The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 28 May 2026.
The Deputy Prime Minister, in his capacity as Secretary of State, has approved the re-appointment of Dr Jake Hard and Professor Seena Fazel as members of the Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody for a period of 3 years from 1 July 2026 for Dr Jake Hard, and 1 October 2026 for Professor Seena Fazel.
Established in 2009, the Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody (IAPDC) forms part of the Ministerial Council on Deaths in Detention in England and Wales. The IAPDC provides expert advice and challenge to Ministers, departments, and agencies with the central aim of preventing deaths in detention.
This appointment is made by the Secretary of State for Justice in consultation with the Department of Health and Social Care and the Home Office, who co-sponsor and co-fund the IAPDC.
Appointments are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and recruitment processes comply with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.
Biographies
Professor Seena Fazel
Professor Fazel is the Professor of Forensic Psychiatry and Director of the Centre for Suicide Research at the University of Oxford. He is an honorary consultant forensic psychiatrist for Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and works clinically in a community forensic mental health team. His main research interests are in relation to suicidal behaviour in prisoners, the mental health of prisoners, and risk assessment in criminal justice and mental health.
Dr Jake Hard
Dr Hard is a GP with over 19 years’ experience of working in prison and is the Associate Clinical Director for the South West Prisons, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust. He was the Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners Secure Environments Group from 2016 to 2022 and has published work with the IAPDC.
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 May 2026.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to lead UK-convened international coalition to tackle global emergency of violence against women and girls.
mirroring the UK Government mission to halve VAWG in a decade, the Coalition announced at the Global Partnerships Conference will see countries across the globe share expertise and scale up prevention work
eight countries have signed up to this new Coalition, driven by the Foreign Secretary
Women and girls across the globe will be better protected from violence and abuse, as the UK spearheads a new international effort to drive progress, to be announced by the Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper today at the Global Partnerships Conference in London.
The new coalition brings together eight countries to work together to prevent violence so that women and girls can live free from fear, no matter who or where they are. Member states will drive practical action to prevent domestic abuse and sexual violence, which affects 1 in every 3 women globally, as well as tackling online abuse, which is on the rise around the world.
Founding members are the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Morocco, Spain, Jamaica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Australia.
As the world faces increasing conflict, the International Coalition will also look to strengthen global efforts to prevent sexual violence in conflict and other forms of violence in humanitarian crises.
Next year, the UK will convene a major summit on tackling violence against women and girls where countries can set out further commitments and report on progress.
The Government has already pledged the largest crackdown on violence against women and girls in British history, committing to halve these horrific crimes within a decade and introducing lifesaving policies like Raneem’s Law, which has seen domestic abuse specialists embedded in 999 control rooms.
The Foreign Secretary has exported her domestic experience into foreign policy, declaring women and girls a departmental priority at the FCDO and protecting central spending on tackling violence against women and girls in a challenging fiscal context.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, said:
Violence against women and girls is a global emergency not just a national emergency. We are determined to work across borders to ensure women’s safety is a world wide priority. I visited the Sudanese border in February, and I heard girls speak of rape, abduction and abhorrent sexual violence. I will make sure their voices are heard and fight to end violence for every single one of them – and for the 1 in 3 women globally who will experience sexual or physical abuse in their lifetime.
I’m delighted to launch this Coalition with countries around the world that share our ambition. Because from the UK, to Brazil, to South Africa and beyond, women deserve to live free from fear of violence. And because there can be no peace, security, or prosperity for any of us until they do.
Through the Coalition, countries will share expertise in tackling the issue and develop national action plans to scale up work to prevent violence, protect women and girls, and hold perpetrators to account.
Yesterday, the Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper visited Lewisham Police Station, alongside the UK Safeguarding Minister Natalie Fleet and Spanish Secretary of State for International Cooperation. They spoke to Met police officers and saw demonstrations of their V100 programme – a pioneering digital risk assessment using counter-terrorism tactics to identify, target and manage the most dangerous VAWG offenders in London.
Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls Natalie Fleet said:
Violence against women and girls is a global emergency and tackling this issue requires more than warm words.
To create a world where women and girls feel safe from harm, we must build a united, global front and I’m proud to stand alongside international partners today who committed to doing just that.
But we will not stop there. We will deploy the full power of the UK state to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.
The launch comes alongside the publication of the UK’s new International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls, which sets out how the UK will defend the rights of women and girls across the world, embedding this across diplomacy, trade, security, and development, using UK partnerships and resources to drive progress.
The Framework outlines the UK’s increased ambition to ensure women and girls are placed at the heart of everything we do, and includes a commitment that at least 90% of FCDO bilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA) will have a focus on gender equality by 2030.
Notes to editors:
In 2024, the Foreign Secretary (in her previous role as Home Secretary) set out new measures set out to combat violence against women and girls – GOV.UK, including the introduction of Raneem’s Law which saw domestic abuse specialists embedded in 999 control rooms.
Last year, the UK unveiled its national VAWG strategy, setting out how the UK will meet its ambition to halve VAWG in a decade – a commitment made by the Foreign Secretary (in her previous role as Home Secretary).
In March, the Foreign Secretary made women and girls a departmental priority at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. She also announced that central spending on preventing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict (PSVI) will be protected at 2025 to 2026 levels.
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 May 2026.
The Prime Minister hosted the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, at RAF Northolt and a nearby military museum today.
