Tag: 2026

PRESS RELEASE : High-speed boats and new drones for elite Commando Force under Defence Investment Plan [June 2026]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 28 June 2026.

Defence Secretary has shifted Defence Investment Plan towards more immediate priorities, including getting the latest kit into the hands of military personnel on the frontline.
- Over £500 million will be committed to continue the transformation of the UK Commando Force, including with new high-speed Commando Insertion Craft.
- Defence Secretary has shifted Defence Investment Plan towards more immediate priorities, including getting the latest kit into the hands of military personnel on the frontline.
- The DIP is expected to be published ahead of the NATO Summit and set out funding to support the Armed Forces, bolster British industry and strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence.
The UK’s elite Commandos will be equipped with new high-speed boats and the latest drone and autonomous technology, as the new Defence Secretary shifts spending towards front-line priorities to deter emerging threats. 

Dan Jarvis has spent the last two weeks refocusing the Defence Investment Plan – expected to be published ahead of the NATO Summit – so that it prioritises getting the latest kit into the hands of military personnel, including for the UK’s elite Commandos.

The UK Commando Force is the elite frontline, rapid-reaction force of the UK Armed Forces, capable of deploying anywhere in the world at very short notice. They form the vanguard of NATO’s rapid-reaction forces, transitioning seamlessly from year-round Arctic defence missions to immediate crisis-response operations in the Middle East.

The refreshed DIP will see over £500 million committed to transforming the Commandos into the Future Commando Force, focused on the High North due to its growing importance to UK and NATO security.

This lethal Force will be equipped with new high-speed Commando Insertion Craft (CIC), which could be used to seize further Russian shadow fleet tankers and other maritime security operations. This programme will see the UK collaborate with Norway, a key NATO Ally in the High North, and build on the historic Type 26 frigate deal.

The transformation into the Future Commando Force will also include:
- Nearly £100 million for new transformative technologies. This includes uncrewed vessels, next-generation communications, networked targeting and strike drones – presenting a significant economic opportunity for UK industry, supporting high-skilled jobs, technology and export potential.
- Investment in new larger Amphibious Transport Ships to support UK Commando Force operations, aiming to create a new combined fleet with the Netherlands.
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP said:

Our elite Commando Force is respected around the world, conducting operations that help to keep the nation and our allies safe.

We’re investing in new lethal strike drones, high-speed boats and amphibious transport ships to give our Commandos the equipment they need to stay ahead of adversaries and defend us.

The Defence Investment Plan will prioritise getting the latest kit into the hands of our frontline forces, so they can continue their vital work in an increasingly dangerous world.
28/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Rough sleeping no longer a crime as Vagrancy Act repealed [June 2026]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 28 June 2026.

The government will repeal the Vagrancy Act on Monday 29 June 2026, ending nearly two centuries of legislation that has criminalised rough sleeping and begging.

The government will repeal the Vagrancy Act tomorrow (Monday 29 June), bringing an end to nearly two centuries of legislation that has criminalised rough sleeping and begging.

Originally introduced in 1824, the Vagrancy Act has been found to punish people simply for not having a home. As a result, it has pushed vulnerable people away from support, increased the risk of fines or criminal records and made it harder for people to rebuild their lives.

Repealing the Act is a vital step in ending a system that has failed to address the causes of rough sleeping and in shifting the focus towards prevention, support and long-term solutions.

This sits at the heart of the National Plan to End Homelessness – backed by £3.6 billion over the next three years – which aims to halve long-term rough sleeping and end the unlawful use of B&Bs for families by the end of the Parliament. 

Alongside this, the government is delivering the biggest long-term investment in social and affordable housing in a generation – £39 billion over the next ten years – providing the homes people need. Recent figures show social and affordable housing starts are up 35% since 2024 and completions have risen again this year.  

Following a week of record temperatures, the public are also being reminded of the Streetlink alert system to notify their local authority of anyone who is rough sleeping and in need of support.  

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said:  

Homeless people are not criminals, they are people who need help.

By repealing the outdated Vagrancy Act, we are shifting from punishment to prevention, alongside our investment to tackle homelessness for good.

Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern said:   

Repealing the Vagrancy Act is a long-overdue step that reflects a modern understanding of homelessness.

We are turning our backs on a centuries old approach and instead focusing our attention on what works through providing support, preventing homelessness, and helping people rebuild their lives.

