UKPOL.CO.UK

Tag: 2026

  • PRESS RELEASE : New plans to improve welfare for laying hens and lambs [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New plans to improve welfare for laying hens and lambs [January 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 12 January 2026.

    New proposals to end the use of cages for laying hens and minimise pain during lamb castration and tail docking.

    Laying hens and lambs will benefit from better animal welfare standards under detailed plans set out by the Government today (January 12th).

    Under the proposals all colony cage systems across the laying hen sector would be phased out by 2032 including for smaller producers. Proposals for tighter restrictions on sheep mutilation practices such as castration and tail docking, which cause pain to lambs and are often carried out without pain relief, are also being consulted on. 

    Enriched ‘colony’ cage eggs supply just over 20% of the UK shell egg production. These cages heavily restrict the movement of British laying hens with up to 80 birds are in each cage, with each bird having space that is no bigger than an A4 sheet of paper.

    With the UK’s leading retailers, from Sainsbury’s to Aldi, already committed to not selling eggs produced from cage systems and widespread public support – the move announced today is in line with widespread best practice and public opinion.

    To improve welfare for lambs, farmers will be expected to take steps to minimise pain when castration and tail docking has to be carried out. This could include through greater use of pain relief and consideration of alternative methods which farmers would get improved access to. This reflects the latest scientific evidence and follows expert advice from the independent Animal Welfare Committee.

    Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle said:

    We are committed to improving the lives of farm animals and to supporting farmers to produce food sustainably, profitably and to the high standards consumers expect.

    British consumers want high animal welfare standards and these measures reflect those values, creating healthier livestock and high welfare food production.

    Anthony Field, Head of Compassion in World Farming UK said:

    We warmly welcome the UK Government’s leadership in honouring a key commitment in its Animal Welfare Strategy by swiftly launching a consultation on phasing out the use of cages for laying hens. This marks an important and long-awaited step towards ending the cage age.

    We are optimistic that this will be the first of many meaningful and lasting changes. Phasing out cages for the millions of hens kept behind bars every year cannot come soon enough, and we hope the outcome of this consultation will be an ambitious timeline for phasing out these cruel systems.

    We also welcome the launch of a consultation to improve the welfare of lambs. Lambs are routinely subjected to painful, unnecessary mutilations. Castration and tail docking are usually carried out without anaesthetic or pain relief, causing great suffering, so this is an extremely encouraging move.

    We look forward to seeing positive changes for millions of other farmed animals in the coming years and to working with Government to achieve this.

    The proposals announced today are a significant first step toward advancing the ambitious animal welfare reforms set out in the Animal Welfare Strategy, ensuring farm animals have greater freedom to express their natural behaviours and dignity.

    The Animal Welfare Strategy builds on this Government’s strong track record of delivering reforms for animals, having already introduced world leading zoo standards, and supporting passage of the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 and the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025.

    We are committed to working with farmers on any changes as part of our commitment to ensuring a productive and sustainable farming sector.

    The proposals will be subject to 8-week consultations, so any impacts on farmers and trade can be fully considered and managed. Both consultations will open today, and farmers, industry and animal welfare organisations are encouraged to share their views.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Unclaimed Estates list reinstated following review [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Unclaimed Estates list reinstated following review [January 2026]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 11 January 2026.

    The Bona Vacantia unclaimed estates list has been reinstated following a review of its publication.

    Publication of the list was suspended in July 2025 following allegations of fraud within the probate system.

    The review found no evidence the Bona Vacantia unclaimed estates list has been the source of fraud.

    However, the Bona Vacantia Division (BVD) has concluded it is prudent to restrict the data provided to protect the list’s integrity, whilst still providing sufficient information for people to identify a family member.

    Information published may assist people to identify estates to which they could have an entitlement. To safeguard this list going forward, it will only display the deceased’s name, date of death, area where they died and BVD case reference number.

    Any requests for more information will be considered in accordance with all relevant statutory requirements.

    The Bona Vacantia Division will continue to keep the list’s publication under review and if there are any further allegations of fraud or misuse, access may be restricted or removed without notice.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Stronger parental leave rights to give millions of working families the “security they deserve” [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Stronger parental leave rights to give millions of working families the “security they deserve” [January 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 11 January 2026.

    New day one rights to parental leave set to enter force from April.