The leaders began by reflecting on the historic relationship between the UK and Poland, including the strong links between the Polish community and RAF Northolt, where the 303 Polish Fighter Squadron had been based in the Second World War.
That military relationship was the foundation for the strong friendship the two countries shared today, the Prime Minister said.
Reflecting on the new Northolt Treaty they signed together, the leaders discussed how it marked a generational step up in defence and security cooperation between the two countries, which would strengthen NATO and European security, particularly on hybrid and modern threats.
Both Prime Ministers underlined the importance of Europe stepping up in NATO to ensure security across the continent. The increase in defence spending seen from Allies had to be coupled with strong alliances within Europe, they both agreed.
Turning to Ukraine, the leaders reiterated their steadfast support for the Ukranian people and condemned Russia’s continued aggression. It was vital a just and lasting peace was secured for Ukraine and peace restored in Europe, the leaders agreed.
The leaders also discussed the UK’s ambition to be closer to the European Union, both to protect security and boost prosperity, and the Prime Minister welcomed Prime Minister Tusk’s support on the issue.
Moving on to the Middle East, the leaders discussed the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the need for the ceasefire to hold. A swift diplomatic resolution that leads to a lasting settlement was vital, the Prime Minister said.
Both looked forward to seeing one another again soon.
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 May 2026.
The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, this morning.
The Prime Minister began by thanking Prime Minister Luxon for New Zealand’s continued support for the Coalition of the Willing on Ukraine and plans for a future Multinational Military Mission in the Strait of Hormuz.
Ahead of New Zealand’s Budget tomorrow, the leaders discussed the financial impact that widespread global instability was having on households in both the UK and New Zealand, and the importance of finding a way forward and ultimately, a resolution, to keep the cost of living down.
On Ukraine, the Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Luxon for New Zealand’s strong support for both the training of Ukrainian soldiers as part of Operation Interflex, as well as Ukraine’s efforts to secure a just and lasting peace.
The leaders also discussed the appalling situation in the West Bank and reiterated their call for the Government of Israel to end its expansion of settlements and administrative powers and ensure accountability for settler violence.
The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.
The fact that the government is still trying to hide the truth when it comes to Mandelson is an utter disgrace. Responsibility for hiring him lies at the door of the PM.
Glaring warning signs were ignored, due to a desperate desire to pander to the bully in the White House.
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 May 2026.
Treaty between the Republic of Poland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on a Security and Defence Partnership.
The Republic of Poland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, hereinafter referred to as “the Parties”,
Resolving to strengthen close co-operation in security and defence and preparing for the challenges facing both States and Europe as a whole;
Guided by the desire to ensure a prosperous, secure and sustainable future for their citizens amid fundamental geopolitical change;
Cognisant of the current challenges to Euro-Atlantic security in an era characterised by increasing security threats and the return of warfare to the European continent, and acknowledging the challenges to their democracies and to international law and norms;
Identifying the Russian Federation as the most significant long term threat to that security and the need to counter its malign actions;
Determined to overcome these challenges by deepening their close co-operation as European neighbours and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Allies on the basis of the strong ties that connect their States, peoples and governments and their shared history, values and interests;
Reaffirming their ironclad commitment to NATO as the bedrock of their security, and the foundation of collective defence of the Euro-Atlantic area;
Guided by the importance of working together as strong bilateral partners to strengthen the transatlantic Alliance and enhance the defence and security of Europe;
Reaffirming their commitment to European unity and responsibility in matters of security and defence;
Reaffirming their commitment to fundamental freedoms and human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, and to an international order with the United Nations (UN) as its core;
Underscoring that economic growth and security are interdependent and vital to their future prosperity and the wellbeing of their peoples;
Resolved to strengthen prosperity and security through action to enhance the energy security of both States, to improve the resilience of their economies, to seize the opportunities offered by science, and to shape the technological change that will define their futures;
Recognising that prosperity and security can only be guaranteed by action to combat climate change, and reaffirming their commitment to the Paris Agreement done at Paris on 12 December 2015 (Paris Agreement) and its goals;
Ambitious to build upon the Treaty between the Republic of Poland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on Defence and Security Cooperation, done at Warsaw on 21 December 2017 (2017 Treaty) and the Poland-UK 2030 Strategic Partnership Joint Declaration on Foreign Policy, Security and Defence, signed at London on 5 July 2023 (2023 Joint Declaration);
Have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE 1
Foreign and Security Policy Co-operation
The Parties commit to deepen co-operation in international security and foreign policy, in order to support international peace and security, promote human rights and the rule of law, and ensure the effectiveness of the international security architecture. Through regular engagement at ministerial and official level, the Parties undertake to share analysis, consult on the full range of international challenges, and coordinate on their respective policies, endeavouring to establish common positions and promote mutual interests.
The Parties shall intensify co-operation alongside other partners, and within multilateral formats such as NATO, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the UN in order to address international challenges. The Parties shall make the best possible use of the UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership between the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland of 19 May 2025. Noting the shared commitment between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the European Union (EU) to explore mutual involvement in relevant defence initiatives in accordance with the respective legal frameworks, they look forward to working together with NATO Allies and EU Member States to strengthen European security, in support of NATO.
The Parties shall seek to intensify their co-operation with other European partners, in order to jointly address international security challenges.