Our Plan to End Homelessness will drive that change, helping more people off the streets and into the security of a permanent home.

The Vagrancy Act was introduced in 1824 in response to rising homelessness following the Napoleonic Wars and Industrial Revolution. While its use has sharply declined, it is still sometimes used to move people on instead of addressing the root causes of a person’s homelessness. 

The National Plan to End Homelessness rewires the system to focus support where it’s needed most. This includes:
- A £159 million grant for supported housing is getting over 2,500 people across England off the streets and into more stable housing, as well as preventing those from getting onto the streets in the first place. 
- Setting clear targets for halving the number who become homeless on their first night out of prison and that no eligible person is discharged to the street after a hospital stay.
- It also sets a clear long-term ambition that no one should be made homeless from a public institution.
The upcoming Social Housing Bill will strengthen protections to victims of domestic abuse in social housing, helping to prevent homelessness – research shows that nearly 70% of women experiencing rough sleeping in 2025 had experienced domestic abuse since the age of 16.

There are already powers in place to tackle antisocial behaviour where it occurs, including under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. These are used where behaviour causes harassment or distress – not for simply being homeless. Statutory guidance will be updated to ensure these powers are used appropriately.

The government will continue to take a tough stance on organised crime. New offences in the Crime and Policing Act 2026 will target organised begging gangs, those who exploit others for financial gain, and trespass linked to criminal activity.
28/06/2026
Dan Jarvis – 2026 Comments on Armed Forces Day

The comments made by Dan Jarvis, the Secretary of State for Defence, on 27 June 2026.

Armed Forces Day is an extraordinary opportunity for our nation to come together to thank the people who keep this country safe, and all those who support them.

It’s an honour to join the celebrations in Aldershot alongside thousands of people to pay tribute to the exceptional courage and dedication of all our personnel.

Southport already hosts the largest Armed Forces event in their region, and as community that knows about resilience and coming together, it is fitting that they will host the 2027 national day. I congratulate all those involved in the successful bid.

28/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Nation unites to celebrate Armed Forces Day as Southport selected for 2027 national event [June 2026]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 27 June 2026.

Tens of thousands of people have come together in Aldershot today and across the country to mark Armed Forces Day, the annual national moment to give gratitude to the people who serve and have served in the UK’s Armed Forces.
- Tens of thousands gather across the country to honour serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets and their families
- Defence Secretary joins celebrations in Aldershot
- Southport announced as location for 2027 Armed Forces Day national event
Tens of thousands of people have come together in Aldershot today and across the country to mark Armed Forces Day, the annual national moment to give gratitude to the people who serve and have served in the UK’s Armed Forces.

More than 230 Armed Forces Day events took place across the country, as communities from every part of the UK marked the occasion. This included celebrations in Aldershot – the historic home of the British Army – which were attended by the Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP.

The event saw a spectacular parade of Armed Forces personnel and military bands from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army and Royal Air Force. A Royal Air Force A400M Atlas aircraft joined a Dakota from The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in a flypast over the celebrations.

Three military parachute display teams – the British Army Red Devils, the Royal Air Force Falcons and the Royal Navy Raiders – dropped into the main arena.

While in Aldershot, the Defence Secretary announced that the 2027 Armed Forces Day national event will take place in Southport, Merseyside. He also celebrated the Armed Forces’ powerful role in creating opportunity for young people form every background.

Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP said:

Armed Forces Day is an extraordinary opportunity for our nation to come together to thank the people who keep this country safe, and all those who support them.

It’s an honour to join the celebrations in Aldershot alongside thousands of people to pay tribute to the exceptional courage and dedication of all our personnel.

Southport already hosts the largest Armed Forces event in their region, and as community that knows about resilience and coming together, it is fitting that they will host the 2027 national day. I congratulate all those involved in the successful bid.

Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton said:

Armed Forces Day is about more than a parade or a flypast – it’s about the bond between those who serve and the society they protect. In Aldershot today that bond was on full display, and I’m proud of every service person who took part.

Maintaining that connection is essential to our strength as a force. Southport has a strong Armed Forces presence and proud tradition of support, and I look forward to seeing it host a fitting national celebration next year.

Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Jennifer Corcoran said:

Sefton has a proud and longstanding connection with our Armed Forces, and it is a tremendous honour for Southport to host the national Armed Forces Day next year.

