UKPOL.CO.UK

Tag: 2026

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister calls with the King of Bahrain, the Crown Prince of Kuwait and the King of Jordan [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister calls with the King of Bahrain, the Crown Prince of Kuwait and the King of Jordan [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 March 2026.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the King of Bahrain, the Crown Prince of Kuwait and the King of Jordan this morning.

    He expressed the UK’s solidarity in the face of dangerous Iranian escalation, which has seen indiscriminate missile and drone attacks launched at their countries in the last 24 hours.

    They discussed the safety of civilians in the region, including British nationals and armed forces personnel, and expressed deep concern that strikes have hit civilian and commercial infrastructure – harming innocent people.

    He reiterated that the UK has had planes in the sky since yesterday as part of the coordinated defensive response to protect our partners in the region, and would continue to offer our support.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New bone scanners to help prevent fractures and cut waiting times [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New bone scanners to help prevent fractures and cut waiting times [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 1 March 2026.

    Patients across England will benefit from new bone scanners to diagnose fragile bones earlier and prevent painful, life-changing fractures.

    • 20 new bone scanners to speed up diagnosis of osteoporosis and other bone conditions across England.
    • Tens of thousands of patients – particularly women at higher risk – to benefit from earlier treatment and fewer life-changing fractures.
    • Builds on first wave of new scanners already in use, helping cut waiting times and prevent illness earlier.

    Tens of thousands of patients at risk of osteoporosis and other bone conditions will get faster access to vital bone scans, as 20 new scanners are rolled out across England.

    The new machines will help diagnose fragile bones earlier and prevent painful, life-changing fractures – particularly among older people and women, who are disproportionately affected by osteoporosis.

    The funding covers six additional scanners to expand capacity and 14 replacement machines to modernise outdated equipment with improved image quality for patients. It builds on the first wave of 13 scanners announced last year, 10 of which are already in use and helping patients start treatment sooner. Last year (2025), over 16,000 extra DEXA scans were delivered compared to year prior (2024).

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    Too many women are suffering painful, preventable fractures because osteoporosis is diagnosed too late. That has to change.

    These new scanners will help thousands of patients get tested sooner, start treatment earlier and avoid the trauma of life-changing breaks.

    We are cutting waiting times and modernising the NHS so it works for patients – preventing illness where we can, and delivering care faster for those that need it most.

    Dr Lesley Kay, NHS National Clinical Director for Musculoskeletal Conditions, said:

    Osteoporosis and other bone conditions can have a devastating effect on patients, so improving access to this specialist technology will make a real difference to people’s lives.

    These scanners are the diagnostic gold standard and now tens of thousands more people will be diagnosed at an early stage and treated more quickly, as well as prevented from suffering broken bones.

    Osteoporosis affects millions of people in the UK but women are at far greater risk, especially after the menopause. Fractures linked to weak bones can lead to loss of independence, long hospital stays and reduced quality of life. Earlier diagnosis means patients can begin medication and make lifestyle changes to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of breaks.

    Ahead of International Women’s Day, the expansion marks a significant step forward in tackling a condition that too often goes undiagnosed until a serious fracture occurs.

    The scanners – known as DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) machines – measure bone density and are the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis and assessing fracture risk.

    Craig Jones, Chief Executive of the Royal Osteoporosis Society, said:

    We welcome this investment in DEXA scanners, which will expand access to bone density testing and deliver on the Government’s election commitment to 15,000 additional scans each year. Early diagnosis is essential.

    To ensure every scan leads to effective treatment and fracture prevention, it will now be vital to publish the implementation plan for nationwide Fracture Liaison Services, so patients can move seamlessly from diagnosis to care.

    The £2.6 million investment supports the government’s 10 Year Health Plan to cut waiting times, modernise diagnostic services and shift the NHS from treating sickness to preventing illness.

    Early diagnosis not only protects patients from harm but also reduces pressure on hospitals and emergency services, where fragility fractures account for significant admissions each year.

    The government will continue working with the NHS and partners to strengthen bone health services – from early diagnosis and fracture prevention to follow-up care – so patients receive the right support, wherever they live.

    Society of Radiographers President, Katie Thompson, said:

    The Society of Radiographers welcomes the government’s investment in 20 new DEXA scanners, recognising the important role this will play in strengthening bone health services and supporting faster, more accurate diagnosis across England. This announcement represents a positive step toward earlier identification of osteoporosis and improved prevention of avoidable, life‑altering fractures.

