    At the European Political Community summit in Armenia today we met to discuss our joint commitment to improving the relationship between the UK and EU to deliver for consumers, businesses and collective European security. 

    We also reflected on the UK’s plan to participate in the EU’s €90 billion / £78 billion loan for Ukraine, and agreed it would be a major step forward in the UK- EU defence industrial relationship.

    We underlined our unwavering support for the Ukrainian people and applauded their resilience and courage in recent weeks and months.  

    We also agreed to commence negotiations on UK participation in the European Innovation Council Fund, including the Scaleup Europe Fund, which will provide support for promising high-growth tech businesses to scale up and support UK and EU ambitions to keep the most promising innovators in Europe.

    We looked ahead to the UK-EU summit and agreed on the importance of being ambitious in what we could achieve together for the benefit of both sides.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with President of France, Emmanuel Macron and NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with President of France, Emmanuel Macron and NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte [May 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 4 May 2026.

    The Prime Minister met the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, at the European Political Community Summit earlier today. 

    The leaders reflected on their recent diplomatic discussions, including on the situation in Ukraine.  

    On the situation in the Middle East and the need for an end to the war in Iran, the leaders agreed on the need to reopen of the Strait of Hormuz to restore freedom of navigation and the free flow of global trade. 

    They discussed European support already positioned in the region to reinforce security, and welcomed the close coordination between European allies.

    They looked forward to speaking again soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with leaders from Ukraine, France, Italy, Poland, Canada, Norway, Finland, NATO, the European Commission and the European Council at the EPC [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with leaders from Ukraine, France, Italy, Poland, Canada, Norway, Finland, NATO, the European Commission and the European Council at the EPC [May 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 4 May 2026.

    The Prime Minister joined leaders from Ukraine, France, Italy, Poland, Canada, Norway, Finland, NATO, the European Commission and the European Council for a meeting on Ukraine this morning.

    The Prime Minister opened the meeting by acknowledging the consistent strength and extraordinary efforts of Ukraine’s frontline to regain territory in recent weeks. 

    The leaders discussed the European Union’s £78 billion loan to Ukraine, and the Prime Minister underlined the opportunity the UK’s involvement would bring for both Ukraine and European security. 

    Reflecting on peace negotiations, the leaders reiterated their support for Ukraine and agreed it was vital economic pressure was maintained on Russia.

    Building on Ukraine’s drone expertise, the group also discussed opportunities to accelerate defence industrial cooperation to provide new technologies to enhance long term security in Europe. 

    The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine [May 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 3 May 2026.

    The Prime Minister met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this afternoon, ahead of the European Political Community summit in Yerevan.

    The Prime Minister paid tribute to President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people for their remarkable courage and strength in the face of Russia’s ongoing attacks. 

    The leaders discussed Ukraine’s momentum on the battlefield, and the President updated on the latest from the frontline.

    Both agreed on the importance of stepping up defence industrial collaboration with European partners to defend Ukraine for as long as it takes.

    The leaders also reiterated the need to prepare and protect Ukraine’s energy infrastructure ahead of next winter to boost the country’s resilience to Russia’s ongoing barbaric attacks. 

    Turning to negotiations, the leaders discussed Ukraine’s efforts to secure a durable peace and underlined the importance of maintaining and accelerating sanctions to force Russia to the negotiating table.

    The leaders looked forward to speaking again tomorrow.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government sets out plans to protect summer holidays from disruption [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government sets out plans to protect summer holidays from disruption [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 2 May 2026.

    There are no immediate supply issues, but government is preparing now to give families long-term certainty and avoid unnecessary disruption.

    • summer holidays to be better protected as government consults on relaxing flight take-off/landing rules, providing certainty for passengers and businesses
    • lightning consultation launched to provide airlines flexibility to lock in flight schedules early, prevent last-minute disruptions and cancellations
    • Transport Secretary reiterates passengers are entitled to be re-routed or refunded if their flight is cancelled by the airline

    Passengers will have their summer holidays better protected as government sets out plans today (3 May 2026), which will help cut the likelihood of last-minute flight cancellations this summer in the event of significant disruption due to ongoing global uncertainty caused by the Middle East conflict.  

