Tag: 2026

  • Keir Starmer – 2026 Comments on Defence Agreement with Poland

    Keir Starmer – 2026 Comments on Defence Agreement with Poland

    The comments made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 26 May 2026.

    Britain and Poland are already close allies and friends, but the challenges Europe now faces demands an even stronger partnership.

    This treaty is the biggest step forward in our defence and security relationship with Poland in a generation, allowing us to confront modern security threats that may be less visible but no less dangerous, and our collective work together will keep our countries safe for years to come.

    It also delivers on my commitment to work more closely with European partners to boost security and opportunity for people at home and stability across our continent.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and Poland set to sign major defence and security treaty as PM steps up relationship with Europe to keep nation safe [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and Poland set to sign major defence and security treaty as PM steps up relationship with Europe to keep nation safe [May 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 26 May 2026.

    The UK is set to sign a new defence and security treaty with Poland to protect British borders, tackle organised crime, bolster collective defences and deepen cooperation with the European Union.

    • Prime Minister to host Prime Minister Tusk of Poland today as leaders sign landmark agreement to confront modern security threats
    • Visit comes as the Prime Minister continues to drive for an ambitious relationship between the European Union and the UK to deliver security and opportunity on both sides.
    • Treaty follows similar agreements with France and Germany, strengthening security across Europe

    The UK is set to sign a new defence and security treaty with Poland to protect British borders, tackle organised crime, bolster collective defences and deepen cooperation with the European Union.

    The Prime Minister will host the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, in London today, as the pair prepare to sign the new agreement to strengthen defence cooperation in the face of increasing hostile threats across Europe.

    Poland is one of the UK’s closest defence and security partners, a staunch supporter of Ukraine and vital economic partner, with one of the fastest growing economies in Europe.

    The leaders are expected to discuss the major uptick in hybrid attacks – including Russian-ordered arson attacks in East London, cargo fires in Birmingham and across Europe, as well as cyber-attacks and espionage – and agree to combine expertise to combat accelerating threats.

    The announcement builds on the Prime Minister’s drive to get closer to Europe and strengthen ties with the trading bloc to improve security and opportunity on both sides. It also follows similar treaties with France and Germany.

    The UK and EU’s joint ambition to improve relations to deliver for consumers, businesses and collective European security is expected to be high on the agenda of talks today.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    Britain and Poland are already close allies and friends, but the challenges Europe now faces demands an even stronger partnership.

    This treaty is the biggest step forward in our defence and security relationship with Poland in a generation, allowing us to confront modern security threats that may be less visible but no less dangerous, and our collective work together will keep our countries safe for years to come.

    It also delivers on my commitment to work more closely with European partners to boost security and opportunity for people at home and stability across our continent.

    The leaders are expected to sign the new treaty in London today, signifying the historic ties between the UK and Poland, and opportunity for both countries to work closer together in protecting European defences long into the future.

    The defence strand of the agreement is expected to unlock major defence benefits for both sides, allowing forces to combine expertise and industrial capability to lead the development and manufacturing of next-generation complex weapons, ensuring sovereign production chains and supporting high skilled jobs across the UK and Poland.

    That will include the design and development of new air defence effectors, which are sophisticated munitions, strengthening air and missile defence systems, and deepening interoperability across all domains. It is also expected to include the co-production of a next‑generation medium‑range air defence missile.

    The UK and Poland will also step up the use of uncrewed systems to reinforce NATO’s Eastern Flank through next-generation land capabilities. As part of that drive, joint land forces will undertake large‑scale joint exercises to sharpen interoperability across counter drone warfare, electronic warfare, and engineering support, as well as developing land forces that remain at the forefront of future warfighting through the harnessing of disruptive technologies.

    And as part of efforts to outpace the threats of tomorrow, from cyber-attacks to malign information campaigns, the UK and Poland will also accelerate cooperation to disrupt malicious attempts by hostile state actors to sow discord through the sharing of expertise and coordinated responses and exercises – sharpening how both countries can respond in real time.

    As a major migration partner for the UK and frontline state in Europe’s migration system, both countries will discuss how to boost border security and dismantle organised crime groups upstream through a new Joint Action Plan on Irregular Migration.