    • Over 18 million workers across the UK to benefit from stronger protections at work, with most insecure workers set to gain the most.   
    • New day one rights from April confirmed for parental leave, whilst bereaved partners set to gain further rights to paternity leave. 
    • Changes create more secure jobs and raise living standards, ensuring economic growth is felt by working people in every part of the UK.   

    Millions of workers who were previously denied time off for the birth of their child will become eligible for new day one rights to parental leave from April, through measures being laid in Parliament today (Monday 12 January). 

    The changes, which stem from the recently passed Employment Rights Act, will see parents no longer be forced to make the heart-wrenching choice between being there for the first weeks of their child’s life or going back to work to avoid losing their job.  

    An additional 32,000 more dads per year will be able to access Paternity Leave immediately, as a mother would with maternity leave.  

    This comes as the Government continues its Parental Leave and Pay Review, which will assess the whole system – from maternity and paternity leave to shared parental leave – to see how it can work better for parents and employers.  

    Around 390,000 people are estimated to be out of work due to caring responsibilities but want a job, including parents. The reforms to parental leave include the right to take Unpaid Parental Leave from the first day in a new job, giving a further 1.5 million parents more flexibility to share caring responsibilities. If even 1% of those out of work were able to take up a part-time job as a result of this move, it could boost economic output by around £150m a year. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:   

    For too long, working people were left without the basic rights and security they deserve. That ends now.

    The changes we’re bringing in will mean every new parent can properly take time off when they have a child, and no one is forced to work while ill just to make ends meet. This is about giving working families the support they need to balance work, health and the cost of living.

    We’re delivering a modern deal for workers. Stronger sick pay, parental leave from day one, and protections that put dignity back at the heart of work. Because when we respect and reward those who keep Britain running, we build a stronger economy for everyone.

    Business Secretary Peter Kyle said:   

    No one should have to worry about whether they can take time off when their baby arrives, or lose pay simply because they’ve fallen ill.   

    Our improvements to sick pay and parental leave are about giving workers and their families the security they deserve. They will ensure our drive for growth reaches everyone through providing secure, fair paying jobs and giving support to people when they need it most.

    Following campaigning from individuals such as Aaron Horsey, a new Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave will also be introduced from April, providing up to 52 weeks of leave for fathers and partners who lose their partner before their child’s first birthday. This fixes the previously unfair system where bereaved partners had to rely on the compassion of an employer in order to be granted time off to grieve and care for their child. 

    Aaron Horsey, campaigner for Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave, said: 

    Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave ensures that new parents and their employers have a clear route for support at one of the most difficult moments imaginable. It gives them the time and space they need to grieve, care, and begin to rebuild their lives with dignity. 

    By embedding this protection in law, it shows how listening to lived experience can lead to practical, compassionate change that will support families for generations to come.

    Analysis published last week showed that over 18 million workers are set to benefit from the Government’s wider Plan to Make Work Pay, with it particularly supporting the lowest-paid workers, those in insecure jobs, and people facing unfair treatment at work.   

    The benefits in the Employment Rights Act significantly outweigh the costs. By restricting exploitative practices like unscrupulous fire and rehire, and giving more workers access to flexible working and guaranteed hours contracts, this country will see improved worker wellbeing, boosted productivity, and a more level playing field for employers. This is all worth billions of pounds per year and is expected to deliver a small yet positive impact on economic growth. 

    The government is also bringing in changes to ensure up to 1.3 million additional employees in lower-paid or part-time roles are able to access Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and make sure everyone can access it from the first day of illness.   

    This is a substantial shift from the former three-day wait for SSP to kick in, which left people working whilst ill risking increased long-term sickness, one of key factors draining British businesses and the wider economy. 

    By improving the quality of work and ensuring that everyone has job security when it matters most, the Government is delivering on its mission to drive growth that is felt by everyone. 

    TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

    The Employment Rights Act will deliver vital common-sense reforms for millions of people across the country – including sick pay for all workers and better leave for parents.  

    Britain will now be brought into line with other countries where workers already have better protections. And crucially, the legislation will give working people the higher living standards and secure incomes that are needed to build a decent life.  

    Good employers will also welcome these changes – the Act protects them from competitors whose business models are built on low-paid, insecure employment.” 

    Simon Kelleher, Head of Policy and Influencing at Working Families, said:

    Day-one rights for paternity and unpaid parental leave are a positive step forward. Removing the 26-week qualifying period means parents can change jobs without losing essential leave entitlements, something we know has held many people back and can trap families in roles that no longer work for them. 