    The contingency preparations are designed to give families greater confidence when travelling this summer by enabling airlines to plan realistically and lock in schedules earlier so that people are less likely to be affected by short‑notice changes at the airport.

    While UK airlines say they are not currently facing supply issues, the government will be consulting with the industry in order to act quickly if needs be, before disruption takes hold, giving passengers and the aviation sector the certainty they need to plan ahead. 

    These temporary measures would allow airlines to, for example, consolidate schedules on routes where there are multiple flights to the same destination on the same day.  

    Instead of cancelling flights at the last minute, the measures would:

    • help move passengers onto similar services much earlier, helping avoid stressful delays at the airport
    • prevent running flights which have not sold a significant proportion of tickets
    • reduce wasted fuel from flying near-empty planes

    The Transport Secretary discussed the plans at a roundtable with key industry figures on 30 April 2026, including representatives from Heathrow, Gatwick, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet, reaffirming the government’s commitment to keeping Britain flying this summer. 

    Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: 

    Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the government has been monitoring jet fuel supplies daily and working with airlines, airports and fuel suppliers to stay ahead of any problems. 

    There are no immediate supply issues, but we’re preparing now to give families long-term certainty and avoid unnecessary disruption at the departure gate this summer.  

    This legislation will give airlines the tools to adjust flights in good time if they need to, which helps protect passengers and businesses. We will do everything we can to insulate our country from the impact of the situation in the Middle East.

    The measures being considered will allow airlines to proactively hand back a limited proportion of their allocated take-off and landing slots without losing the right to operate them the following season. ‘Hand backs’ help airlines build realistic schedules and avoid last-minute cancellations rather than flying empty ‘ghost flights’ or cancelling at short notice, putting passengers’ plans at risk.

    This will build on the UK’s independent slot coordinators’ (Airport Coordination Limited) decision to update its guidance, ensuring airlines do not permanently lose their take-off and landing slots if they are unable to use them due to jet fuel shortages.  

    The measures the government is considering go further by allowing airlines to plan ahead and act on the best information they have available on fuel supply or wider impacts of the Middle East conflict, rather than wait for a shortage to occur. 

    The government continues to plan for a range of contingencies to increase flexibility on jet fuel supply and domestic jet fuel production has increased. The UK imports jet fuel supplies from a range of countries not reliant on the Strait, including the United States.

    As part of today’s action, the government is upping awareness of the existing rights available to passengers in the event of disruption. If your flight is cancelled by the airline, you have a legal right to a choice between being re-routed or a refund. 

    If a flight is subject to a significant delay –  at least 2 hours for short-haul, 3 hours for medium-haul and 4 hours for long-haul - passengers are entitled to care and assistance, including food, drink and overnight accommodation where necessary.

    Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:

    Passengers in the UK are well protected by some of the strongest rights in the world, offering reassurance if disruption does occur. 

    Airlines have a duty to look after their passengers when they face disruption, and should offer a choice between a refund or alternative travel arrangements, including with another airline, if a flight is cancelled.

    Relaxing the rules around slots at airports will allow airlines more flexibility and so we expect them to give passengers as much notice as possible of cancellations during this period.

    Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, said:

    UK airlines continue to operate normally and are not experiencing issues with jet fuel supply. We are planning to take our customers on their well-earned holidays this summer and will always look after them in line with our obligations. 

    We welcome the government’s contingency planning, including slot alleviation, which is one measure which enables airlines to adjust schedules responsibly, avoid unnecessary flying and continue operating efficiently while protecting connectivity for passengers.

    Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, said:

    While our partners across the aviation sector continue to report no shortage of jet fuel supplies, it is sensible for government to consult on possible action if this were to change.

    We will now work closely with our airport members, ministers and officials to examine the proposals and respond on the best way to proceed that will lead to the best outcomes for passengers.

    If notified of changes to their flights by airlines, passengers are advised to speak to their airline, travel agent or tour operator in the first instance.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Hundreds of UK business leaders will travel to the US later this month [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Hundreds of UK business leaders will travel to the US later this month [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 2 May 2026.

    Hundreds of UK business leaders will travel to the US later this month as part of the largest ever UK trade mission to the country, building on the success of the State Visit of Their Majesties the King and Queen.