The Parties underscore the threat the Russian Federation poses to international peace and security. They reaffirm their commitment to countering and deterring Russian aggression and interference in all its forms. They resolve to apply appropriate pressure on the enablers of Russian malign activity and aggression, and to work together, including in international fora, to hold the Russian Federation (including its political and military leadership) to account for its violations of international law including international humanitarian law and international human rights law committed in the context thereof. The Parties will continue to work with Ukraine and other partners to pursue lawful ways to ensure the Russian Federation is made to meet its obligation to pay for damage it has caused Ukraine.
Guided by their enduring commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, the Parties reaffirm their unwavering military support for Ukraine’s security and independence as well as Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction, including through supporting Ukraine to build a resilient economy, stronger democratic institutions, and further Euro-Atlantic integration.
The Parties shall cooperate closely to strengthen the effectiveness of sanctions policy and implementation. As appropriate, both Parties shall foster alignment within multilateral frameworks such as the EU, and the UN to ensure a unified and impactful response.
The Parties shall deepen exchanges on matters of strategic stability including deterrence and defence, arms control and non-proliferation, to strengthen Euro-Atlantic and wider international security.
Driven by their shared values and commitment to democracy, the Parties reiterate their commitment to the freedom of the press and independence of the media, and to freedom of expression. The Parties shall support these principles through their membership of the Council of Europe, participation in the OSCE, including supporting the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media and through the UN.
The Parties undertake to strengthen coordination on conflict resolution and prevention and the application of international humanitarian law. The Parties shall work to increase women’s full, equal, meaningful and safe participation in decision-making processes related to peace and security. The Parties shall promote the protection of and support for women and children during and after armed conflict and work to prevent sexual violence in conflict.
Driven by a shared commitment to the role international development plays in preventing and mitigating threats to national security, and acknowledging the valuable role of the EU as a development actor, the Parties agree to deepen collaboration and share best practice, including on projects in relevant States.
The Parties commit to continue and strengthen regular diplomatic training exchanges.
Building on existing dialogues, the Parties shall create regular structured dialogues on foreign and security policy at ministerial and official levels that bring in relevant departments as necessary to address the cross-cutting nature of many existing and emerging threats and discuss the methods to address them adequately.
ARTICLE 2
Defence and Security Co-operation
Building on the 2017 Treaty and the 2023 Joint Declaration, the Parties reaffirm the commitments therein and agree to deepen their co-operation in defence, with the aims of:
a. strengthening the security of the Euro-Atlantic region, recognising that regional security is inseparable from the security of both Parties;
b. enhancing bilateral interchangeability and interoperability between their respective armed forces across all domains, including via enhanced joint training, education, and exercising and participation in multinational military structures located both in the Republic of Poland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and to build links between personnel;
c. supporting the defence and deterrence activities of NATO, bolstering co-operation between NATO and the EU, and supporting the peacekeeping activities of the UN;
d. supporting the defence industries of the Parties and their common projects, including developing joint capabilities, and enhancing co-operation in research and technology, inclusive of technology transfer.
The Parties reaffirm their determination to meet commitments as NATO Allies, including for multi-domain collective defence. To achieve this, the Parties shall provide forces, capabilities, resources and infrastructure as are needed to enable the execution of the Defence Plans of NATO.
The Parties shall work together, with other NATO Allies, to strengthen deterrence and defence of the NATO eastern flank acknowledging its strategic role and coordinating their forces and efforts where possible.
Recognising the volatile and increasingly challenging security environment in Europe and in its broader neighbourhood, the Parties reaffirm their commitment to NATO as the foundation of their collective defence, and to their obligations as stipulated in the North Atlantic Treaty, done at Washington on 4 April 1949 (North Atlantic Treaty), in particular Article 5. The Parties also affirm as close allies their deep commitment to each other’s defence.
As NATO Allies and strategic partners, the Parties affirm their deep commitment to each other’s defence and, in the event of an armed attack on the other, shall assist one another, including by military means in accordance with Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty.
The Parties recognise the urgent need for Europe to step up the development of new defence capabilities in all domains in order to strengthen their security and protect their territory, and are resolved to play their part in this generational effort. The Parties also recognise the mutually-reinforcing benefits of ensuring security of supply for national programmes and creating a reliable pipeline of orders for defence companies. Therefore, the Parties commit to: greater alignment of defence industrial and export strategies allowing for future partnerships; development and maintenance of interchangeable capabilities; joint procurement; work to identify and minimise regulatory barriers to joint programmes; work to improve dialogue and co-operation between defence companies of both Parties; and discussions of supply chain risks and ways to overcome them.
Recognising the imperative to strengthen defence financing in accordance with the ambition set out by the NATO, the Parties support efforts in this domain. The Parties are united in their resolve to accelerate the introduction of innovative instruments and methods for the mobilisation of financial resources, ensuring that such efforts are comprehensive and inclusive. The Parties shall cooperate to advance defence financing solutions that enable the timely and efficient achievement of defence objectives.
Recognising the Parties’ significant shared interests as nations that adhere to international law and norms, the Parties commit to strengthen the interoperability, interchangeability and integration of their defence strategies and armed forces. The Parties shall continue to articulate detailed plans for their growing military co-operation through the defence co-operation plans established through the 2017 Treaty. The Parties shall intensify their co-operation across all domains, including training, doctrine, education, exercising, and special operations. The Parties shall continue to enable the regular exchange of national security and defence personnel and their families, to deepen and forge their relationship for future generations and to ensure their Armed Forces have the conditions they need to perform effectively.
