Tag: 2026

  • NEWS STORY : Diane Abbott Calls Imminent Russian Threat ‘NATO Fiction’

    NEWS STORY : Diane Abbott Calls Imminent Russian Threat ‘NATO Fiction’

    STORY

    Diane Abbott has rejected claims that Russia poses an imminent threat to the West, describing the warning as a “NATO fiction” being used to support higher military spending. The Labour MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington said the proposed increase in defence expenditure should not proceed.

    Writing on social media, Abbott said: “The imminent threat from Russia is a NATO fiction to justify their complete capitulation to Trump’s demands for more military spending.” Her comments came as the Government continues to face questions over how it will finance its commitments to increase defence spending in line with NATO targets.

    The remarks drew criticism from Conservative politicians. A spokesperson for Kemi Badenoch called Abbott’s position “reprehensible”, while Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty accused her of being “dangerously out of touch” and said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and hostile activity directed at European countries demonstrated the need for greater defence investment. Downing Street declined to comment on Abbott’s statement.

  • Florence Eshalomi – 2026 Statement on Ending Homelessness

    Florence Eshalomi – 2026 Statement on Ending Homelessness

    The statement made by Florence Eshalomi, the Homelessness Minister, in the House of Commons on 1 September 2026.

    On 19 August, the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced the next steps in his national drive to end rough sleeping, backed by £442 million of funding through a new rough sleeping programme.

    This will ensure that everyone sleeping rough is offered a route off the streets before Christmas this year, while providing longer-term accommodation and support for people with the most complex and long-term experiences of rough sleeping.

    No one should have to sleep rough. Yet too many people remain without the safety and stability of a secure home. This Government are determined to change that, combining urgent action this winter with longer-term investment to tackle rough sleeping and help people rebuild their lives.

    Ahead of Christmas, we are funding local areas to expand accommodation provision for people sleeping rough, alongside tailored support to address the issues that contribute to rough sleeping. This may include accommodation, support to access mental health or substance use services, help to access employment or training, help to access or maintain accommodation, or other support tailored to individual circumstances. At the same time, we are investing in settled accommodation and intensive support for people experiencing long-term rough sleeping, helping those with the most complex needs to leave rough sleeping behind permanently. This investment will help deliver more than 1,000 settled homes for people experiencing rough sleeping, alongside the support needed to sustain them.

    Funding has been targeted towards areas with the greatest rough sleeping pressures, while giving mayoral strategic authorities and local authorities the flexibility to shape services around local need. This reflects the Government’s commitment to devolving power and resources to local leaders, who are best placed to understand local challenges and shape the responses needed in their communities, and mayoral strategic authorities are expected to manage funding across their area, in partnership with local authorities.

    Alongside funding allocations, we have published guidance to help local areas mobilise quickly and deliver a consistent “route off the street” offer this winter. The guidance makes clear the need to ensure adequate and accessible provision for women experiencing rough sleeping, recognising that women are often underrepresented in official statistics and may be at greater risk of violence, abuse and exploitation.

    We are also increasing investment in the ending homelessness in communities fund, taking the total funding to £47 million, with £8.1 million additional funding, supporting voluntary, faith and community organisations, which are often the first point of contact for people furthest from mainstream support.

    This investment builds on the Government’s wider national plan to end homelessness and sits alongside action to prevent homelessness before it occurs. The £442 million package takes total investment in homelessness and rough sleeping services over the next three years to more than £4 billion. By combining immediate action this winter with long-term investment in accommodation and intensive support, we are taking a significant step towards ending rough sleeping and helping people build stable lives away from the streets.

  • Yvette Cooper – 2026 Statement on Funeral Industry Regulation

    Yvette Cooper – 2026 Statement on Funeral Industry Regulation

    The statement made by Yvette Cooper, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, in the House of Commons on 1 September 2026.

    I wish to update the House on the Government’s proposals for formal regulation of the funeral sector, announced this summer following the sentencing of criminal funeral director Robert Bush. These proposals will seek to crack down on rogue operators in the funeral sector and ensure better protection for bereaved families.

    On 31 July, Bush, of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for a total of 67 charges, including the prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud, fraudulent trading and theft.

    His actions were utterly abhorrent, and my thoughts remain with all the bereaved families in Hull who were so badly let down. Every person in every situation deserves dignity in death, and every bereaved family deserves certainty that their loved ones are being treated with care and respect.