    However, achieving meaningful impact requires more than new equipment. Recent assessments show that many bone health services / fracture liaison services,  are already under significant pressure, with rising demand placing additional strain on existing teams. To ensure this investment delivers its full benefit, it must be accompanied by sustained support for the radiography workforce — including diagnostic radiographers and radiography assistant practitioners, whose expertise is critical to safe, effective service delivery.

    With appropriate workforce investment, this programme can deliver long‑term improvements for patients and the wider healthcare system as part of the required investment in fracture liaison services.

    Marion Dickson OBE, executive director of Clinical Support and Cancer Services at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said:

    Securing funding for a DEXA scanner at our Hexham General Hospital site is fantastic news for our patients and staff. 

    Patients who need a bone density scan currently have to travel from across the wide area we serve to access this service at North Tyneside General Hospital or Wansbeck General Hospital. For many, especially those with mobility issues or long-term conditions, this can understandably be challenging. 

    Having a DEXA scanner in Hexham means more convenient access to the specialist care our communities deserve. It will help us deliver more patient centred care and improve the overall experience for everyone who relies on us.

    Louise Koplick, Radiology Team Manager at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said:  

    The new scanner at Seacroft Hospital will provide a real boost to DXA services and offer patients in our East Leeds communities the option of a bone density test close to home. 

    The new fleet of scanners has enabled us to scan over 7,000 patients this year and the addition of one more in Seacroft will relieve capacity at Leeds General Infirmary and Wharfedale Hospital where the others are located. With the latest technology, we can provide scanning options which reduce the need for additional spine x-rays and will support fracture liaison services across the city.

    Background

    20 New DEXA scanners funded in 2025/26:

    • North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust
    • West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
    • Barts Health NHS Trust
    • Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
    • Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
    • University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust
    • University Hospital Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust
    • Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
    • Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
    • Humber Health Partnership
    • Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
    • Northumbria-healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
    • Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust
    • Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust
    • Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust
    • University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
    • Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
    • Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
    • Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
    • University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

    10 DEXA scanners funded in 2024/25 and currently live:

    • Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust
    • Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
    • North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust
    • Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
    • Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
    • Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
    • Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
    • The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
    • Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
    • Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
  • PRESS RELEASE : We strongly condemn Iranian strikes across the region – UK statement at the UN Security Council [February 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : We strongly condemn Iranian strikes across the region – UK statement at the UN Security Council [February 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 February 2026.

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

    Colleagues, this is a fragile moment for the Middle East.

    The United Kingdom played no role in the strikes against Iran.

    But we are under no illusion about the nature of the Iranian regime.

    The Iranian regime has murdered thousands of its own people simply for exercising their fundamental rights and freedoms.

    Iran has repeatedly ignored calls to find a durable and acceptable solution to the nuclear issue, while continuing to destabilise the region through their support to proxies and partners.

    We strongly condemn Iranian strikes across the region, including the attacks on a hotel in Dubai, the attack on Kuwait’s civilian airport, and attacks on civilian targets in Bahrain. 

    We extend our support and solidarity to all our partners – many of which are not parties to the conflict.

    Regional stability remains a priority.

    As my Prime Minister stated, UK forces are active and British planes are in the sky today as part of coordinated regional defensive operations to protect our people and regional partners, as the United Kingdom has done before, and in line with international law.

    Reports of strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure are deeply alarming. The protection of civilians and full respect for international law is critical.

    Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.

    That is why we, alongside our French and German partners, have continually supported efforts to reach a negotiated solution.

    We have always been clear that only a diplomatic solution can fully and sustainably address these threats.

    We want to see the swiftest possible resolution that ensures security and stability for the region.

    Iran must refrain from further strikes, and its appalling behaviour, to allow a path back to diplomacy.

    We will continue to work with our partners to this end – in support of peace and security, and the protection of civilian life across the region.

  • Keir Starmer – 2026 Statement on Iran

    Keir Starmer – 2026 Statement on Iran

    The statement made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 28 February 2026.

    Earlier this morning, the United States and Israel struck targets in Iran.

    Iran has since launched indiscriminate strikes across the region.

    I know the British people and communities across our country will be deeply concerned about what this means for security and stability and for the fate of innocent people across the region – which for so many of us includes friends and family members.

    So while the situation is evolving very quickly, I want to set out our response.