    • Following the successful State Visit of His Majesty King Charles III, Greater Together LA will build on positive momentum to convene hundreds of business and cultural leaders from both countries.
    • With investment stock between both countries already reaching around £1.2 trillion and supporting over 2.6 million jobs in UK and US, Greater Together LA will drive jobs at home through commercial opportunities abroad.
    • Follows removal of US tariffs on UK-made whisky and new £300 million investment in UK by AstraZeneca announced this week 

    Hundreds of UK business leaders will travel to the US later this month as part of the largest ever UK trade mission to the country, building on the success of the State Visit of Their Majesties the King and Queen this week.

    The State Visit culminated with the US announcing the removal of tariffs on UK-made whisky – an industry worth around £1bn in exports to the US each year and supporting thousands of jobs across the UK. The removal of tariffs builds on the historic agreement secured by the Prime Minister last year, which has saved millions of pounds for British exporters.

    It also follows a £300 million investment from pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca, announced this week, with the firm and the UK Government attributing the investment to the pharmaceutical partnership between the UK and the US struck in December 2025.

    The partnership makes the UK the first country in the world to secure 0% tariffs on pharmaceutical exports to the US, with UK pharmaceutical exports to the US worth at least £5 billion a year.

    Greater Together LA will be led by Secretary of State for Business and Trade Peter Kyle and will run from 18-22 May, bringing together policymakers, business leaders, investors and creative minds from both countries to drive real commercial outcomes across sectors. 

    Co-hosted by Sir Lucian Grainge (CEO, Universal Music Group) and Sir Jony Ive (Founder, LoveFrom), delegates will hear first-hand insights of headline voices from key sectors of the Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy. Speakers include: Sean Doyle (CEO, British Airways), Cindy Rose OBE (CEO, WPP), Robert Thomson (CEO, News Corp), Mira Murati (CEO, Thinking Machines Lab), two-time Super Bowl winner Osi Umenyiora, Sir Paul Smith, Simon Cowell and many more. 

    Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said:

    This relationship is one of the most important economic partnerships in the world, and this week’s removal of tariffs on whisky demonstrates that – it’s a tangible win for British industry and for UK-US relations.

    Greater Together LA is all about turning the strength of this relationship into real commercial outcomes, and I can’t wait to get out there with British businesses and show American partners exactly what the UK has to offer.

    Greater Together LA will celebrate the strength and potential of the UK-US relationship. With investment stock reaching around £1.2 trillion in each other’s economies and supporting over 2.6 million jobs in each country, the relationship is vital for driving the economic growth at the heart of the government’s Plan for Change. 

    The government’s eight Modern Industrial Strategy sectors will be represented by senior business leaders from across the UK, showcasing where this government is backing industry with a deliberately more active state. 

    Ewan Venters, Executive Chairman Paul Smith and Chair of the GREAT Britain and Northern Ireland Campaign Private Sector Council said:

    The private sector has a vital role to play in cementing the UK’s position as America’s partner of choice – and that’s exactly why we are bringing together the very best of UK business, creativity and innovation to Los Angeles this month.

    We have seen a fantastic appetite to join the Greater Together LA delegation, from a whole range of organisations; testament to the clear opportunity that the US market presents for driving jobs and growth here in the UK.

    Greater Together will bring UK businesses and investors together with US counterparts, building on a successful Presidential Visit to the UK last year, when a record-breaking £150bn investment commitments were unveiled, creating more than 7,600 high-quality jobs across the UK. 

    Presenting partners of the event include British Airways and American Airlines, TSL and PwC. Official partners of the event include Payward, YouTube and the Wall Street Journal.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New interceptor missiles successfully tested in the Middle East as Defence Minister visits region [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New interceptor missiles successfully tested in the Middle East as Defence Minister visits region [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 1 May 2026.

    The UK military and Gulf partners will be better protected against drone attacks following the successful testing of new British-built Skyhammer interceptor missiles and launchers in Jordan.

    • New Skyhammer interceptor missiles and launchers, produced by UK start-up Cambridge Aerospace, successfully tested in Jordan.
    • Designed to counter Shahed-style attack drones, Skyhammer will be supplied to the UK Armed Forces.
    • Trial comes as Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard visits Kuwait and Jordan, meeting leaders and thanking UK Armed Forces who have supported partners in defending their skies from Iranian attacks prior to the ceasefire.