    For those families, there can be few things more painful than knowing a loved one was not treated properly after they died. The deceased cannot speak for themselves, which is why clear safeguards, stronger oversight and consistent standards are needed to protect their dignity and give families the reassurance they deserve.

    Sadly, this case was just the latest horrendous example in our country of the deceased not being treated with the care and respect they deserved.

    Sir Jonathan Michael’s independent inquiry into the horrific crimes of David Fuller in the mortuary of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust showed the need to ensure better standards across all settings that look after our loved ones after they die, including those where some level of regulation is already in place.

    Building on the progress already made in responding to the Fuller inquiry—see HCWS26, 15 July 2026—and in the wake of the Robert Bush case, the Government will bring forward comprehensive proposals to ensure respect and dignity for the deceased in every setting, to drive rogue operators out of the funeral industry, and to protect other families from suffering this same heartache.

    The Department of Health and Social Care is leading this work alongside the Ministry of Justice and other Government Departments, and will draw up detailed proposals to drive up standards, including proper regulation of the funeral sector. As part of this work, the Law Commission will also undertake a review of the criminal law in relation to the deceased, consider any gaps in existing legal protections and make recommendations on the creation of new offences, if they are needed.

    The Government will work closely with bereaved families, funeral providers, faith groups, local authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that future policy in this area is proportionate, effective and informed by those with relevant experience. This will ensure families can have confidence that funeral providers are meeting clear, consistent standards, no matter where they live or which provider they choose.

    These changes will also reinforce the profound responsibility placed on anyone entrusted with caring for someone after death. The majority of funeral providers live up to that responsibility, and offer compassionate and professional care every day. Nevertheless, stronger oversight, including proper regulation of the sector, will protect families from rogue operators, support good providers and restore confidence in a sector that people must be able to trust in moments of profound grief and loss.

    We will keep the House updated as this work progresses, and set out our detailed plans and timetables for the implementation of these new proposals in due course.

  • Blair McDougall – 2026 Statement on CPTPP Canada

    Blair McDougall – 2026 Statement on CPTPP Canada

    The statement made by Blair McDougall, the Trade Minister, in the House of Commons on 1 September 2026.

    From 1 September 2026, the UK’s accession to the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership (CPTPP) enters into force with Canada. Following Canada’s ratification, UK companies can trade with Canada under CPTPP terms for the first time.

    This means that the UK’s accession to CPTPP is now in force with all other member countries. British businesses can now access the full benefits of the agreement across all 11 CPTPP parties.

    Canada is a close UK partner and fellow G7 member. It was the UK’s largest CPTPP trading partner in the four quarters to the end of Q1 2026, accounting for 23% of all UK trade with CPTPP. Canada was also the world’s 10th largest economy in 2025, with a market of 42 million people and GDP of $2.3 trillion.

    Benefits for UK traders and consumers

    Entry into force of the UK’s CPTPP accession with Canada means that we have secured access to Canadian tariff rate quotas covering a wide variety of dairy products, including cheese, cream and ice cream. This provides UK farmers and dairy producers with additional tariff-free market access to Canada and opens further opportunities to increase exports.

    The agreement will also make short-term business travel to Canada more flexible. UK business visitors will be able to stay for up to six months, with the option to extend.

    Alongside this, new digital trade commitments will further support UK businesses by permitting them to store data entirely digitally, rather than having to establish physical facilities in Canada. These commitments will be particularly useful for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) looking to expand into Canada and across CPTPP economies.

    By improving access to information, reducing barriers to trade and increasing transparency, CPTPP will also help SMEs take advantage of new opportunities across the bloc.

    Additionally, there will be access to new public procurement opportunities by giving businesses in both countries enhanced access to markets not covered under previous agreements. For UK suppliers, this includes opportunities in sectors such as air transport, accounting and financial services.

    The UK will continue working with Canada and the other CPTPP members to build on the opportunities it creates for businesses, consumers and economic growth.

    I will keep the House updated on future CPTPP developments.

  • Keir Starmer – 2026 Resignation as MP Statement

    Keir Starmer – 2026 Resignation as MP Statement

    The statement made by Sir Keir Starmer on 1 September 2026.

    Over the summer, I have had time to reflect and consider my future. I have decided that now is the right time to step down as MP for Holborn and St Pancras and hand the baton over to a successor.