    The Joint Action Plan will allow both countries to better target smuggling networks and their vulgar use of social media to lure vulnerable people and maximise intelligence sharing to disrupt gangs and their tactics and harness new technologies such as advanced targeting and surveillance capabilities to strengthen both countries’ border security.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s intensified aerial attacks against Ukraine and irresponsible threats – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s intensified aerial attacks against Ukraine and irresponsible threats – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2026]

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

    Ambassador Holland condemned Russia’s largest aerial attack on Kyiv since 2022, including the use of an Oreshnik nuclear-capable missile. Russia’s threats to strike the heart of Kyiv are unwarranted, irresponsible and completely unjustified. The UK will continue to stand firmly with Ukraine.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. And thank you Chairs also for convening this meeting so promptly.

    The United Kingdom condemns the latest wave of Russian aerial attacks against Ukraine, carried out overnight on 23-24 May. Russia used around 600 drones and 90 missiles to strike Kyiv and multiple regions across Ukraine. This was the largest attack on Ukraine’s capital city in a single night since 2022. It also comes shortly after Russia’s unprecedented air attacks of less than two weeks ago, when Moscow launched around 1,530 drones and missiles across Ukraine within a 24-hour period.

    In this latest assault, and for the third time, Russia attacked Ukraine with an Oreshnik nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missile. We again condemn this reckless attack, which was yet another attempt to terrorise the people of Ukraine. Russia’s repeated and continued use of Oreshnik, and other nuclear-capable missiles, increases the risk of misperception which could lead to a dangerous miscalculation.

    Russia’s attacks on Kyiv this weekend killed at least four people and injured around a hundred. In May alone, Russian attacks have killed nearly 200 civilians across Ukraine. There has been widespread damage, particularly in Kyiv, to residential buildings, schools, emergency facilities, and critical infrastructure. Regrettably, several cultural sites, including the National Art Museum and Kyiv Opera, were also damaged during this latest assault – a reminder that Russia’s war also targets Ukraine’s history, identity, and memory.

    Last week, Russia called a meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss the protection of civilians. The very next day, it launched these attacks.  Its actions speak far louder than its words. If Russia truly wished to protect civilians, it would commit to an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire, just as Ukraine has done.

    But rather than take the path of peace, Moscow has made further threats to strike the heart of Kyiv and warned diplomatic missions to leave Kyiv. Such threats are unwarranted, irresponsible and completely unjustified. Any attack on a diplomatic mission would constitute a further escalation in Russia’s illegal war.

    Chairs, as participating States, we have committed – through the OSCE acquis developed since the Helsinki Final Act – to engage constructively, reduce risks, and to uphold our shared commitments even in times of crisis. Russia has chosen to do the opposite. Russia’s actions are clearly in contravention of the principles of the Helsinki Final Act, including on sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the prohibition on the use of force.

    The United Kingdom therefore urges all participating States to remain united in condemning Russia’s actions and in defending the rules‑based international order. We must ensure accountability for violations of international law, including through the work of international monitoring and documentation mechanisms. And we must continue to support Ukraine’s inherent right to self‑defence, in line with the UN Charter.

    The United Kingdom will continue to stand firmly with Ukraine. We urge Russia to fully comply with its international obligations and OSCE commitments. And we will continue to defend the principles that underpin our shared security.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : We need to use the UN more effectively to prevent and resolve conflict, particularly through this Council – UK statement at the UN Security Council [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : We need to use the UN more effectively to prevent and resolve conflict, particularly through this Council – UK statement at the UN Security Council [May 2026]

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

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Multilateralsiam.

    We are facing a deeply complex set of conflicts, including protracted crises in the Middle East, Sudan, and Ukraine. On this, I feel compelled to mention Russia’s egregious attacks on Ukraine over the weekend, which only brings us further from the peace that the international community repeatedly calls for. These challenges require a coordinated global response, and a collective commitment to these principles.

    I will make three points.

    First, we need to use the UN more effectively to prevent and resolve conflict, particularly through this Council which has the primary responsibility for international peace and security. We know the tools – peacekeeping deployments, good offices, and sanctions – exist. But we need the collective will to ensure they are effective and fit for purpose.

    The Council should also be more representative of the world today, including via expansion of both its permanent and non-permanent membership. The UK supports permanent representation for Africa, alongside permanent seats for Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan.