    The United Kingdom played no role in these strikes.

    But we have long been clear – the regime in Iran is utterly abhorrent.

    They have murdered thousands of their own people, brutally crushed dissent, and sought to destabilise the region.

    Even in the United Kingdom, the Iranian regime poses a direct threat to dissidents and the Jewish community.

    Over the last year alone, they have backed more than 20 potentially lethal attacks on UK soil.

    So it’s clear – they must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.

    That remains the primary aim of the United Kingdom and our allies – including the US.

    I condemn Iran’s attacks today on partners across the region, many of which are not parties to this conflict.

    We extend our support and solidarity to them.

    As part of our commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East we have a range of defensive capabilities in the region – which we’ve recently taken steps to strengthen.

    Our forces are active and British planes are in the sky today as part of coordinated regional defensive operations to protect our people, our interests, and our allies – as Britain has done before, in line with international law. 

    We’ve stepped up protections for British bases and personnel to their highest level.

    We are also reaching out to UK nationals in the region and doing everything we can to support them.

    I have been speaking with leaders today – from the E3, and across the region.

    It is vital now that we prevent further escalation and return to a diplomatic process. 

    We want to see peace and security, and the protection of civilian life. 

    Iran can end this now. 

    They should refrain from further strikes, give up their weapons programmes, and cease the appalling violence and repression against the Iranian people – who deserve the right to determine their own future, in line with our longstanding position. 

    That is the route to de-escalation and back to the negotiating table.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Co-chairs statement – Coalition of the Willing call [February 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Co-chairs statement – Coalition of the Willing call [February 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 24 February 2026.

    Marking four years since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the leaders of the Coalition of the Willing met to express their solidarity with President Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine. The leaders offered their full and sustained support as Ukraine fights for its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to defend Europe’s freedom.

    At the invitation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor Friedrich Merz, over thirty leaders joined the virtual meeting. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was joined in person by leaders of Nordic Baltic countries, the EU, and Croatia in Kyiv.

    The leaders reiterated their unwavering commitment to working together to achieve a just and lasting peace, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter. They reaffirmed that international borders must not be changed by force.

    The leaders welcomed US ongoing efforts on peace negotiations, which must involve all relevant parties, when their interests are at stake.

    They urged Russia to engage in the discussions in a meaningful way, and to agree to a full, unconditional ceasefire. They reaffirmed the role that the Coalition of the Willing would play in providing multi-layered security guarantees – as agreed at their meeting in Paris in January 2026 – including through the Multi National Force for Ukraine, with the support of the United States.

    They reaffirmed their commitment to ramp up economic pressure on Russia including through additional sanctions and by targeting the Russian Shadow Fleet and oil trading networks, the Russian Military Industrial Complex and disrupting Russia’s financial networks.

    The leaders condemned Russia’s relentless appalling assault on Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure, and the dire humanitarian consequences during the bitter winter months. They committed to provide further assistance to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, including through the ongoing provision of air defence. They welcomed recent mobilisation by partners of critical energy infrastructure equipment for Ukraine, including more than half a billion euros of new pledges made to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund so far this year.

    The leaders noted the grim toll that Russia has paid for minimal gains on the battlefield, suffering almost half a million casualties last year alone. They welcomed recent successful Ukrainian counter-attacks to reclaim territory, and committed to continue to sustain military as well as fiscal support, including through the EU’s €90 billion loan and bilateral contributions.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh visits Somalia [February 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh visits Somalia [February 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 February 2026.

    The Duchess makes two-day visit to Mogadishu, meets women and girls organisations and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

    Ahead of International Women’s Day (8 March), The Duchess made a two-day visit to Somalia 23 to 24 February. 

    In Mogadishu, The Duchess was hosted at Villa Somalia by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for an introductory call during which they discussed the crucial role women play in peacebuilding, strengthening community resilience and ensuring accountability for sexual and gender-based violence. The Duchess welcomed the Federal Government of Somalia’s Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan and encouraged its sustained implementation to improve conditions on the ground.  

    During the visit, The Duchess met Somali women survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. In a meeting at Uganda House, Villa Somalia, The Duchess and first daughter Jihan Hassan Sheikh Mohamud heard from victims of gender and sexual based violence perpetrated by al-Shabaab, reinforcing the importance of the UK-Somalia security partnership.  