    It’s been an honour and privilege to represent the best constituency in the country since taking over from the great Frank Dobson 11 years ago. But it is now time to step aside and focus on other issues: international affairs including defence, security, trade and technology in a fast changing world. I will also continue working with others as I have done over many decades to tackle violence against women and girls.

    As I do that, I will always remain immensely proud to have represented the place Vic, the kids and I call home.

    I look back with pride on what my constituency team and I have delivered in Holborn and St Pancras since 2015 and I thank all those who I was privileged to work with on so many issues of local concern: affordable housing projects, delivering first class education and tackling youth violence through our Camden Youth Safety Taskforce.

    I want to thank my CLP team who have always stood firmly by me, and given me the support I needed as I stood for Leader of the Labour Party and then as I took my Party from political, moral and financial ruin to an historic landslide election win in 2024 and two years as Prime Minister when we stabilised the economy, rebuilt our public services, invested record amounts in our defence and security, began lifting hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty and transformed Britain’s reputation with international partners.

    I want to thank my constituency staff who, throughout all those 11 years, have worked tirelessly on casework and helped me do my utmost to serve the people of Holborn and St Pancras. I could not have done this job without them.

    There will now be a process to appoint my successor ahead of a by-election. Whoever is lucky enough to become the Labour candidate here will have my full support and backing and I will continue to give my full support to the Prime Minister and this Labour government.

    Keir Starmer

  • PRESS RELEASE : Five Eyes back UK-led action to disrupt global fraud networks [August 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Five Eyes back UK-led action to disrupt global fraud networks [August 2026]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 27 August 2026.

    US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand back a package of UK-led measures to strengthen international action against fraud and online scams.

    The UK is joining forces with the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to crack down on global fraud networks and protect the public from scammers.

    At the Five Country Ministerial in Sydney, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and her Five Eyes counterparts backed a package of UK-led measures to strengthen the international response to fraud and online scams, bringing together governments, law enforcement and industry to tackle one of the world’s fastest-growing crimes.

    The need for a more co-ordinated international response has grown as organised crime groups become increasingly sophisticated, exploiting global communications networks, digital platforms and financial systems to target victims across borders.

    New measures will strengthen partners’ ability to detect and disrupt fraud before more people become victims. This includes faster intelligence-sharing to identify fraud operations spanning multiple countries, including scam centres, and coordinated action between governments, law enforcement and industry to shut down the accounts, services and communications channels criminals use to target victims and move their profits.

    As part of this work, recommendations to strengthen industry action against online scams and financial crime will be developed in partnership with telecommunications providers, technology companies and financial institutions.

    The focus will be on tackling vulnerabilities in systems and services that criminals exploit to target victims and move illicit funds. By improving collaboration between the public and private sectors, partners will be better able to identify new threats, respond more quickly and make it harder for criminals to profit from fraud.

    Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said:

    Fraud is a scourge on our society, ruining lives and costing victims billions of pounds every year.

    Criminal gangs don’t respect borders, so our response can’t be restricted by them. By deepening international co-operation and working more closely with industry, we can track down fraudsters, disrupt their operations, and better protect the public.

    Together, we must make it harder for criminals to profit from fraud and easier to bring them to justice.

    Five Eyes partners also backed enhanced international support for the UK-backed INTERPOL Global Fraud Taskforce. Bringing together law enforcement, governments and industry, the taskforce will help map organised fraud networks, generate intelligence, identify links between criminal groups operating in different countries and support international operations to disrupt their activities and bring perpetrators to justice.

    As a global leader in the fight against fraud, the UK is driving the international response to a crime which increasingly crosses national borders.

    Earlier this year, the government committed £250 million through its new Fraud Strategy to strengthen law enforcement capabilities, tackle scams at their source and improve support for victims.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Minister acts to help save Rembrandt masterpiece from leaving the UK [August 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Minister acts to help save Rembrandt masterpiece from leaving the UK [August 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on 27 August 2026.

    The government has temporarily banned a Rembrandt painting worth £71 million from being taken out of the UK permanently.

    • A UK gallery or institution has been granted the opportunity to save this masterpiece for the nation 

    The UK government has blocked a painting by Rembrandt, one of the most famous artists of all time, from being taken out of the country permanently in the hope that a UK gallery or institution can save it for the nation.  