    Second, we should collectively embrace the opportunity of the Secretary-General’s reform initiative to strengthen the broader UN system and bolster its impact. The Pact for the Future reflected a shared commitment to reinvigorate multilateral cooperation and improve how the UN delivers. UN80 should continue to build on that momentum, working towards a stronger, more effective UN, better able to deliver against today’s complex challenges. As we look ahead to the selection of the next Secretary‑General this year, their ability to deliver a fit-for-purpose UN will be particularly important.

    Finally, we must not lose sight of the UN’s successes thus far in preventing conflict, supporting peace, helping states uphold their human rights obligations, and responding to humanitarian crises.

    The UN continues to facilitate and provide lifesaving assistance across the globe. It has deployed over 70 peace operations, successfully stabilising some of the most challenging environments and bringing lasting peace including in El Salvador, Sierra Leone, and Timor-Leste. We honour the courage and sacrifice of the 4,500 UN personnel and peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948.

    The UN has also helped reduce polio by over 99 percent and driven landmark climate agreements. These achievements show what the UN can deliver when we work together.

    President, multilateralism faces unprecedented strain but remains the best tool we have to meet our shared challenges. Our response must be guided by the principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, human rights, and international law. Only through collective adherence to these principles can we deliver lasting peace, stability, and security. The United Kingdom remains committed to working with all Member States to this end.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Non-Executive Directors of the National Wealth Fund reappointed [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Non-Executive Directors of the National Wealth Fund reappointed [May 2026]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 26 May 2026.

    Nigel Topping, Tania Songini and Marianne Økland have been reappointed as Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) of the National Wealth Fund by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

    The National Wealth Fund (NWF) is playing a central role in investing public money in the UK’s future, and over the next five years aims to mobilise over £100 billion of finance into the UK economy supporting the government’s growth mission.

    Following the appointment of a new CEO, Olly Holbourn, and three new Non-Executive Directors last year, the NWF has, under this leadership, published its 5 year strategic plan (March 2026) and moved into its next phase of delivery.

    The NWF Board, chaired by Chris Grigg, has been central to this progress. These reappointments provide continuity and stability to the Board, as the organisation builds on the recent changes and continues to deliver its objectives.

    The NWF invests in a range of capital-intensive projects, businesses and assets, using debt, equity and guarantees, addressing market weaknesses and crowding in private investment to unlock growth and clean energy projects that otherwise would not have gone ahead. 

    Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Lord Livermore said:

    I am pleased to reappoint Nigel Topping, Tania Songini and Marianne Økland to the Board of the National Wealth Fund. Their combined expertise across industry, energy and financial markets will continue to support the NWF’s work delivering investment and growth across the UK.

    Chair of the National Wealth Fund, Chris Grigg, said:

    I welcome the reappointment of Nigel, Tania and Marianne. They have each made a strong contribution to the Board, and their experience and insight will continue to be valuable as the organisation builds on recent progress and delivers its strategic plan.

    These reappointments have been made following a formal process and with the approval of the Financial Secretary to the Treasury and the Prime Minister. Reappointments are not automatic and are made on merit, in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

    Nigel Topping brings extensive experience across industry and climate leadership. He has held senior roles in UK manufacturing and industrial businesses and has played a leading role in driving the transition to a net zero carbon economy. Nigel served as the UK’s High-Level Climate Action Champion for COP26 and continues to hold a number of advisory and leadership roles in climate and energy. He brings strategic insight, a strong external network, and deep expertise in industrial decarbonisation to the NWF Board.

    Tania Songini has significant experience in the energy sector, particularly in renewable power generation and distributed energy systems. She has held senior leadership roles within Siemens’ energy business across the UK and northwest Europe, and currently holds a number of non-executive positions across the energy sector. As Chair of the NWF Remuneration Committee, she has played a key role in aligning organisational objectives with shareholder priorities. Tania brings strong commercial, operational and sector expertise to the Board.

    Marianne Økland brings deep banking and capital markets expertise, developed through senior roles at global financial institutions including JP Morgan and UBS. She has extensive experience in structuring and raising debt capital and in complex financial transactions. Marianne also brings strong technical knowledge of banking risk frameworks and economic capital, providing valuable challenge and oversight to the Board as the NWF’s portfolio grows in scale and complexity.