    The Duchess also visited a Somali village in Lower Shabelle where the wives of Somali soldiers explained the dangers posed by al-Shabaab and the challenges they face while their husbands fight for a more secure and stable Somalia.

    Somali organisations and partners of the British Embassy, including Ifrah Foundation, ALIGHT Somali Women’s Leadership Initiative and the Somali Women Study Centre, told the The Duchess about the challenging operating environment they face, with conflict, drought and scarcity of resources exacerbating the prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence. UK support to Somali organisations working with survivors of GBV reached almost 130,000 women and girls between 2024 and 2025. Somali survivors received clinical support for health complications associated with GBV, hygiene and dignity commodities, and psychosocial support.

    Visiting a hospital in the centre of Mogadishu, The Duchess saw the impact of a UK-funded sexual and reproductive health service programme operating across 39 health facilities in five regions—Banadir, Bay, Mudug, Lower Shabelle, and Galgaduud. These areas are significantly affected by insecurity, displacement, and weak services. UK support helps to strengthen service delivery, which reduces the stigma and fear associated with seeking care after sexual violence. In an emotional conversation with victims of sexual and gender-based violence, supported by this programme run by International Rescue Committee, The Duchess heard the terrible impact of female genital mutilation, rape and sexual assault on Somali women.

    The Duchess departed Somalia on 24 February, to continue her regional tour.

  • Keir Starmer – Statement on Fourth Anniversary of Invasion of Ukraine

    Keir Starmer – Statement on Fourth Anniversary of Invasion of Ukraine

    The statement made by Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 24 February 2026.

    Good morning, colleagues. And before we get into our usual business today, I just wanted to say a few words to mark the four years of the conflict in Ukraine. That’s four years of Putin aggression. Four long years and four long years of suffering in Ukraine. And, you will have your own images and memories of that suffering.

    I’ve got three etched in my mind. The first is in the early days when I went to Kyiv after conflict broke out, I went to Bucha, which is just outside Kyiv, and saw for myself the roads and the ditches in which Ukrainian civilians were handcuffed with their hands behind their back, blindfolded and shot in the head and the bodies left in the road.

    I’d seen the images on film, but I went to see for myself the actual place and talked to the communities there. It was their families. It was their brothers and sisters. It was their communities. And they were left, as they described to me, to pick up the bodies, put them in shopping trolleys and take them to the local church where they put them in a mass grave.

    The second etched in my memory was last year when I went to one of the busiest hospitals in Kyiv and saw for myself the incredibly awful burns on some of those who had returned from the frontline, the like of which I’d never seen in my life before. And at the same time, I went to a primary school to meet children who were five, six, seven years old, and had lost both their parents to the conflict.

    There will be many examples, including the recent attacks on the energy system, when was -18 degrees and left people freezing in their homes. But that is the suffering inflicted by the aggression of Putin. My message to you, the Cabinet, and to the country today, as we mark this four years, is that we stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

    I wanted also to pay tribute to the incredible resilience of the Ukrainians. And it is incredible resilience. When this conflict broke out four years ago, it was assumed it would be a matter of weeks before Putin took the whole of Ukraine. That’s what everybody believed to be the case. Four years later, the Ukrainians are holding out against that aggression. Holding out on the front line where the circumstances are extremely challenging, but also holding out in the civilian life, where every day Ukrainians get up and go to work as a sign of resilience and defiance of the aggression.

    And, we must defeat the falsehood that Russia is winning. Because if you take the last year alone, Russia took 0.8%, of land in Ukraine at a terrible cost to themselves of half a million losses. So we pay tribute to the resilience of Ukrainians. We all want a just and lasting peace. And that is what we’re all working so hard for.

    It must be just. And it must be lasting. That’s why we set up a coalition of the willing a year ago, to do the work that was necessary on security guarantees. And I’m chairing a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, immediately after this Cabinet to try and take that work further forward. But let’s be clear in terms of getting to that just and lasting peace, it is Putin who is standing in the way.

    Zelenskyy has shown willing. He’s taken the lead. It is Putin who is standing in the way. And that’s why we must always double down on our support for Ukraine. That means capability. It means resource. It means more sanctions. And today, I’m pleased that we’re announcing the biggest package since 2022. In terms of sanctions package. That’s 300 Russian energy companies that are being targeted.

    And we’re doing a lot more work on the shadow fleet, which is essential in terms of weakening the ability of Russia to continue with this aggression.