    Rembrandt’s Portrait of Catrina Hooghsaet, painted in 1657, is one of the artist’s most exceptional later works, and has been displayed in the UK since the mid eighteenth century. It is valued at £71 million, the most expensive object ever to be given national treasure status.  

    The decision to place a temporary export ban on the portrait gives museums and galleries time to raise the funds needed to acquire it, with the aim of keeping an important work in the UK and on public display.  

    The portrait is of exceptional importance to our shared history and national life; it adds value to our understanding of Rembrandt and his works, social relations, gender, religion and identity in the Dutch Republic, Rembrandt’s place in British collections, and the wider history of the art of portrait painting. 

    The portrait depicts Catrina Hooghsaet, an affluent member of Amsterdam’s Mennonite community whose unconventional domestic life saw her live separately from her husband. Rembrandt’s thoughtful depiction captures both her character and individuality, demonstrating his celebrated ability to convey the inner life of his sitters. 

    Arts Minister, Ruth Mackenzie said: 

    The Portrait of Catrina Hooghsaet has been part of the UK’s cultural life for centuries. The scale, beauty and history of this masterpiece make it a priority for cultural partners, funders, philanthropists, and lovers of Rembrandt to help this masterpiece keep its historical place in the UK.

    Andrew Hochhauser KC, Committee Chairman said:  

    Painted in the final phase of his career, Rembrandt’s portrait of Catrina Hooghsaet ranks amongst his finest achievements. It belongs to a rare group of large-scale three-quarter-length portraits and stands out for its delicacy, refinement, and exceptional finish. 

    Rembrandt transforms her relatively ordinary features into a striking image of beauty through his sensitivity, honesty and profound psychological insight. 

    Catrina Hooghsaet’s unusually well-documented life allows the portrait to be studied alongside rich historical evidence, providing rare insights into social relations, gender, religion, and identity in the Dutch Republic.  

    This is a painting of outstanding aesthetic importance, of outstanding significance to our cultural history. It is also of outstanding significance to the study of the history of portraiture, the oeuvre of Rembrandt and the history of collecting his work in Britain. This enormously important painting should be saved for the nation and kept on public display in this country.

    The Committee recommended that the painting should be subject to an export bar because it met all three Waverley criteria. These criteria are used to assess whether an object is of national importance and its departure from the UK would be a misfortune. In this case, the painting was recognised for its strong connection with our history and national life, its exceptional aesthetic quality, and its importance to the study of Rembrandt and his work.  

    The decision on the export licence application for the painting will be deferred for an initial period ending on 26 December 2026 inclusive in which we welcome expressions of interest from an appropriate purchaser to try and acquire the object. At the end of the first deferral period owners will have a consideration period of 15 Business Days to consider any offer(s) to purchase the painting at the recommended price of £71,696,324.90 (plus VAT of £754,698.15). The second deferral period will commence following the signing of an Option Agreement and will last for nine months.  

    When someone applies to permanently export a important cultural object from the UK, the Government can pause the export if the object is considered a national treasure. This gives a UK museum or appropriate purchaser time to raise the money to keep it in the country.   

    Notes to editors 

    Organisations or individuals interested in purchasing the painting should contact the RCEWA on 02072680534 or rcewa@artscouncil.org.uk. 

    Details of the item are as follows: Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn (1606–1669); Portrait of Catrina Hooghsaet (1607–1685); Oil on canvas, 126 x 98.5 cm; Inscribed and signed on the shield upper left: ‘CATRINA HOOGH / SÆT. / OVT. 50. / Jaer’ and ‘Rembrandt. f. / 1657.’ 

    Provenance:  