    The NED’s current terms are due to expire in June 2026. Following the reappointment process, Nigel Topping will serve a further four-year term, Tania Songini a two-year term, and Marianne Økland a one-year term.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New action against hidden childcare costs to help families [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New action against hidden childcare costs to help families [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 26 May 2026.

    Education Secretary writes to the CMA to examine the childcare market and launches a free tool helping families find childcare and budget for costs.

    Government is standing up for parents facing eye-watering childcare costs including non-refundable deposits and basics like nappies and suncream. 

    The Education Secretary has written to the independent Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) as part of new government action to tackle hidden childcare fees hitting families. 

    While funded hours are meant to be free, too many parents report being asked to pay extra to secure a place including upfront deposits, compulsory add-ons, or additional hours to access their entitlement. 

    These practices undermine the value of 30 hours of free childcare and add to the pressure on working families. Nearly three quarters (72%) of parents say they are using savings to cover extra charges, while more than one in four (27%) say cost remains the biggest barrier to accessing the childcare they need. 

    A new free cost of living tool will also help parents make the most of the childcare offer, from finding local provision to planning and getting exactly what they are entitled to. 

    Government support is already massively reducing costs, with eligible families saving an average of £8,000 a year per child and more than 500,000 families now benefiting from funded hours. 

    Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: 

    I grew up in a family that knew what it meant to count every penny. I am so proud of the crucial difference that 30 hours funded childcare makes to family finances, saving £8,000 a year per child on average. 

    The vast majority of nurseries and childminders have been brilliant in helping us deliver, but I will not accept the small minority letting families down and stopping them get what they were promised.

    The government has also asked the CMA to do more to investigate the role private equity and other ownership models are playing in the childcare market, including whether they are working in the interests of families or driving up costs and creating risks for those who depend on their local nursery. 

    The new cost of living tool also includes a trial of a new map of local childcare. Launching first in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset, the map will help families find funded childcare near them while promoting local nurseries and childminders to more parents. Families nationwide will be able to use it later this year. 

    This work sits alongside a wider government drive to make life simpler and more affordable for families. The newly launched GOV.UK Chat – a new AI tool that allows parents to ask questions in plain English and get instant answers about what support they could have – means help is now available at any time of day. 

  • Richard Hermer – 2026 Comments on the Fordingbridge Three 

    Richard Hermer – 2026 Comments on the Fordingbridge Three 

    The comments made by Richard Hermer, the Attorney General, on 26 May 2026.

    There has understandably been a huge amount of public interest, and concern, at this horrific case.

    I directed my officials to work urgently, to allow me to consider this decision swiftly, and to begin to bring closure to the victims and their families.

    It is clear to me from their powerful personal statements, that these girls have displayed immense bravery in coming forward.

    There is an epidemic of violence against women and girls in this country, and this government will not hesitate in taking action to ensure all women and girls feel safe and have confidence in the justice system.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Attorney General refers Fordingbridge Three cases to Court of Appeal [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Attorney General refers Fordingbridge Three cases to Court of Appeal [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Attorney General on 26 May 2026.

    The Attorney General has made the decision to refer the cases of the Fordingbridge Three to the Court of Appeal.

    Following a swift and detailed examination of the cases, the Attorney General has made the decision to refer the cases of the Fordingbridge Three to the Court of Appeal.

    After receiving multiple requests to review the sentences, the Attorney General’s Office obtained copies of the papers relating to this case. These included the facts of the offending, the judge’s findings and the sentencing guidelines, which have been carefully considered.

    A reference under the Unduly Lenient Scheme can only be made if a sentence is not just lenient, but likely to be unduly so.

    The Court of Appeal will now decide whether the sentence imposed was unduly lenient, and whether to increase the existing sentence.

    The Attorney General Richard Hermer KC says:

    There has understandably been a huge amount of public interest, and concern, at this horrific case.

    I directed my officials to work urgently, to allow me to consider this decision swiftly, and to begin to bring closure to the victims and their families.

    It is clear to me from their powerful personal statements, that these girls have displayed immense bravery in coming forward.

    There is an epidemic of violence against women and girls in this country, and this government will not hesitate in taking action to ensure all women and girls feel safe and have confidence in the justice system.