Understanding the ever-growing importance of disruptive technologies, deepened defence co-operation shall include increased collaboration in cyber security capabilities. The Parties shall also explore opportunities to work together on new and disruptive technologies, including dual-use technologies, artificial intelligence, space and other defence technologies.
The Parties commit to developing and maintaining a close dialogue between their respective Defence Ministries on all defence issues of mutual interest, including on nuclear issues within NATO.
Acknowledging that investment in operational, capability and industrial collaboration must be underpinned by work to improve the personnel links between their forces, the Parties commit to enhance liaison officer networks and professional military education opportunities; increase joint exercising; and negotiate new agreements on the mobility of military personnel.
Building on existing dialogues, the Parties shall further develop regular structured dialogues to discuss enhancing defence co-operation. The Parties shall hold annual strategic dialogues and consultations, which include Ministers, the Chiefs of Defence Staff and senior officials. This shall also include an increased exchange between respective expert communities of the Parties.
ARTICLE 3
National Security Co-operation
Recognising the rapid evolution and interconnected nature of threats to their internal security, the Parties commit to strengthen bilateral co-operation to tackle them, including threats to critical infrastructure (including land and maritime infrastructure), making best use of all suitable policy, legal, operational, diplomatic and technological tools and mechanisms.
Building on the Parties’ existing commitments in the Protocol on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, of the one part, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, of the other part, done at Brussels and London on 30 December 2020, the Parties commit to joint action to counter transnational serious and organised crime, including action on criminality falling within the jurisdiction of the customs authorities. The Parties shall enhance their collaboration on strategic policy and operational co-operation. In pursuit of the most harmful groups, the Parties shall strengthen joint action, including advance cargo information sharing and pre-arrival risk analysis co-operation, where appropriate. The Parties shall work together and explore collaboration with the private sector and third countries to tackle other shared organised crime threats, such as the illicit trafficking of drugs, tobacco and firearms, fraud and illicit finance.
The Parties recognise that migrant smuggling is a shared challenge requiring joint solutions. They commit to cooperate in the fight against organised cross-border crime involving migrant smuggling and trafficking in persons. They shall, where appropriate, deepen dialogue and operational co-operation on border security and exchange best practice and shall work together to counter the instrumentalisation of migration by external actors.
The Parties commit to deepening comprehensive partnerships with countries of origin and transit to address the upstream drivers of irregular migration. The Parties recognise the importance of safe, regulated migration and asylum systems that safeguard against abuse and can respond to modern challenges, and share a firm commitment to international law and human rights standards.
Acknowledging the key roles played by NATO and the EU, the Parties shall strive to strengthen resilience against, deter, and respond to hybrid threats, including cyber and information threats. They shall further their co-operation through information sharing where appropriate, development of tools, and coordination of disruption and response options. They commit to share strategic approaches to the growing threat from hybrid activities, including, but not limited to sabotage, and the malign use of technologies such as artificial intelligence and drones, and to offer mutual support in response to specific incidents and attacks, where appropriate.
The Parties share deep concern at the threats and challenges which undermine security and democratic values through Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) by malign actors. The Parties commit to deepening exchange of risk analysis, growing trends and best practice, where appropriate, and working towards joint action and capability to tackle FIMI threats in a range of ways. They underscore the need for fast and agile responses against FIMI actors given the nature of the evolving threat.
Recognising the significance of critical national infrastructure and the diverse threat vectors that pose risks of disruption particularly in the energy sector, the Parties commit to sharing best practice in resilience, preparedness, response and restoration capabilities as appropriate.
The Parties shall strengthen coordination on counter-terrorism through continued intelligence co-operation and by increasing data sharing where appropriate.
Building on the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Poland and the Ministry of Justice and Home Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on Co-operation in Criminal Matters signed at Warsaw on 14 November 2024, the Parties commit to further strengthen their criminal justice co-operation, including through the opening of negotiations on a new prisoner transfer agreement.
The Parties reinforce their existing commitment to exchange information extracted from criminal records, focusing on both the support of criminal proceedings and the pursuit of key public protection objectives including employment vetting, conducting criminal records checks within migration procedures, and safeguarding. Specifically, the Parties shall share criminal records information for the purposes of protecting vulnerable adults and children including fostering and adoption arrangements where appropriate.
The Parties shall work together bilaterally and through multilateral organisations to improve their law enforcement capabilities. They shall work with INTERPOL to support the integrity of the international system and prevent its abuse by malign actors. They acknowledge the vital role of EU agencies, such as Europol and Eurojust.
The Parties commit to streamline Mutual Legal Assistance co-operation, including by digital means and measures to enhance operational co-operation.
Building on existing dialogues, the Parties shall conduct a regular dialogue on national security to address the cross-cutting nature of many existing and emerging threats, including seeking views from their respective expert communities and civil society organisations where appropriate.
ARTICLE 4
Economic Security Co-operation
The Parties underscore that strong and resilient growth and national security and defence are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. They confirm their shared principles of maintaining and improving a well-functioning international rules-based system, and their mutual commitment to secure and resilient trade. The Parties further stress the necessity of promoting diverse, secure and resilient supply chains, regulatory certainty and trusted trading relationships as integral components of a comprehensive approach to economic security.