    • Catrina Hooghsaet (1607–1685), Amsterdam 
    • Her third husband, Jan Schildt (died 1686), Amsterdam 
    • Probably John Fane, Lord Le Despencer, 7th Earl of Westmorland (1685–1762), Mereworth House, Kent, by 1752 
    • Sir Francis Dashwood, 2nd Bt, Lord Le Despencer (1708–1781), of West Wycombe, and Mereworth House, Kent, by 1780 
    • By descent to his sister, Rachel Dashwood (c.1706–1788), wife of Sir Robert Austen, 4th Bt 
    • By descent to her cousin, Sir Thomas Stapleton, 6th Bt, Lord Le Despencer (1766–1831), of Rotherfield Greys, and Mereworth Castle, Kent 
    • His posthumous sale, 1831 
    • Bought after this sale by Peacock [probably the London dealer Michael Peacock (c.1785–1843)], for £178 10s.  *Collection Edmund Higginson (né Barneby) (1802–1871), Saltmarshe Castle, Herefordshire, by 1836 
    • His sale, London (Christie’s), 4–6 June 1846, lot 221 (£798, bought in) 
    • His sale, London (Christie’s), 4–6 June 1860, lot 43 (740 gns., to Farrer [the London 
    • dealer Henry Farrer, 1798–1866]) 
    • Collection Colonel the Hon. Edward Douglas-Pennant, 1st Baron Penrhyn of Llandegai (1800–1886), and by descent 
    • Private sale, 2015, when acquired by a private collector, 
    • Private sale, (Christie’s) 2025, when acquired. 

    The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest is an independent body, serviced by Arts Council England (ACE), which advises the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on whether a cultural object, intended for export, is of national importance under specified criteria.

  • Andy Burnham – 2026 Statement on Flooding on Nepal-China Border

    Andy Burnham – 2026 Statement on Flooding on Nepal-China Border

    The statement made by Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister, on 26 August 2026.

    These scenes emerging from along the Nepal-China border are devastating. My thoughts are with all those affected, including the families and loved ones of British nationals missing in this tragedy.

    We will do everything we can to support British nationals impacted in the region and are in touch with the relevant authorities to offer support.

    I urge British nationals in the region to follow guidance from the local authorities and follow our travel advice.

  • Mark Carney – 2026 Statement on Lake Ontario

    Mark Carney – 2026 Statement on Lake Ontario

    The statement made by Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada, on 27 August 2026.

    The name Lake Ontario comes from the Wendat word Ontari’io, which, appropriately, means “the lake is beautiful, the lake is big”.

    The name is more than 400 years old, predating both the Confederation of Canada and the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America.

    We know that America is changing. Their trading relationships, their foreign policies, their national monuments, their hydronyms.

    Canadians also know that naming reality means calling it Lake Ontario – then, now and always.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Households can save as plug-in solar panels come to market [August 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Households can save as plug-in solar panels come to market [August 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 26 August 2026.

    Households can save hundreds on bills as plug-in solar panels become legal to use and buy across the country.

    • Plug-in solar panels now legal to buy and use across the country 
    • Households could save up to £110 a year, with panels providing up to 20% of average home electricity use 
    • Savings follow government cuts to VAT on energy bills to offer breathing space this winter 

    More families are set to save money on bills as plug-in solar panels become legal across Great Britain.  

    From today (27 August), the easy-to-install panels can be plugged into homes across the country, saving households up to £110 a year on their bills through clean, homegrown power. 

    Each plug-in solar kit produces up to 800W of power, enough to provide up to 20% of an average home’s electricity use. This can run a typical fridge, television, Wi-Fi router, laptop, phone charger and an Xbox S operating at once when the sun is shining.  

    This all comes with no installation cost and without taking any electricity from the grid. 

    The legal changes follow rigorous, independent safety testing, covering all key electrical elements, which shows that compliant panels are safe and compatible with UK wiring.  

    The UK safety specification is more stringent than that of Germany, where the technology is already widely used and around half a million new devices were plugged in last year. 

    Homegrown power is the only way to deliver energy security for the country and financial security for families and businesses.  

    Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said: 

    Plug-in solar is a simple, affordable way for households to take control of their energy bills and start saving straight away.  

    From this summer, we’re giving more families the ability power their homes with clean homegrown energy.

    Major retailers, such as Currys, B&Q, Screwfix and Amazon have worked with government on the rollout of plug-in solar and will soon have them available to purchase in stores and online.   

    The low-cost panels can be put in any outdoor space or on some balconies. Before purchasing or installing plug-in solar devices, people should check whether any permissions are required for the property. This may include permission from a landlord and/or building owner or freeholder permission, planning permission or listed building consent. 

    Decisions on whether to approve requests are a matter for landlords, freeholders or councils, but we encourage them to consider each case on its individual merits. 

    Enabling these easy-to-install panels is just one of the ways the government is giving people breathing space to help tackle bills.  

    In July, the Prime Minister announced plans to cut VAT on energy bills to give families breathing space this winter. This builds on the £150 of costs taken off energy bills in the Budget last year and the expansion of the £150 Warm Home Discount to around six million households.  