    To build on this progress, we are looking forward to continuing our engagement with the Government’s ongoing Parental Leave Review to ensure all parents can access a meaningful period of leave.

    Niall Mackenzie, Acas Chief Executive, said:

    It can be hugely stressful if a worker is not paid during an illness or dealing with a major life upheaval like a birth or bereavement.  

    These new measures give greater protections for working people that get ill, and create capacity to handle unpredictable moments when they need it the most. Reducing stress and anxiety for staff can also help support good relationships with employers and support business growth.

    Notes to editors:   

    • The following Statutory Instrument will be laid in Parliament on Monday 12 January, in order for the parental leave measures in the Employment Rights Act 2025 to take effect:  
    • The Employment Rights Act 2025 (Parental and Paternity Leave) (Removal of Qualifying Periods etc.) (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2026 
    • The following Statutory Instruments will be laid in order to allow Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave to take effect: 
    • The Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave Regulations 2026  
    • The Employment Rights Act 1996 (Application of Section 80B to Parental Order Cases) (Amendment) Regulations 2026  
    • The Employment Rights Act 1996 (Application of Section 80B to Adoptions from Overseas) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 
    • Statutory Instruments for the Statutory Sick Pay changes in the Employment Rights Act 2025 will follow in the coming months, ahead of implementation in April. 
  • PRESS RELEASE : How well is your council fixing your roads? [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : How well is your council fixing your roads? [January 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 11 January 2026.

    New map rates how record government pothole funding is being used.

    • new red, amber, green ratings let public see which local highway authorities are fixing potholes effectively
    • government’s record £7.3 billion funding announced at budget is helping councils get on with fixing nation’s roads
    • record investment will drive real improvement, saving drivers money by preventing costly repairs and restoring pride in communities

    Drivers across England can now see how well their local highway authority (LHA) is tackling the pothole plague thanks to a new traffic light rating system published by the government today (11 January 2026).  

    The new ratings – the first of their kind – grade 154 local highway authority (LHA) as red, amber or green based on current road condition and how effectively they are spending the government’s record £7.3 billion funding to fix potholes and invest in long term measures to maintain roads.

    The interactive map shows every LHA’s rating, to highlight best practice and drive improved performance from councils.   

    It comes after the government backed LHAs with a record multi-year investment to improve the condition of their roads, after years of them calling for long-term certainty.

    This allows them to repair potholes effectively and move away from expensive, short-term repairs and instead invest in long-term preventative measures. The fixes will mean more money in drivers’ pockets – with the average vehicle repair bill from hitting potholes around £320, with some motorists paying over £1,000 last year.  

    Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:  

    For too long, drivers have paid the price because our roads were left to deteriorate. I have heard time and again their frustration on footing the bill because they hit a pothole – money they should never have to spend in the first place.  

    We’ve put our money where our mouth is, increasing the funding for local highway authorities with £7.3 billion to fix roads and given them the long-term certainty they have been asking for. Now it’s over to them to spend the money wisely, and for the first time, we are making sure the public can see how well councils are doing in delivering the improvements they want to see in their local area. 
     
    This government’s record investment will save drivers money on repairs, make roads safer and help restore pride in our communities.

    The government’s record £7.3 billion for local road maintenance is enough for LHAs to renew and improve tens of thousands of miles of roads in every corner of the country.   

    The red, amber, green ratings are based on 3 key areas:

    • the condition of local roads
    • how much LHAs are spending on road repairs
    • whether they are following best practice in maintaining highways

    The first-of-its-kind rating system shines a light on where local authorities are excelling and, crucially, where more needs to be done to deliver change people see in their communities.   

    Those that scored ‘green’, like Leeds, Sandwell and Manchester, were able to demonstrate they are following best practice, such as investing in more long-term preventative measures rather than just patching up potholes, while also maintaining good road conditions and investing significantly into improving local roads. 

    ‘Amber’ ranked LHAs showed some of these qualities with room for improvement in individual areas, while those rated ‘red’ are not yet meeting the expected standards in one or several areas measured by the ratings – such as the current state of the roads, their plans for preventing potholes or investment into maintaining their local roads more widely. 

    To boost standards, LHAs currently rated red will receive dedicated support to bring them in line with best practices, backed by £300,000 worth of expert planning and capability assistance. The support programme will include peer reviews where sector experts will help improve processes and provide practical advice.