The Parties shall strengthen their respective economic resilience to support and protect their national security. They shall exchange information, perspectives on global events and policy responses, where appropriate, to foster a common understanding on areas of concern in the trade and investment domain, including supply chain resilience.
The Parties commit to undertaking actions aimed at strengthening the resilience and security of the transport sector, bilaterally and multilaterally, including through the development of dual-use infrastructure designed for both civilian and military purposes. The Parties shall share information about the best practice in developing such infrastructure.
The Parties commit to regular discussion of barriers to growth, trade and investment including any challenges in the business environment. They shall identify opportunities for coordination and co-operation in areas of strategic importance to their economic security, including under their respective industrial policies.
Noting the profound impact of global health crises on economic growth and national security, the Parties shall deepen exchanges and strengthen international collaboration on global health risks, including provisions for industry dialogue.
Understanding the important role of sustainable agriculture in the bilateral relationship, the Parties shall continue to enhance dialogue on global food security and share information and approaches to regional food challenges.
The Parties recognise the role of bilateral investment in driving growth and commit to deepening collaboration, commercial exchange and dialogue with all relevant partners to facilitate this, including small and medium sized enterprises and large companies, as well as start-ups and accelerators.
The Parties shall advance strong science and technology collaboration, recognising its role in addressing global challenges, supporting the development of commercial technologies, and safeguarding research security. The Parties also recognise the contribution of technology start-ups to economic growth and shall explore ways to collaborate on technology transfer.
The Parties shall engage in dialogue on economic security to address cross-cutting issues and threats to their national security and mutual prosperity. This shall include the geopolitical implications of regulatory and technological changes, particularly in areas of critical infrastructure, dual-use technologies and supply chains dependencies.
ARTICLE 5
Energy and Climate Security Co-operation
The Parties firmly believe that the key to energy security is a diverse energy system that boosts energy independence, better protects consumers from price volatility, is resilient and secure, and mitigates the impacts of climate change through diversified clean energy sources, including renewable and civil nuclear energy generation.
The Parties agree to share experience and deepen bilateral and multilateral collaboration on the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, and implementation of the goals laid out in the Paris Agreement.
The Parties note the need to globally decarbonise energy systems in a just, orderly and equitable manner and to achieve net zero by 2050. The Parties also reaffirm the need to effectively support the development of renewable, nuclear and other zero- or low-emission energy sources and the stability of the energy system at the European level, as well as energy efficiency.
The Parties are committed to nature conservation and restoration which are essential to resilient energy, food, ecological, and economic systems. They commit to protect and preserve the natural environment, including forests and wetlands, which can provide important support to security objectives, where appropriate.
The Parties commit to undertake joint actions to support the development of and investment in zero- or low-emission sources of energy and clean technologies, boosting growth in both States.
Acknowledging the growing threat to the resilience and security of energy infrastructure, the Parties commit to a deeper exchange of analysis and policy approaches. They shall strengthen collaboration to address the full spectrum of risks, including the protection of maritime critical energy infrastructure, critical energy assets, incident response, and advances to repair and restoration capabilities, where proportionate and necessary.
The Parties uphold the importance of civil nuclear energy in their respective future energy mixes. They commit to support nuclear energy, as a clean energy source and to promote access to finance for the development of nuclear projects in Europe and globally, including through green financing and international financing institutions. The Parties shall take steps to counter the involvement of the Russian Federation in their respective civil nuclear supply chains (including in technology and raw materials), and encourage others to do the same, in order to minimise direct and indirect trade.
The Parties support co-operation at the level of Transmission System Operators and market regulators, underlining their important role in the security of supply and the protection of national critical infrastructure as well as the affordability of energy prices.
The Parties stress that delivery of their shared goals on energy security and resilience as well as energy transition will require a collaboration between relevant Ministries, state-owned organisations and enterprises as well as potential commercial partners. The Parties commit to working together with the above mentioned entities, as appropriate, to identify joint projects and support delivery.
ARTICLE 6
Treaty Governance
The Parties shall create a senior official coordination mechanism to review the implementation of the commitments contained in this Treaty. This shall include assessment of existing projects, consideration of new projects, and identification of further areas of co-operation, as needed. Prime Ministers of the Parties will hold biennial consultations to review implementation of this Treaty. Further ministerial‑level dialogues on individual policy themes and policy areas shall be held as necessary, including through the mechanisms specified in Article 4 of the 2017 Treaty.
ARTICLE 7
Relationship with other laws
The Parties shall give effect to this Treaty in accordance with their national law. Nothing in this Treaty shall be construed as prejudicing or affecting in any manner the rights or obligations of the Parties stemming from international law.
ARTICLE 8
Territorial scope
This Treaty shall apply to:
a. the territory of the Republic of Poland; and
b. the territory of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and may be extended to any or all of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, the Bailiwick of Jersey, and the Isle of Man by mutual agreement between the Parties by exchange of notes.
ARTICLE 9
Disputes
Any dispute concerning the interpretation, application or implementation of this Treaty shall be resolved solely by negotiation between the Parties.
ARTICLE 10
Amendments
The Parties may agree, in writing, to amend this Treaty. The amendments shall enter into force in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 12 of this Treaty or on such date as the Parties may agree.