    Retailers including Amazon, Argos, Curry’s and Wickes have all committed to stocking plug-in solar panels. 

    John Boumphrey, UK & Ireland Country Manager, Amazon said: 

    Amazon is the largest corporate buyer of carbon-free energy in the UK, and we’ve invested in 50 solar and wind projects to date.  

    The government’s announcement on plug-in solar panels is a practical step that gives households a simple way to generate their own power, reduce bills, and contribute to the UK’s net zero goals. We’re looking forward to helping customers benefit from this technology. 

    Graham Biggart, Managing Director for Argos, said:  

    We’re really pleased to now offer plug-in solar panels for Argos customers. By making this technology more accessible, we’re putting more power in the hands of our customers and helping them explore practical ways to manage energy use at home. 

    As a brand trusted by millions of customers across the UK, we’re proud to bring innovative products like this to more homes and give customers greater confidence and choice when it comes to emerging home technologies.

    Michelle Gorringe-Smith, Director of New Categories at Currys, said:  

    The safe roll-out of plug-in solar products represents an important step in supporting consumers with ways to save money on their energy bills. 

    We’ll continue to work closely with DESNZ and our suppliers to make these products available to UK households as soon as possible, including through both our website and larger stores.

    David Wood, CEO, Wickes:  

    By giving people a simpler and more affordable way to generate clean energy at home, this technology has the potential to put solar within reach of many more households.  

    With the UK having some of the oldest and least energy efficient housing stock in Europe, making energy-saving technologies easier to access will be an important part of helping people reduce their energy bills and supporting the transition to a lower-carbon future.  

    We look forward to making these products available online to our customers in the coming weeks.

    Joanna O’Loan, Knowledge Manager at Energy Saving Trust, said:  

    The arrival of plug-in solar panels represents a significant milestone in expanding access to clean energy for households across Great Britain. 

    While the savings will vary from home to home, plug-in solar panels will give more people greater control over their energy use and costs. As these products become more widely available, access to clear and reliable information is essential to help people make informed choices that are right for their home and budget.

    Chris Hewitt, CEO Solar Energy UK, said: 

    This is a great example of Industry and government coming together and delivering quickly for Britain.  

    Solar and batteries are already the most effective way for homes and businesses to slash their energy bills by more than half, and making plug-in solar lawful will bring cheap, clean power to households that have not been able to access these benefits before.  

    Our industry continues to work closely with government to ensure that all customers can have confidence in the safety and reliability of these new technologies.

    Gary Booker, Managing Director of British Gas, said:   

    Until now, generating solar power has required the right roof, the right home and significant upfront investment. That’s why innovations like plug-in solar are so important. They open up the benefits of solar to more households, enabling more people to produce some of their own electricity. 

    At British Gas, we’re pleased to be bringing this technology to our customers, giving them more control over their energy use and helping them save money on their bills.

    Trevor Hutchings, CEO of the Renewable Energy Association said:

    From today, with little more than a trip to the shops, people in Britain will be able to harness the energy of the sun to power their households.

    The arrival of plug-in solar is a huge step forward in democratising renewable energy and giving everyone the access they deserve to clean, cheap, homegrown power. Plug-in solar saves money – up to £100 a year – and it’s only right that this benefit should be felt by renters and flat-owners as well.

    Our electricity prices are some of the highest because of our exposure to volatile international gas markets.  Innovations like plug-in solar and the wider renewables roll out will help us bring down bills and strengthen our energy sovereignty.

    David Boyer, Director of Electricity Systems, at Energy Networks Association, said:

    This is a major step forward for incorporating micro generation safely and efficiently onto the UK’s energy grid. Network operators will continue to work closely with government, Ofgem and manufactures to ensure the registration process for micro generation evolves to meet consumer demands.

    There is already record demand for solar power across the country. Figures released by MCS recently showed there were almost 150,000 solar panel certified installations in the first six months of 2026, up 17% on the previous highest start to a year in 2025. That is the equivalent to an installation every 74 seconds.  

    Battery installations have also risen significantly, with installations almost double the same period last year with 36,000 certified installations. 

    Legalising plug-in solar panels builds on savings homeowners can already make of up to £480 a year from rooftop solar, helping more people in a range of property types generate their own clean electricity and cut their energy bills.