    The UK military and Gulf partners will be better protected against drone attacks following the successful testing of new British-built Skyhammer interceptor missiles and launchers in Jordan. 

    The trial comes less than two weeks since the Ministry of Defence signed a multi-million-pound contract with UK veteran-led start-up Cambridge Aerospace to buy Skyhammer interceptor missiles for the UK Armed Forces. They have a range of 30km and a maximum speed of 700km/h and are designed to counter Shahed-style attack drones.

    The interceptor missile was tested in Jordan in demanding desert conditions at one of Deep Element’s defence development facilities. Witnessing the trial, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP praised the new capability which demonstrates how the UK defence industry can deliver at pace, learning lessons from the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.  

    The trial came as the Minister visited Kuwait and Jordan for detailed discussions on regional security, the Strait of Hormuz and further defence cooperation. The Defence Minister recognised partners’ exceptional professionalism and resolve in the face of previous Iranian attacks, and their tireless work to protect civilian life and to safeguard foreign – including British – nationals.

    Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said:

    We are stepping up alongside UK industry to offer rapid support to our partners in the Middle East. 

    This week’s successful trial of Cambridge Aerospace’s Skyhammer interceptor missiles in Jordan is a perfect example of a UK start up innovating, with the backing of this government, to deliver cutting edge technology.

    My visit to Kuwait and Jordan shows that the UK is standing by our long-term partners and delivering on our promise to provide support.

    The multi-million-pound contract with Cambridge Aerospace is boosting British business by creating over 50 new jobs and supporting 125 current jobs, making defence an engine for growth. The UK is delivering the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, hitting 2.6% of GDP from 2027.

    Steven Barrett, CEO of Cambridge Aerospace, said:

    We have proven that our interceptors are not only cost-effective but also highly capable and will be able to counter the rising threat posed by aerial attacks.

    We welcome the support of the UK Ministry of Defence as Cambridge Aerospace looks to protect the UK and its partners with high-performance, rapidly deployable air defence systems.

    During the Minister’s visit, he met with Kuwait’s Minister of Defence, HE Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, and other senior officials. He paid tribute to the efforts of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces and UK personnel to protect civilians and critical national infrastructure in the region during Iran’s missile and drone campaign prior to the current ceasefire. The UK’s Rapid Sentry – a ground-based air defence missile system – and ORCUS system is operated by UK personnel in Kuwait, allowing them to detect drones early and take action.

    Ahead of the Skyhammer trial in Jordan, the Minister met with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Major General Yousef Alhnaity. They discussed the strength of the UK-Jordan defence relationship, based on mutual respect and a common commitment to shared security in the region. Prior to the ceasefire, UK jets have flown defensive missions in the region, including over Jordan, to protect British interests and partners.

    The first tranche of Skyhammer interceptor missiles and launchers will be delivered to the UK Armed Forces in May, with more missiles and associated launchers set to be supplied within the first six months of the agreement. 

    The Ministry of Defence, through the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group, is working to speed up financing and licensing for exports to Gulf partners. As part of this, a new Task Force has been created within the NAD Group to collaborate across government to support partners across the Middle East working with UK industry. It will also manage the impact of the conflict on the UK defence supply chain and gather requirements for stock replenishment.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK National Threat Level raised to SEVERE [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK National Threat Level raised to SEVERE [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 1 May 2026.

    The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) yesterday (30 April 2026) raised the UK National Threat Level from SUBSTANTIAL, meaning an attack is likely, to SEVERE, meaning an attack is highly likely.  

    The increase in threat comes following the stabbing in Golders Green in North London, but it is not solely a result of that attack. The terrorist threat level in the UK has been rising for some time, driven by an increase in the broader Islamist and Extreme Right Wing terrorist threat from individuals and small groups based in the UK.

    While the UK National Threat Level set independently by JTAC reflects the terrorist threat in the UK, it comes against a backdrop of increased state-linked physical threats which is encouraging acts of violence, including against the Jewish community. This is an independent, systematic, and rigorous process, based on the very latest intelligence and analysis of internal and external factors which drive the threat.

    For the public, this means remaining alert but not alarmed.  If you see anything that doesn’t feel right report it via the ACT Action Counters Terrorism website. In an emergency always call 999.