ARTICLE 11
Termination
A Party may terminate this Treaty by giving the other Party notification in writing. Such termination shall take effect six months after the date of receipt of the notification or on such date as the Parties may agree unless the notification is withdrawn by agreement before the end of this period.
ARTICLE 12
Entry into force
This Treaty shall enter into force 30 days after the date of receipt of the last notification by which the Parties notify each other that their respective internal procedures for entry into force of this Treaty have been fulfilled.
Done at …………… this ………… in duplicate, in the Polish and the English languages, both texts being equally authentic.
For the Republic of Poland
For the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 May 2026.
Projects agreed between the UK and Poland on the basis of the Treaty signed by the 2 countries on 27 May 2026.
On 27 May 2026 the UK and Poland signed the Security and Defence Partnership Treaty. As part of our implementation of the Treaty, they agreed to deliver a range of priority projects. These projects span the breadth of the Treaty focusing on making the UK and Poland safer and stronger, demonstrating a step change in our ability to counter threats to our security, including not only closer collaboration on defence capability and military interoperability, but also bolstering our economic and energy security and securing our borders.
1. Developing together the weapons of the future
Building on a strong bilateral partnership in air defence and high-tech weapons, the UK and Poland will become joint European leaders on the manufacture and development of the next generation of missiles. The UK and Poland will work to jointly increase our capabilities, across air-to-air, ground-based air defence and land arenas.
2. Deepening our defence industrial co-operation
To complement our work on the development of technically advanced weapons, the UK and Poland will work together to strengthen ties between our defence industries, promoting defence education, training and workforce mobility to build shared expertise. This will also enhance coordination on defence procurement to support joint capability planning, improve NATO interoperability and build industrial resilience and support third‑country exports. UK and Polish defence industrial partners will expand large-calibre ammunition production capacity and capability, supported by government-enabled collaboration between industries to facilitate knowledge and technology transfer and strengthen supply chain resilience.
3. Working together to strengthen Europe’s eastern flank against the threat from Russia
Through a Strategic Land Partnership, the UK and Poland will maximise the ability of UK and Polish Forward Land Forces to deliver a credible deterrent across Eastern Europe. Large-scale exercises will strengthen interoperability, focusing on counter-drone warfare, electronic warfare, and missile defence. By working together on the development of integrated doctrines we will ensure both nations remain ready to respond to the conflicts of the future.
4. Protecting our seas and collaborating on maritime security
Focusing on sea co-operation in the North Sea and Baltic Sea, this project will improve our analysis and monitoring of the security situation in our seas and help us to work together to safeguard vital lines of communication in the sea and further enhance operational agility and deterrence to protect people in the UK and Poland. The project also supports the modernisation of our capabilities through joint training for next‑generation frigate crews and cooperation on air defence missile procurement. We will continue to promote further co-operation and co-ordination between our Joint Maritime Security Centres to complement ongoing collaboration with other countries to ensure critical infrastructure in the North Sea and Baltic Sea is kept safe.
5. Protecting the UK and Poland from cyber attacks
The UK and Poland have both witnessed an increase in cyber-attacks from criminal and hostile state actors. We will work together on two fronts: on defensive cyber through our respective militaries, focusing on achieving mutual goals, protecting common interests, and responding effectively to the growing threats in the cyber domain. We will also work across civilian agencies sharing approaches on cyber deterrence, attributions of hostile activity and cyber sanctions and responses.
6. Co-ordination on sanctions policy
As a key part of providing an economic deterrence for those who threaten our mutual security, the UK and Poland are working to strengthen co-ordination on our sanctions implementation and enforcement. This includes embedding stronger joint working practices and deepening cooperation on sanctions in areas such as, in particular, Russian aggression against Ukraine, other overlapping EU and UK sanctions regimes, combatting the shadow fleet, promoting freedom of navigation and irregular migration sanctions.
7. Countering hybrid threats
The UK and Poland are facing increasing hybrid threats from states, especially Russia. A new comprehensive counter-Hybrid threats cooperation agreement will enable the UK and Poland to more proactively disrupt malign actions and support our common objective of more proactive disruption and raising the cost of action for Russia. A UK-Poland Counter-Hybrid Working Group will coordinate joint working to raise the costs for hostile states seeking to undermine our security through hybrid activity.
8. Countering foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI)
The online space also provides scope for hostile states to propagate false information, but also to distort truthful information by taking it out of context and presenting it in a way that reinforces divisions that threaten democratic processes. The UK and Poland will lead efforts to protect democratic discourse and strengthen resilience against information warfare. This includes joint campaigns to expose and disrupt the networks manipulating our information spaces and co-ordinated efforts to build resilience in third countries through capacity-building.
9. Countering the malign use of drones by criminals and hostile state actors
The UK and Poland will create a task force to counter the growing threat posed by hostile drone use, particularly in light of technological advances and the lessons we have learnt from drone use in the Ukraine conflict. Led by relevant institutions, the task force will bring together civil agencies from the UK and Poland to share operational expertise, jointly develop detection and mitigation tools and accelerate deployment of novel technologies.