    Notes for Editors

    • Anyone can ask for a Crown Court sentence to be reviewed if they think it’s too low.
    • The Law Officers can review sentences given by the Crown Court in England and Wales if they’re asked to. The Law Officers have 28 days from sentencing to carefully consider the case and make a decision
    • By law only certain types of case can be reviewed, such as: murder, manslaughter and rape
    • Victims and their bereaved families will have up to six months in the interests of justice to ask for a sentence to be reconsidered – rather than being strictly limited to 28 days: Victims and bereaved get more time to challenge lenient sentences – GOV.UK
    • More information on the ULS scheme, including who can refer and for what reasons, can be found on our website: Ask for a Crown Court sentence to be reviewed – GOV.UK
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Government releases a further £102.6 million for reform of NI public services [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Government releases a further £102.6 million for reform of NI public services [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 26 May 2026.

    Secretary of State Hilary Benn MP has announced the release of £102.6 million by the UK Government to support public service transformation in Northern Ireland.

    • The £102.6m funding represents the final allocation of the £235m transformation fund, provided by the UK Government as part of the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive package in 2024.
    • This package will support six Executive projects across health, communities, finance, and agriculture.
    • The largest single allocation, £42 million, is dedicated to the ePharmacy Primary Care Digital Reform Programme which will replace over 45 million annual paper prescriptions with an instant digital transfer.

    Secretary of State Hilary Benn MP has announced the release of £102.6 million by the UK Government to support public service transformation in Northern Ireland.

    The latest funding marks the final allocation of  the £235 million transformation fund provided to the Northern Ireland Executive as part of the restoration package in 2024.

    The major new package, announced by finance minister John O’Dowd, will support six Executive projects across health, communities, finance, and agriculture. 

    Some £42 million will go towards the ePharmacy Primary Care Digital Reform Programme. This project will replace paper-based prescriptions with a digital process that will enable the electronic transfer of prescriptions to community pharmacies across Northern Ireland. This is expected to dramatically improve services by replacing the manual processing of over 45 million paper prescriptions a year with instant digital transfer. 

    Speaking as the funding was announced, the Secretary of State said:

    This £102.6 million investment is a significant milestone for Northern Ireland, and a clear signal of this Government’s commitment to supporting the Executive to deliver better public services for the people of Northern Ireland.

    At the heart of this funding is a simple goal: making public services work better for the people who rely on them every day. 

    The full allocation of the £235m transformation fund is supporting the framework to transform service delivery for the long term.

    I look forward to seeing the results of all successful projects in the months ahead.

    Matthew Patrick MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Northern Ireland Office said:

    We promised to work with the Executive to transform public services and that’s exactly what we’re doing. From transforming access to prescription services, to giving children and families the support they need to thrive – this Government is funding real change for people in Northern Ireland.

    I am also proud that this Government has been able to secure the largest ever devolution settlement for Northern Ireland, and an additional £750m in Barnett consequentials through the Budget and Spring Statement. These funding streams, alongside the transformation fund, provide the opportunity for the Executive to deliver the changes that public services need to ensure that they work for the people of Northern Ireland.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors 

    Background and further project information

    • The funding comes following the recommendations of the Public Sector Transformation Board. 
    • The Board, comprising officials from the Northern Ireland Civil Service and UK Government, supported by independent experts, provides recommendations to the Finance Minister about allocation of £235 million ringfenced funding. 
    • The transformation funding is part of the broader £3.3 billion Executive restoration package for Northern Ireland.

    The six proposals recommended by the Transformation Board and being funded are;

    • £42 million for the ePharmacy Primary Care Digital Reform Programme, delivering electronic prescription transfer and a new digital platform for community pharmacy clinical services, expanding access to care and bringing treatment closer to patients’ homes.
    • £29.2m, for the Together for Families project. A new partnership between the Department of Health, The National Lottery Community Fund and the Voluntary and Community sector which will establish a regionwide, tiered model of early help to ensure families can access the right help, at the right time and in the right place. The National Lottery Community Fund will contribute an additional £30m to the project – its first strategic investment of this kind in Northern Ireland.
    • £16m for Department for Communities’ led Pathway to Work and Wellbeing proposal, this investment will deliver a redesigned Health and Work model in partnership with the Department of Health and Department for the Economy, offering stronger integration between employability and health services to support more people to find and sustain employment.
    • £6m for the Department of Finance’s Digital Workplace programme, to modernise records and information management across the Civil Service, to reduce duplication and manual handling, helping to support faster access to information and freeing up staff time for citizen-facing activity.
    • £4m for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ Bovine Tuberculosis Research Project to deliver a first of its kind regionalised pilot, working with partners across Ireland, to redesign the control of bovine tuberculosis. A Shared Island Fund investment of approximately £5.6m will also be used to support the Bovine Tuberculosis Research Project.
    • £5.3m for Department of Finance’s NISRA Data Linkage programme to deliver the capability to safely link data across departments in support of evidence-based policy making improving outcomes and better targeting of public services.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Third new national forest to bring nature closer to communities [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Third new national forest to bring nature closer to communities [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department For Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 26 May 2026.