    As an incentive to better roads, access to full future funding allocations will be linked to performance, ensuring councils are encouraged to get on with the job and use taxpayer money efficiently to repair and maintain their roads before potholes form.

    To further ensure transparency from LHAs, 25% of local highway authorities’ £500 million funding uplift this financial year was withheld until they published transparency reports and set out how they comply with best practice. The withheld £125 million in funding was unlocked at the end of last year by councils which successfully submitted their reports.

    In further support for local authorities, the government will extend the Live Labs 2 programme for another year, providing up to £300,000 to help councils access and adopt more innovative approaches to maintenance, including uptake of longer-lasting, low-carbon materials for repairing roads faster, more efficiently and far less often. These materials can unlock savings for the taxpayer, lower emissions and reduce disruptive roadworks long-term to keep drivers moving.

    The announcement comes in the same week the government unveiled the first Road Safety Strategy in over a decade, to save thousands of lives on the nation’s roads by tackling drink-driving, improving training for young drivers and introducing mandatory eye tests for older motorists.  

    Edmund King, AA president and founding member of the Pothole Partnership, said: 

    The top transport demand for 96% of AA members is fixing potholes with increased investment in repairing and upgrading roads.

    We welcome this government initiative to hold local highways authorities to account, which should help to promote the Pothole Partnership objective of more proactive and permanent repairs.

    Caroline Julian, Brand and Engagement Director of British Cycling and founding member of the Pothole Partnership, said: 

    For cyclists, potholes are far more than an annoyance. One unexpected impact can cause a serious crash, life-changing injury or, in the worst cases, a fatality. Safe riding depends on safe roads, and a smooth, well-maintained surface isn’t a luxury for cyclists, it’s essential for their safety.

    This new mapping tool is a step forward. It gives riders clear insight into how well their council is maintaining the routes they rely on every day, whilst holding decision-makers to account.

    RAC Head of Policy, Simon Williams, said:

    These new ratings are a positive move that will help drivers understand how councils are performing when it comes to improving the state of local roads. While there are examples of good road maintenance practice taking place, this isn’t consistent across the country and means drivers have, for too long, been left with substandard roads. 

    We hope this initiative, plus the promise of longer-term funding for councils to allow them to plan and carry out much-needed preventative maintenance, means we’re finally on the way to having smoother, better roads.

    Kerry Winstanley, Managing Director of Local Council Roads Innovation Group (LCRIG), said:

    The release of the national ratings provides a clear opportunity to target support and strengthen the local road network where it is most needed.

    For many years, highways authorities have worked hard to maintain roads despite declining budgets and resources and the ratings, released alongside record multi-year investment, will enable authorities to benefit from additional support and increase investment in preventative maintenance, while continuing collaborative work supported by LCRIG, including sharing best practices, adopting innovative solutions, and working towards a nationally green-rated road network.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK to develop new deep strike ballistic missile for Ukraine [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK to develop new deep strike ballistic missile for Ukraine [January 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 11 January 2026.

    The UK will develop new tactical ballistic missiles that boost Ukraine’s firepower to defend itself from Putin’s war machine.

    • New ballistic missile could carry a 200kg warhead over a range of more than 500 kilometres.
    • Missile will provide Ukraine a long range-punch to counter Russian aggression
    • Project aims to boost UK defence industry, supporting innovation and growth while stepping up support for Ukraine into 2026.

    The UK will develop new tactical ballistic missiles that boost Ukraine’s firepower to defend itself from Putin’s war machine.

    Under Project Nightfall, the UK has launched a competition to rapidly develop ground-launched ballistic missiles with a range of more than 500 kilometres and designed to operate in high-threat battlefields with heavy electromagnetic interference.

    Nightfall missiles will be capable of being launched from a range of vehicles, firing multiple missiles in quick succession and withdrawing within minutes – allowing Ukrainian forces to hit key military targets before Russian forces can respond.

    With a 200kg conventional high explosive warhead, high precision production rate of 10 systems per month and a maximum price of £800,000 per missile, NIGHTFALL is intended to provide Ukraine with a powerful, cost-effective long-range strike option, with minimal foreign export controls.

    The Nightfall project builds on the UK’s ironclad commitment to Ukraine, particularly to its long range capabilities, through the gifting of thousands of deep strike one-way attack drones.

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    The attacks overnight on Thursday just go to show how Putin thinks he can act with impunity, targeting civilian areas with advanced weaponry.

    Instead of seriously negotiating a peace, he’s seriously escalating his illegal war.