10. Joint action plan on irregular migration
We will implement a comprehensive Joint Action Plan to step up action against people smuggling and irregular migration. The Joint Action Plan will create a bilateral framework to:
work collaboratively with European and regional partners to tackle the migrant smuggling networks, including their use of social media as a key enabler
maximise intelligence sharing and enhance diplomatic efforts on irregular migration upstream
exchange the latest techniques, making the most of new technologies, to monitor borders and deter irregular migration to the UK and Poland
11. Closer collaboration on science and tech
The UK and Poland Treaty will drive secure and resilient economic growth by deepening collaboration on key technologies, supporting research and development with dual-use applications and deepening our institutional relationships. Our science and technology cooperation will be foundational to the growing industries that support the economic security and defence of our two countries.
We will advance British-Polish cooperation across science and technology, including by establishing a dialogue on the geopolitics of digital technologies to strengthen alignment and inform our strategic approach. We will enhance collaboration across quantum research by identifying fields of work we are both working on and promoting joint funding opportunities to accelerate innovation. Acknowledging the growing importance of space for defence and resilience, we will also advance cooperation on space-related matters, including through ESA and engagement between our respective space agencies, while supporting the growth of our space sectors.
12. Taking action to protect health security in the UK and Poland
Recognising healthcare as a pillar of national security and the growing Poland-UK health partnership, both countries will focus their cooperation on three core areas:
Health dialogue: A new Poland-UK health dialogue will be established, covering topics such as healthcare planning and resilience; antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and conflict; chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats; medical evacuations; and the treatment and care of war-wounded persons.
Cyber security: Joint exchanges will facilitate the sharing of best practices in protecting health services from cyber attacks. This supports Poland and UK ambitions to secure critical infrastructure, improve resilience, and develop stronger partnerships with trusted allies.
Digital health (e-health): Visits and knowledge-sharing on telemedicine, data interoperability and digital inclusion will help modernise government services and improve patient access.
13. Joining forces to protect our energy security and accelerate the clean energy transition
It is clear that across the whole of Europe we face common challenges and opportunities in delivering clean energy transition whilst bolstering competitiveness strengthening energy security. In the context of today’s global energy crisis and rising geopolitical risk, closer UK–Poland cooperation on affordable, clean, and resilient energy is both timely and strategic, as the link between national security and energy security is clearer now more than ever.
As we face the second fossil fuel shock in less than five years, the UK and Poland recognise that a diverse, clean energy system is vital to lasting energy security. This package of activity aligns with both the UK and Poland’s priorities looking ahead to the long term.
The UK and Poland will bring together government and industry to collaborate on innovative new technologies such as hydrogen and carbon capture through shared policy expertise and study visits. We will also deepen cooperation in other areas, recognising the role of modern, flexible grids and energy storage in making both countries’ power systems more resilient to shocks and support renewable energy integration, as well as innovative opportunities to decarbonise heating our homes – one of the most difficult sectors to decarbonise.
14. Deepening links between our diplomatic services
In addition to our existing co-operation on the joint training of our diplomats, we propose to create an established system of mutual attachments in both countries to share policy knowledge and promote our mutual understanding of how our systems work. This reflects our ever-closer foreign policy relationship.
The comments made by Heidi Alexander, the Secretary of State for Transport, on 27 May 2026.
We are a government firmly on the side of drivers, and that means acting when hardworking people are being left out of pocket.
The people who use their own vehicle for work are the backbone of our country – the carers, the tradespeople and the public sector workers who keep services running. For too long, they have been expected to shoulder rising costs with support that simply has not kept up.
We’re doing all we can to ease everyday pressures on working people – that means real money back in their pockets and delivering for the people who keep Britain moving.
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 27 May 2026.
The Government has published a list of 125 everyday essentials – including fruit, oils and core pantry staples – targeted for tariff reductions, alongside uprating mileage rates to support working people with the cost of living.
Government launches consultation on suspending tariffs on OVER 100 everyday essentials with the full list now available.
This Government is the first in 15 years to uprate mileage rates for 3 million people who use their own vehicle for work, saving over £120 a year for a worker doing 6,000 business miles.
The support is an additional saving for motorists following the Chancellor’s third extension to the fuel duty freeze which has put another £120 back into their pocket since last year.
Working people are set to benefit from further cost of living support, as the Government publishes a list of over 100 everyday essentials set to see targeted cuts to tariffs alongside uprating mileage rates for the first time in 15 years.
The consultation is seeking views from businesses and other stakeholders on the potential impacts of a second package. It covers a wide range of everyday essentials, from fresh fruit and vegetables, oil and baked goods, to chocolate, sauces, and soft drinks.
The list of 125 items include garlic, avocados, mangoes, nectarines, vegetable oil, olive oil and baked beans. This builds on the tariff suspension announced in April.
In parallel, we are also seeking views on whether suspension of tariffs on certain fertilisers could help farmers cope with the impact of rising fertiliser prices as a result of the conflict in the Middle East.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:
The war in Iran isn’t our war, but one we will need to respond to, and my priority is keeping prices down for households and businesses.
That’s why we’re freezing fuel duty, increasing the mileage rate for the first time in 15 years and slashed VAT temporarily this Summer to help reduce the cost of days out.
This comes as carers, plumbers, builders and millions of other workers across the country who use their own vehicle on the job will have cheaper journeys after the Chancellor uprated mileage rates last week.
In the largest ever uprating of the rates a 10p per mile increase in tax‑free mileage rates for this tax year, backdated to April 2026, has been introduced to ease the cost of living for hardworking Britons.