    And then finally this, because this is not a remote conflict a long way away from the United Kingdom. It’s about us on so many levels. It’s about our values of freedom, democracy, and the right of a country to decide for itself what it does, which is democracy and sovereignty.

    It has already impacted us over and above the work we’ve done on capability, resource sanctions, etc., because it has hit every family with the cost of living. Energy prices doubled at the beginning of this conflict. They’re still 40% higher than they were before the conflict. And so every family is feeling this, and how and when this conflict ends is going to affect everybody in the United Kingdom, for a very long time, which is why it’s so important that we make sure that there’s a just and lasting peace.

    And Ukraine is very much the frontline of our freedom, but we need to bear that in mind as we lost four years since the outbreak of this conflict. Thank you, colleagues.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Two board members reappointed to the Charity Commission for England and Wales [February 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Two board members reappointed to the Charity Commission for England and Wales [February 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 20 February 2026.

    The Secretary of State has reappointed Rory Brooks CBE and Shrenik Davda as board members to the Charity Commission for a second term of 3 years from 27 March 2026 to 26 March 2029.

    Rory Brooks CBE

    Rory Brooks CBE is a British private equity investor and philanthropist who co-founded MML Capital Partners, a European mid-market growth capital firm with offices in London, Paris, Dublin, and New York.​ He served as its Chair until stepping down in 2023​. Rory established the Rory and Elizabeth Brooks Foundation in 2005 with his wife Elizabeth, directing resources toward alleviating social disadvantage, advancing education, supporting poverty research, and promoting the arts.​ Rory has held trusteeships or chairmanships at organisations such as the Centre for Social Justice, IntoUniversity, and the Quintessentially Foundation.

    Shrenik Davda

    Shrenik has almost 40 years of banking experience in the CEEMEA (Central Eastern Europe Middle East Africa) region helping to build market-leading franchises for prominent global financial institutions such as JP Morgan and Deutsche Bank. He has also established and or run several regulated financial advisory boutiques and notably co-founded New Europe Capital Partners Ltd, which was acquired by Deutsche Bank. He started his career with Gulf International Bank in Bahrain and received his formal credit training at Citibank. He is currently an independent member of the Supervisory Board of Nova Ljubljanska Banka dd, a universal bank active in South Eastern Europe. In 2022 he was appointed as Lay Member of the Board of IPSO, the independent regulator of the newspaper and magazine industry in the UK.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    Rory Brooks and Shrenik Davda have been reappointed for a second term of three years, commencing on 27 March 2026 to 26 March 2029.

    Board Members of the Charity Commission are remunerated £350 per day for approximately 24 days a year. 

    These appointments have been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election.

    Rory Brooks has declared financial donations to the Conservative and Unionist Party, as recorded by the Electoral Commission, with the last donation taking place in November 2021. Shrenik Davda has declared no political activity.

    Notes to Editors

    DCMS has around 400 regulated Public Appointment roles across 42 Public Bodies including Arts Council England, Theatres Trust, the National Gallery, UK Sport and the Gambling Commission. We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom.  To find out more about Public Appointments or to apply visit the HM Government Public Appointments Website.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Treasury launches recruitment campaign for Chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility [February 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Treasury launches recruitment campaign for Chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility [February 2026]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 20 February 2026.

    HM Treasury has today launched a recruitment campaign for a new Chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).

    The OBR is the UK’s official independent economic and fiscal forecaster, responsible for examining and reporting on the sustainability of the public finances. The Budget Responsibility Committee (BRC), led by the Chair, has executive responsibility for the core functions of the OBR, including the judgements made in its economic and fiscal forecasts.   

    As with all appointments to the Budget Responsibility Committee, the Chancellor will make the appointment, subject to the consent of the Treasury Committee.

    Further information  

    • As set out in the Budget Responsibility and National Audit Act 2011, appointments to the OBR’s BRC, including the Chair, requires the consent of the Treasury Committee. The candidate nominated by the Chancellor will therefore be subject to a pre-appointment hearing with the Treasury Committee.  
    • The Budget Responsibility and National Audit Act 2011 allows each term of a BRC member, including the Chair’s, to be up to 5 years and each member may serve a maximum of two terms.  
    • While the Chair’s post is currently vacant, the two current members of the BRC, Professor David Miles and Tom Josephs, will continue to lead the OBR.   