This announcement recognises the dedication and sacrifice of our service personnel, veterans and their families and also the strong sense of community we have here in Southport. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the country to celebrate, reflect and show our collective support for those who serve.

Councillor Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, added:

We are incredibly proud that Southport has been chosen to host Armed Forces Day 2027. This is a fantastic opportunity to shine a national spotlight on our borough, while paying tribute to the bravery and commitment of our Armed Forces community.

Across Sefton, we recognise the invaluable contribution made by serving personnel, veterans and their families, and we are committed to ensuring they feel supported and valued. We look forward to working with partners to deliver a memorable and fitting event that brings residents and visitors together in celebration and gratitude.

The town of Southport will welcome Armed Forces families, veterans, cadets and supporters from across the northwest when it hosts the 2027 Armed Forces Day national event, supported by Sefton Council and the Southport Armed Forces Community Hub.

Their winning bid emphasised that their Armed Forces Day celebrations will be “a national statement of service, resilience, unity and renewal.”

Armed Forces Day aims to strengthen the connection between the military and the communities they serve, demonstrating how everyone has a part to play in keeping the nation safe.

Southport has considerable experience planning major events for tens of thousands of visitors thanks to the annual Southport Airshow and British Musical Fireworks Championship and already hosts the largest Armed Forces Day community event in northwest England.

The Ministry of Defence invites bids to host the national event from communities across the UK and selects a winner based on the strength of their bid and the impact the proposed event could make on the Armed Forces community.

The winning hosts receive £50,000 of event funding from the Ministry of Defence, access to military assets such as flypasts, equipment and bands, and planning and communications support.

Major Nick McEntee, Director of Southport Armed Forces Community Hub added:

We are absolutely delighted that Southport has been selected to host the National Armed Forces Day 2027 celebrations.

This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the strength of the partnership between Southport’s Armed Forces Community Hub, the wider Armed Forces community in our town and Sefton Council. Together, we have a shared ambition to deliver an event that recognises and celebrates those who serve, those who have served, and the families and loved ones who support them.

Southport already hosts one of the most respected Armed Forces Day events in the UK, and National Armed Forces Day 2027 gives us an even greater opportunity to showcase our incredible seaside town to a national audience while saying a huge thank you to our Armed Forces community.

The hard work starts now, but our volunteers are ready to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in. We can’t wait to work together to bring this unforgettable event to Southport alongside Sefton Council.

Armed Forces Day is the culmination of Armed Forces Week, an annual opportunity for the nation to thank the Armed Forces community: serving personnel and reservists, veterans, cadets and their families and supporters.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, rebuilding the relationship between the Armed Forces and civilian society is central to a whole-of-society approach to defence.
28/06/2026
James Murray – 2026 Comments on Obesity

The comments made by James Murray, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, on 27 June 2026.

Obesity is an epidemic and we need bold action to end it now. These innovative projects will bring together the NHS, local partners and industry to test new ways of delivering obesity care that uses the latest technology and is closer to people’s homes.

What we learn from these projects has the potential to help people across the country live healthier lives, underlining this government’s commitment to deliver the 10-Year Health Plan and shift healthcare from treatment to prevention and reduce long-term pressure on vital NHS services.

28/06/2026
Liz Kendall – 2026 Comments on Obesity

The comments made by Liz Kendall, the Science Secretary, on 27 June 2026.

Almost 1 in 3 adults in this country are living with obesity – that’s millions of people who deserve real support.

These pioneering projects will meet people where they are – whether that is through a pharmacy round the corner, an app on their phone, or support in their own language. For a parent trying to give their child the best start, or someone who has struggled to access help for years, that can make all the difference.

The evidence these projects generate will help remove the barriers that have stopped too many people getting they help they need, shaping better health services in the future for every one of us.

28/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Pioneering projects to transform obesity care, backed by £85 million from government and industry [June 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 27 June 2026.

A dozen cutting-edge projects will benefit thousands of patients battling obesity across the UK.
- A dozen cutting-edge projects will see thousands of patients across the UK benefitting from new approaches to tackling obesity.
- £85 million grant funding from government and pharmaceutical company Lilly for new approaches such as using AI tools to improve patient care.
- Round-the-clock virtual advice and AI-assisted triage among plans to bring care to underserved communities.
Patients in regions across the UK will be given new and easier ways to access obesity care through 12 new projects, from apps and round-the clock advice on WhatsApp to AI-powered triage.