Increasing the tax free per mile rates from 45p for the first 10,000 miles to 55p per mile will save around £120 for a worker doing 6,000 business miles. Up to two million employees and one million self-employed people will benefit.
This is in addition to savings drivers will make from the Chancellor’s further extension to the fuel duty freeze until the end of the year. That’s the third time Rachel Reeves has frozen fuel duty to support motorists, saving them £120 since last year.
Recognising how farmers and hauliers have been particularly exposed to high fuel prices, and their importance to UK supply chains, more relief has been announced.
For farmers and others who use red diesel and rebated biodiesel, the rate for those fuels has been cut by over a third – the lowest in over two decades. For hauliers, a road tax holiday has been put in place for a year from 1 July.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:
We are a government firmly on the side of drivers, and that means acting when hardworking people are being left out of pocket.
The people who use their own vehicle for work are the backbone of our country – the carers, the tradespeople and the public sector workers who keep services running. For too long, they have been expected to shoulder rising costs with support that simply has not kept up.
We’re doing all we can to ease everyday pressures on working people – that means real money back in their pockets and delivering for the people who keep Britain moving.
Andrea Egan, General Secretary, Unison said:
This simple measure will provide immediate help for countless frontline workers in public services. Particularly at a time when living costs are going through the roof once again.
People who need their own cars for work have been left thousands of pounds out of pocket for far too many years.
UNISON has campaigned hard for this long overdue change. It’s good to know the chancellor has listened to the concerns of staff penalised by frozen rates.
There’s still more to do to ensure no one is losing out and the union will continue to campaign for more over the coming months.”
This follows a much wider package of support rolled out by the Chancellor last week branded ‘Great British Summer Savings’. It includes free bus travel for 5–15-year-olds in England, VAT slashed on children’s meals in restaurants, and VAT cut for all admissions to theatres, theme parks and other attractions.
This will help families enjoy the weekend treats, days out and staycations that make life enjoyable during the cost-of-living squeeze caused by the war in the Middle East while supporting the businesses that depend on summer footfall.
Cutting £150 on average of costs from household energy bills, freezing prescription charges and rail fares, and increasing the national minimum and living wages by hundreds of pounds are some of the actions taken at the Budget that are continuing to support families each month.
The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 27 May 2026.
The competition will be open to a single organisation, or group of organisations, that are willing to come together to deliver the project.
Organisations can now apply for up to £970,000 to help design and build a first-of-its-kind national Muslim War Memorial
The memorial will stand as a lasting tribute to the sacrifice of the hundreds of thousands of Muslims who served to help deliver peace across the world
The successful applicant will also be tasked with driving interfaith dialogue and education about the remarkable story of Muslim soldiers
A search for an organisation to design and deliver a national memorial to mark the significant contribution of Muslims to the First and Second World War has been launched today (27th May).
The memorial will stand as a permanent tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the hundreds of thousands of Muslim soldiers who served alongside Britain and its allies – travelling from across the Middle East, North Africa, and the Indian subcontinent – to help secure victory and promote lasting peace.
Despite there being an estimated 70,000 war memorials across the UK, including several prominent memorials to the sacrifice and contribution of other faith groups to the war effort throughout the 20th Century, this memorial will be the first prominent national tribute to the Muslim soldiers who selflessly fought and died for Britain.
The memorial will pay tribute to many of these remarkable stories. Among them is Khudadad Khan, the first Muslim to be awarded the Victoria Cross. At Hollebeke, Belgium in 1914, Khan continued firing his machine gun alone after all his fellow soldiers had been killed, despite being severely wounded. Left for dead on the battlefield, he crawled back to his regiment under cover of darkness and carried on fighting. He was later presented with the Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace.
Another such story is that of Shahamad Khan, who earned the Victoria Cross for extraordinary bravery in Mesopotamia in April 1916. Manning a machine gun alone just yards from enemy trenches, he beat off three counterattacks after all but two of his men had become casualties. When his gun was knocked out, he held his ground with rifles until ordered to withdraw, and then personally carried back his gun, ammunition, and a severely wounded comrade who could not walk.
In the Second World War, Mohammed Hussain ran away from his home in Rawalpindi and volunteered for the British Indian Army at just 16. He went on to serve as a machine gunner at Monte Cassino – one of the war’s fiercest battles – before moving to the UK in 1960, where he dedicated himself to community service, supporting ex-servicemen and the families of former comrades until his death in 2025 at the age of 102.
Minister for Faith and Communities, Nesil Caliskan said:
Our country is made up of a strong, diverse tapestry of different faith communities – and we owe that freedom to the bravery and sacrifice made by those who fought alongside us for a better future all those years ago.
Muslim soldiers were a fundamental part of securing victory, but their story has been in the shadows for too long. This memorial will make sure their contribution stays in our memory now, and for generations to come.
The new memorial will also help to shine a light on the continued impact that Muslims make to British society – from politicians to athletes, and doctors to teachers, our Muslim communities continue to play a vital role in all aspects of our national life.
Beyond serving as a focal point for remembrance, the successful organisation will be expected to use the construction of the memorial as an educational resource to increase public awareness of this chapter of British military history, and encourage people of all backgrounds to reflect on the shared sacrifice that helped bring peace to the world.
The Muslim War Memorial complements the government’s wider Protecting What Matters strategy, which aims to build confident, strong communities and bring people of different faith backgrounds together.
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