    Government commits up to £7.5 million and calls for delivery partners to submit bids to help deliver landmark new forest covering more than 200 square miles.

    The creation of a third new national forest has taken an exciting step forward today (Tuesday 26 May), with the government committing up to £7.5 million over a five-year period to support the project. This marks continued progress towards fully delivering the government’s manifesto commitment to create three new national forests in England. 

    The new national forest – to be located in either the Midlands or North of England – is expected to be between up to 600 square miles in scale, large enough to make a significant long-term contribution to tree-planting targets, while sitting comfortably within the area’s existing landscape and local identity. Eligible organisations across the Midlands and North of England are invited to submit bids to become a delivery partner. 

    The third new national forest will have a particular focus on improving health outcomes for communities, with low-income communities disproportionately feeling the impacts of poor access to green and blue spaces. There is compelling evidence that access to woodland and green spaces delivers substantial public health benefits, including: 

    • better mental health and reduced healthcare costs 
    • increased physical activity and chronic disease prevention 
    • cardiovascular benefits and stress relief 
    • stronger social connections and community engagement 
    • cognitive development in children and young people 

    Nature Minister Mary Creagh said:

    In our manifesto we promised three new national forests, and after the Western Forest and the OxCam arc forest we’re looking for England’s newest forest in the Midlands or the North.

    Too many communities can’t access the green spaces that benefit mental and physical health. This new national forest will help change that, and I encourage every eligible organisation with the vision and expertise to come forward.

    The National Forest in the Midlands has demonstrated what is possible, planting 10 million trees to transform the landscape, increasing tree canopy and woodland cover from 6% to 26%, and supporting more than 5,000 jobs in the visitor economy.

    Delivery partners for the third new national forest will work with Defra and the National Forest Company to help identify and establish the forest, providing targeted economic, environmental, and social benefits. 

    National Forest Company Chief Executive John Everitt said:

    Opening the competition for the third new national forest is a major milestone in accelerating our tree planting ambitions. We are looking forward to seeing some strong applications that can make a real difference for the health and wellbeing of communities across the Midlands and North of England.

    The government is keen to prioritise locations and approaches that best demonstrate how a richer, more accessible natural environment can improve health and wellbeing for the people who need it most. 

    This investment forms part of the government’s commitment to the largest ever investment in nature, with over £1 billion invested in tree planting and support for the forestry sector this parliament. This will make a significant contribution to Environment Act targets, including the statutory target to increase tree canopy and woodland cover to 16.5% by 2050. It will also contribute to the government’s target to halt the decline of species and protect 30% of land for nature by 2030.  

    New national forests will accelerate progress towards woodland creation targets, while shaping policy innovation that speeds up tree planting delivery across the country. 

    This announcement builds on significant progress already made. Planting has already begun at the Western Forest — the first new national forest in more than 30 years — which will see more than 20 million trees planted across Bristol, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset by 2050. A competition for a delivery partner for the second new national forest in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor has also recently taken place, with more details to follow in due course. 

    Additional information:

    • The third new national forest is expected to be between 200 and 600 square miles in scale. 
    • Bids to become the Delivery Partner can be submitted from 26 May. The window to submit bids for the first stage of the competition will be open for 6 weeks and will close on 7 July.
    • Further information on how organisations can apply can be found at X (add link on Tues morning once live). 
    • The government has committed over £1 billion to tree planting and the forestry sector this parliament.
    • The Environment Act target is to increase tree canopy and woodland cover to 16.5% of total land area in England by 2050.
    • The existing National Forest in the Midlands has seen 10 million trees planted, with tree canopy and woodland cover increasing from 6% to over 26%.