Through the Obesity Pathway Innovation Programme (OPIP), projects are set to receive grant funding of up to £50 million from government and up to £35 million from pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly).

They will reshape how obesity is treated and ease long-term pressure on frontline health services by using technology to give people new ways to access support.

Putting advice and support at a patient’s fingertips marks a step change in how we can support people living with obesity.

Among the projects, patients in Norfolk, Suffolk, and north east Essex will get the care they need more quickly through AI-assisted triage. This will mean people worried about their weight being able to fill in a short online health check from home – matching them to the right NHS support, whether that’s advice from a dietitian, or specialist clinical care.

In Kent, up to 3,300 families – from pregnancy through to a child’s early years – will get round-the-clock AI powered advice on healthy eating, activity, sleep and stress, straight to their phone via WhatsApp. That means a parent worried about feeding their toddler in the middle of the night, or unsure where to turn for help, can get the right answer instantly – typing their questions into WhatsApp for an immediate response. This will mean people can get the advice they need without a GP or clinic appointment.

In Leicester and Northamptonshire, patients will receive weight management support through an initial 6 new neighbourhood hubs, set up in local facilities like community pharmacies or gyms. Children and adults can be referred online, or through their GP, school, or council, standing to benefit from healthy living and lifestyle advice, adolescent specific apps, and, where clinically appropriate, weight loss medication. Whether someone asks for support in person or online, they’ll be supported to find the right care, with extra focus on deprived, Black, South Asian and rural communities who currently miss out most.

People in Northern Ireland will be able to refer themselves and work with an NHS clinician to set personal goals, avoiding the wait for a GP appointment. While people in Wales will, for the first time, have one clear route into NHS weight management support – in English or Welsh – wherever they live.

Science Secretary Liz Kendall said:

Almost 1 in 3 adults in this country are living with obesity – that’s millions of people who deserve real support.

These pioneering projects will meet people where they are – whether that is through a pharmacy round the corner, an app on their phone, or support in their own language. For a parent trying to give their child the best start, or someone who has struggled to access help for years, that can make all the difference.

The evidence these projects generate will help remove the barriers that have stopped too many people getting they help they need, shaping better health services in the future for every one of us.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care James Murray said:

Obesity is an epidemic and we need bold action to end it now. These innovative projects will bring together the NHS, local partners and industry to test new ways of delivering obesity care that uses the latest technology and is closer to people’s homes.

What we learn from these projects has the potential to help people across the country live healthier lives, underlining this government’s commitment to deliver the 10-Year Health Plan and shift healthcare from treatment to prevention and reduce long-term pressure on vital NHS services.

Obesity is one of the UK’s most pressing health challenges, with almost one third of adults in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and one in four in Wales living with the condition*.

Estimates suggest it costs UK society up to £107 billion per year**, including a bill of more than £9 billion per year for the NHS. Limited access to effective weight loss interventions, like specialist advice, guided physical activity or medicines, remains a key barrier for patients who need support.

OPIP will aim to transform outcomes for a wide range patients, including people in deprived rural and coastal communities who often have to travel long distances for in-person care, minority ethnic communities, and for people with disabilities and early years families.

Focusing on groups who face most difficulty accessing care will maximise the impact of support through these projects, helping to make the biggest possible difference to people’s lives.

These projects will inform the future of obesity care and how the lessons learned from them can be rolled out across the country.

Today’s announcement builds on a wider package of government action to end the UK’s obesity pandemic, with action to restrict junk food advertising on TV before 9pm and at all times online – expected to remove up to 7.2 billion calories a year from children’s diets – and giving local authorities new powers to stop fast food shops opening near schools.

The government has also consulted on banning the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s to protect children’s physical and mental health, and is revising the School Food Standards to ensure every child has access to nutritious meals.

Other measures to end the UK’s obesity pandemic include free school meals being extended to every child in a household receiving Universal Credit, alongside the rollout of free breakfast clubs so children start the day ready to learn.

To support families on the lowest incomes, the value of Healthy Start payments has been uplifted by 10%, helping parents afford healthy food for their children. And from January 2028, the Soft Drinks Industry Levy will be expanded to cover pre-packed milk-based and milk-substitute drinks – building on a policy that has already cut the average sugar content of soft drinks in scope by 47% between 2015 and 2024.