    We were close enough to hear the air raid sirens around Lviv on our journey to Kyiv, it was a serious moment and a stark reminder of the barrage of drones and missiles hitting Ukrainians in sub-zero conditions.

    We won’t stand for this, which is why we are determined to put leading edge weapons into the hands of Ukrainians as they fight back.

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

    A secure Europe needs a strong Ukraine. These new long-range British missiles will keep Ukraine in the fight and give Putin another thing to worry about.

    In 2026, we will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. Providing equipment to keep them in the fight today, whilst working to secure the peace tomorrow.

    The project aims for three industry teams to each be awarded a £9 million development contract to design, develop and deliver their first three missiles within 12 months for test firings.

    Nightfall is a project focused on rapid prototyping, spiral development, resilience to electronic warfare, and the ability to scale manufacturing quickly, particularly in the UK.

    Whilst aimed at supporting Ukraine, Nightfall will also inform future UK Armed Forces’ long range strike projects.

    The detailed Nightfall requirements were shared with Industry Partners on the 19 December 2025 that had signed the required confidentiality and security arrangements. The deadline to receive Nightfall development proposals is the 9th February 2026, with development contract(s) aimed to be awarded in March 2026.

  • Kemi Badenoch – 2026 Comments on Limiting Social Media for under-16s

    Kemi Badenoch – 2026 Comments on Limiting Social Media for under-16s

    The comments made by Kemi Badenoch, the Leader of the Opposition, on 12 January 2026.

    Enough is enough.

    Social media is taking childhood from our children.

    Today, Laura Trott and I met with a group of parents crying out for stronger safeguards for children online. That’s why we have a plan to introduce age limits for social media access for under 16s.

  • Nadhim Zahawi – 2026 Comments on his Defection to Reform UK

    Nadhim Zahawi – 2026 Comments on his Defection to Reform UK

    The comments made by Nadhim Zahawi on 12 January 2026.

    Today I became the newest member of the Reform Party UK, because Britain is broken and Nigel Farage is the only person who is capable of building the team to fix it.

  • Ed Davey – 2026 Comments on Defection of Nadhim Zahawi

    Ed Davey – 2026 Comments on Defection of Nadhim Zahawi

    The comments made by Ed Davey, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, on 12 January 2026.

    Farage backed Boris Johnson’s disastrous Brexit deal and Liz Truss’s catastrophic mini-budget.

    No wonder he’s welcoming someone who enthusiastically supported both.

  • Liz Kendall – 2026 Statement on Grok’s Image Generation

    Liz Kendall – 2026 Statement on Grok’s Image Generation

    The statement made by Liz Kendall, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology on 9 January 2026.

    Sexually manipulating images of women and children is despicable and abhorrent. It is an insult and totally unacceptable for Grok to still allow this if you’re willing to pay for it. I expect Ofcom to use the full legal powers Parliament has given them.

    I, and more importantly the public – would expect to see Ofcom update on next steps in days not weeks.

    I would remind xAI that the Online Safety Act Includes the power to block services from being accessed in the UK, if they refuse to comply with UK law. If Ofcom decide to use those powers they will have our full support.

    We will be banning nudification apps in the Crime and Policing Bill which is in parliament now.

    We are in the coming weeks bringing in to force powers to criminalise the creation of intimate images without consent.

    I expect all platforms to abide by Ofcom’s new Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) guidance and if they do not, I am prepared to go further.

    We are as determined to ensure women and girls are safe online as we are to ensure they are safe in the real world. No excuses.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK strengthens its commitment to protecting human rights defenders [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK strengthens its commitment to protecting human rights defenders [January 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 January 2026.

    The UK Government has published the Guiding Principles on Supporting Human Rights Defenders, reaffirming its commitment to promoting and protecting those who work to uphold fundamental rights worldwide.

    This document sets out how the UK seeks to support individuals and organisations at risk for their work in defence of human rights. The principles include: 

    • Diplomatic action to raise visibility and provide protection. 
    • Practical support, such as guidance and resources to reduce risks. 
    • International collaboration with governments, civil society and multilateral bodies. 
    • Promotion of safe environments, where defenders can work free from threats or reprisals. 

    Human rights defenders play a vital role in building fair and democratic societies. Yet many face intimidation, violence and criminalisation. Through these principles, the UK aims to strengthen protection and ensure their work can continue safely. 

    To read the full principles and access additional resources, visit the official link.