    About the OBR  

    The OBR was created in 2010 to provide independent analysis of the UK’s public finances. The OBR is led by the three members of the BRC who have executive responsibility for carrying out the core functions of the OBR, including any judgements made in the preparation of the economic and fiscal forecasts. They are supported in their work by the OBR’s permanent staff led by the OBR Chief of Staff. The current members of the BRC are:   

    • Chair (vacant)  
    • Professor David Miles  
    • Tom Josephs  

    About the recruitment process   

    HM Treasury will run an open and competitive recruitment campaign to find a new Chair. The successful candidate will be selected by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in line with the requirements set out in the Budget Responsibility and National Audit Act 2011 and in accordance with the principles of the Governance Code for Public Appointments. The appointment will then be finalised subject to the Treasury Committee’s consent.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Enhanced package of cutting-edge technology to combat waste crime [February 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Enhanced package of cutting-edge technology to combat waste crime [February 2026]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 24 February 2026.

    New surveillance, detection and investigative capabilities rolled out by Environment Agency to tackle waste crime.

    Waste criminals will be detected and stopped before they even get started, thanks to a new package of surveillance and investigative measures announced by the Environment Agency (EA) today (Friday 20 February 2026).  

    As part of a major crackdown on waste crime, an enhanced 33-strong drone squad will now track down illegal dumps from the air. The drones, some of which are being upgraded to carry laser mapping technology, will capture evidence to help secure successful prosecutions.  

    The Environment Agency has also developed a new screening tool that enables EA officers to scan and cross-check lorry licence applications against waste permit records – with suspect operators flagged before they have a chance to move waste illegally. 

    The new capabilities are backed by a reinforced Joint Unit for Waste Crime – now a 20-strong group of specialists working closely with law enforcement partners to dismantle organised criminal networks. This builds on a record year for waste enforcement, with 751 illegal waste sites shut down.  

    Phil Davies, Head of the Joint Unit for Waste Crime Unit said: 

    Illegal waste dumping is appalling, and we are determined to turn the tide on this heinous crime.  

    With organised criminals becoming ever more sophisticated, we are adopting new technologies to find and, importantly, stop them. 

    Through the greater use of drones, stronger partnerships and more officers on the ground, we will build on our action so far and send a clear message to those committing waste crimes – we will stop you.

    Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: 

    This Government is aggressively pursuing waste criminals and bringing offenders to justice. 

    By increasing the Environment Agency’s enforcement budget by over 50% to £15.6 million, we’re investing in cutting-edge technology that allows us to shut down illegal operators faster and more effectively. 

    From advanced laser-mapping to drone surveillance and new vehicle-scanning tools, this technology is helping us track, expose and stop waste crime, ensuring those who blight our communities are held to account. 

    Greater drone surveillance and Lidar mapping  

    The Environment Agency has stepped up its use of drone surveillance, with a total of 33 trained pilots putting a greater focus on waste crime. Since July last year, the EA’s drones were in the air for 272 hours. 

    Drones will soon be equipped with Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology, which fires millions of laser points per second towards the ground below to create highly detailed maps of illegal waste sites. 

    Currently flown from a dedicated aircraft mainly to capture flood information, moving Lidar onto drones will allow even more precise mapping, pinpointing exactly where waste has been dumped. These maps can be used as evidence in court to and help bring waste criminals to justice.  

    New screening scans Office of the Traffic Commissioner data  

    Each week, the Office of the Traffic Commissioner publishes reports, listing all new applications for Heavy Goods Vehicle operator licences.  

    New software checks those applications against the EA’s public register, identifying which operators hold waste permits and waste carrier licences. This enables EA officers to identify and target potential offenders before they begin operating.  

    The new tool has already been trialled successfully in East Anglia, where it helped the agency uncover a waste company that had secretly relocated its HGV operations to evade enforcement. The software flagged the new operating centre within a week, allowing EA officers to intervene before a licence was approved.  

    Recruiting more officers to the Joint Unit for Waste Crime  

    The Environment Agency has also increased the size of the Joint Unit for Waste Crime from 13 to 20 specialists, including former police officers. 

    Alongside EA enforcement officers across the country, the Unit brings together multiple organisations, including police forces and the National Crime Agency, to disrupt serious and organised waste crime. 

    This builds on enforcement action taken by the EA up to March 2025, which included 221 prosecutions against waste criminals.