Large food businesses will also be required to report against standardised metrics on healthier food sales by the end of this Parliament – bringing full transparency and accountability to the food and drink the country buys.

Professor Naveed Sattar, Chair of the Obesity Healthcare Goals said:

It is very encouraging to see investment in these projects, given the urgent need for the NHS to develop better ways of supporting the many people affected by obesity and its complications.

Each project brings distinct strengths and will explore innovative approaches to care, with the most successful strategies likely to shape future obesity services across the UK.

Prof Ben Bridgewater, Executive Chair, the Health Innovation Network said:

Health innovation is a collective leadership opportunity. This is an example of partners, industry, national and devolved governments and the NHS aligning priorities to deliver innovation locally, closer to patients, that will have a national impact, improving health and wealth across the country.

The Health Innovation Network will play a crucial role in leading the Communities of Practice to ensure learnings from the frontline are shared and fed back into the system, avoiding duplication and driving the implementation of the Obesity Pathway Innovation Programme.

Chris Stokes, President and General Manager, Lilly UK and Northern Europe, said:

Obesity is a significant health challenge for the UK.

We are proud to work with the government to support NHS partners in projects which have the potential to modernise obesity services and make a genuine difference in the lives of people living with obesity.

Claire Spooner, Director of the Innovation Service at Innovate UK, said:

Innovate UK is delivering the Obesity Pathway Innovation Programme that will set-up and test new models of care to enable patients living with obesity to access clinically appropriate weight management services.

The programme aims to improve the health of patients living with obesity and is aligned with the NHS ambition to prevent rather than treat illness.

The projects are being led by an NHS Integrated Care Board or a Devolved Nation NHS Board, and many working with partners such as the British Heart Foundation, or Obesity UK.

Eligible patients will be able to access support through the projects imminently, which will run until March 2029.
28/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : The UK has committed up to $26 million to support the Ebola response in the DRC: UK statement at the UN Security Council [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 June 2026.

Statement by Jennifer MacNaughtan, UK Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

I will make three points.

First, the United Kingdom is concerned by the impact of the Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC, which is worsening an already dire humanitarian situation.

We commend the swift response of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and we welcome MONUSCO’s efforts to ensure that critical supplies can reach affected areas.

The United Kingdom has committed up to $26 million to support the Ebola response.

We are working with the DRC, international partners, including the World Health Organisation, and Africa CDC, and regional governments, to support a coordinated response and to strengthen surveillance, containment, and preparedness.

We call on all parties to provide full and unhindered humanitarian access, in line with international law, to enable this vital public health response.

Second, the UK welcomes the commitments made by the DRC and by Rwanda at the Joint Oversight Committee Meeting in London on 24 June.

It is vital that the agreed steps to de-escalate tensions are taken without delay, in accordance with Security Council resolution 2773.

We welcome the commitment to support a successful conclusion to the Doha Process, and we call on all parties to engage constructively with negotiations on the protocols.

We also urge all parties to support the swift deployment of the Enhanced Joint Verification Mechanism, and to ensure that MONUSCO has freedom of movement to support ceasefire monitoring and verification efforts, as well as to fully implement its mandate.

Finally, the United Kingdom expresses deep concern over the scale of human rights violations and abuses in eastern DRC, highlighted in the Secretary-General’s latest report.

This includes widespread conflict-related sexual violence and grave violations against children.

We note with concern increased drone strikes, aerial bombardments, and heavy artillery shelling in densely populated areas, undermining the safety of civilians.

The United Kingdom underscores the need for all parties to respect international humanitarian law and protect civic space.

28/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : UK deploys search and rescue team and emergency funding to support Venezuela earthquake response [June 2026]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 June 2026.

The UK is releasing an initial £2 million in humanitarian funding to support the response to devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, including a deployment of specialist search and rescue personnel.
- UK deploying 68‑strong search and rescue team, including specialist dogs, to support life‑saving efforts in Venezuela
- £2 million UK humanitarian funding will support immediate response and coordination
- UK Emergency Medical Team (UK EMT) is also sending an advance team to assess urgent health needs and inform further UK medical support
The UK is releasing an initial £2 million in humanitarian funding to support the response to devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, including a deployment of specialist search and rescue personnel.

Supported by the Royal Air Force, the UK’s International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR) team of 68 personnel, including six specialist search dogs, departed today to assist efforts to locate and rescue people trapped in the wake of the earthquake.

The team set off from RAF Brize Norton on a Voyager aircraft, carrying specialist drones able to help assess structural collapses safely, identify hazards such as compromised roofs, and direct rescue teams. RAF personnel, including aircrew and logisticians, worked rapidly to prepare the aircraft and coordinate the deployment, helping deliver the much-needed support.

The flight also carries members of the UK’s humanitarian field team, including supply chain, humanitarian and security specialists, with further personnel joining in country to support the delivery and coordination of UK assistance.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

My thoughts are with the people of Venezuela following this week’s devastating earthquakes. The UK stands in solidarity with all those affected, particularly those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods.

We are making £2 million of emergency humanitarian funding available and are working closely with international partners to ensure vital support reaches those most in need as quickly as possible.

The deployment brings together firefighters and specialists from 14 UK Fire and Rescue Services across the UK, led by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. The UK team is highly experienced and worked tirelessly on the ground in Türkiye and Morocco in 2023, helping to rescue survivors trapped under the rubble.

UK ISAR is part of the UK’s National Resilience capability and is on permanent standby to respond to disasters overseas. The team will work alongside local and international partners to support life-saving search and rescue operations.

Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper said:

The UK today has sent support to Venezuela following these devastating earthquakes.

Our specialist search and rescue teams are deploying to help save lives, and we are providing a £2 million package to support the humanitarian response.

We continue to work closely with international partners to ensure help reached those affected as fast as possible

FCDO funding ensures the UK ISAR team is trained, equipped and ready to deploy at short notice to support countries affected by natural disasters, helping to rescue those trapped, coordinate efforts on the ground and strengthen the wider international response.

Experts from the UK’s Emergency Medical Team are also travelling to Venezuela to determine how the UK can best help save lives in the crucial coming days and weeks as part of the FCDO‑funded response.

The UK EMT members are travelling to Venezuela to assess urgent health needs. Their analysis will inform any further UK medical deployment and support wider international coordination.

Minister for the Armed Forces Louise Sandher-Jones MP said:

Our Armed Forces have moved quickly to support the UK’s humanitarian response to the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, transporting specialist search and rescue personnel and equipment to assist life-saving efforts on the ground.

The RAF plays an important role in getting people and capabilities where they are needed most, and our Armed Forces stand ready to support humanitarian missions around the world alongside our international partners.

The UK’s £2 million package will support immediate life-saving activity and the wider international response. The UK works in partnership to rapidly respond to humanitarian disasters and is a major contributor to global emergency funds, including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which underpin rapid multinational responses.

DREF has allocated funding for the Venezuelan Red Cross to deliver a fast and local response to by rapidly releasing funds to National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to carry out their role as first responders following a disaster. An allocation has also been made by the CERF and will provide immediate, life-saving humanitarian assistance to address the most urgent needs of people affected by the earthquakes.

Notes to editors
- The UK International Search and Rescue team (UKISAR) respond to disasters on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. UK ISAR is a partnership between the FCDO and UK Fire and Rescue Services, providing a 24/7 deployable search and rescue capability for international emergencies.
- The team is made up of firefighters and specialists from 14 Fire and Rescue Services across the UK and this deployment is led by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.
- UK‑Med is the delivery partner of the UK Emergency Medical Team (UK EMT), funded by the FCDO.
28/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 62 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Venezuela [June 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 June 2026.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Venezuela. Delivered at the 62nd Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you

We reaffirm our support to the Venezuelan people, who are in our thoughts following Wednesday’s devastating earthquakes and resulting casualties.

Mr Vice President,

We thank the High Commissioner for his recent report and the continued engagement of his Office in Venezuela.

Some encouraging measures have been implemented, including the release of political detainees and the announcement of reforms.

We also welcome recent dialogue between the Venezuelan authorities and representatives of the opposition, and encourage continued engagement to support progress towards a return to democratic norms.

These developments represent a positive step and have the potential to improve the human rights situation on the ground.

We hope that the coming months see continued progress on remaining challenges including restrictions on civic space, arbitrary detention and concerns around due process.

In this context, we reiterate our call on the Venezuelan authorities to release those who remain arbitrarily detained, to continue to strengthen the rule of law, and to ensure an environment in which civil society, media and political actors can operate freely and safely.

We also underline the importance of constructive cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner and other international mechanisms, including by facilitating their full access, in support of accountability and sustainable reform.

28/06/2026