Tag: 2026

Keir Starmer – 2026 Comments on Extremism

The comments made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 15 May 2026.

We’re in a fight for the soul of this country, and the Unite the Kingdom march this weekend is a stark reminder of exactly what we are up against. Its organisers are peddling hatred and division, plain and simple.

We will block those coming into the UK who seek to incite hatred and violence. For anyone who sets out to wreak havoc on our streets, to intimidate or threaten anyone, you can expect to face the full force of the law.

My government will always champion peaceful protest but will act decisively against hatred. We all have a responsibility to speak out against those spouting vile divisive views wherever we see it.

We are a country built on decency, fairness and respect, at our best when people from different backgrounds come together in common purpose.  That is what we must fight for.

15/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Government to transform Mental Health care with new strategy [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 15 May 2026.

New Mental Health strategy will transform care in England and drive shift from crisis intervention to preventative care.
- Call for Evidence launched during Mental Health Awareness Week to seek evidence of best practice in communities
- Part of 10 Year Health Plan commitment to give mental health the attention it deserves
Frontline workers, clinicians and mental health experts are today [Friday 15 May] being invited to share their views on how to transform mental health care for children and adults in England, as the government launches a Call for Evidence to shape its once-in-a-generation cross-government Mental Health Strategy.

The strategy will drive a fundamental shift towards prevention – treating people earlier and faster, and supporting those with mental health conditions to live a full life and stay active in education, work, family life and their communities.

Demand for mental health services has risen rapidly, particularly among children and young people, who often face long waiting times for the care they need. Around one in five people are now affected by a common mental health condition.

Improving mental health care is a priority in the government’s manifesto and 10 Year Health Plan and the government has hit its target to hire 8,500 extra mental health workers three years ahead of schedule. This year, NHS mental health spending is forecast to reach a record £16.1 billion – a real-terms increase of around £140 million on last year.

On top of this, we are making £473 million available over the next four years for Mental Health Emergency Departments, Community-based Mental Health Centres and wider capital projects, accelerating the rollout of Mental Health Support Teams in schools and colleges and expanding community‑based support via Early Support and Young Futures Hubs.

But despite record investment and significant workforce growth, the current system remains reactive, fragmented and inconsistent. Support varies based on postcode, and too often people only get help when they reach crisis point. The Mental Health strategy will address this by setting new direction for the mental health system so that it responds earlier and more proportionately.

Baroness Merron, Minister for Mental Health, said:

This government believes that mental health should be treated with the same seriousness as physical health, yet too many people across the country are struggling to get the support they need, when they need it.

Alongside record investment in mental health services and more mental health workers than ever in the NHS, this strategy will give mental health the attention it deserves and set us on a new direction -one that focuses on earlier help, faster access and a whole-system approach.

We want to hear from everyone with a stake in getting this right, including frontline clinicians, service providers, and people with lived experience of mental health conditions, so that we can build a system that truly works for everyone.

Mark Winstanley, Chief Executive, Rethink Mental Illness UK, said:

We welcome this announcement as a significant step forward, particularly for people severely affected by mental illness who too often face the greatest barriers to support. Long waits for treatment, unsafe inpatient care and fragmented services remain a daily reality for many, and a long-term strategy creates the opportunity to change that.

What matters now is delivery. We need rapid improvements in access to timely, appropriate treatment, urgent action to ensure inpatient settings are safe and therapeutic, and support that is properly joined up across health, housing and community services. The social security system must also provide a fair and reliable foundation for people who are too unwell to work.

We stand ready to work with government to ensure this strategy delivers meaningful, measurable change for those who need it most.

Mark Rowland, Chief Executive at the Mental Health Foundation said:

This is a big moment for England’s mental health. For many years, we’ve been calling for a radical shift towards a cross-government approach with a focus on prevention, and we look forward to contributing to the plan’s success. 

Our nation’s mental health has gone downhill over recent decades due to things like the Covid-19 pandemic and the legacy of austerity. But change is possible, and we are pleased that the government is taking action.  

We will be advocating for the plan to be ambitious, evidence-led and with a real focus on those communities most at risk of poor mental health; and to address the social and economic factors that shape all our mental health.

The strategy will also look beyond clinical settings to consider the role of schools, workplaces, the voluntary sector and local government in promoting positive mental health, moving from a system that first and foremost seeks to diagnose patients, to one that asks what support people need to live better.

It will also respond to forthcoming recommendations from the independent review into mental health, ADHD and autism, chaired by eminent psychoanalyst and clinical psychologist Professor Peter Fonagy. The review is examining the drivers of increasing demand and how government, the health system and wider public services can meet that demand more fairly and effectively.

Autistic people and people with ADHD face a much higher risk of developing a mental health condition. The Strategy will reflect the mental health needs of these groups, while a dedicated cross-government autism strategy will also be developed and published in due course, and the government will engage with stakeholders to consider extending it to cover ADHD.

The Call for Evidence opens today and will remain open for eight weeks, closing on 10 July 2026.

Brian Dow, Chair, Head On, and Haroon Chowdry, Campaign Partner, Future Minds, two coalitions representing over 20 leading mental health organisations said:

This is a hugely important moment. Mental ill health affects millions of people and families across the UK, with as many as one in five young people facing poor mental health. A 10-year, cross-government strategy signals a shift that the mental health sector has been calling for, and rightly recognises that prevention, early intervention and crisis care must be part of a coherent whole.

75% of mental health problems are established by age 24. This strategy provides an opportunity to establish children and young people’s mental health as a national policy priority, reducing the treatment gap facing children and young people and ultimately bringing down mental health need by supporting children and young people earlier and better. Our campaigns exist to raise mental health up the policy agenda, prioritise children’s mental health, and tackle the crisis head on. Together, we welcome this renewed focus from government and the opportunity to shape what that action looks like. To succeed, this must reach beyond the health system, addressing the social and economic conditions that shape mental health and delivering a genuinely joined-up plan across government.

James Harris, Director of Communications of Mental Health UK, said:

We strongly welcome the government’s commitment to a cross-government mental health strategy. Mental health is shaped at home, in schools, in workplaces and our communities, and policy must reflect this if we are to see lasting improvement.

The opportunity now is to ensure people have the tools, support and environments they need to maintain good mental health and get help early. That requires action across education, employment and public services, alongside sustained investment in evidence-based support. In particular, the strategy must help more people experiencing mental health problems to get into and stay in work, with employers properly supported to play their part. A genuinely joined-up approach can make a real difference to people’s everyday lives.
15/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Families spared time and money during separation thanks to Government action [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 15 May 2026.

Measures will help separating families save cash and settle childcare issues more easily.
- Up to £500 for separating families to settle childcare and money matters without going to Court as Government scheme extended.
- New digital tools to make it easier for parents to find the right help at the right time.
- Part of government’s plan to support families and deliver faster, fairer justice.
Separating families will save hundreds of pounds, face less stress and be able to move on with their lives quicker thanks to crucial Government action.

Today (15 May), Justice Minister Baroness Levitt KC confirmed that the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme will be extended for another year – giving separating families £500 towards their mediation costs to help them solve issues around childcare and finances without going to court.

Made possible by over £7m a year in Government funding, the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme has already supported more than 54,000 parents since it launched in 2021.

The Government has also rolled out a series of new digital tools on GOV.UK, making it easier than ever for parents to find the right help at the right time. These include:
- The “Child Arrangement Planner” – a digital alternative dispute resolution service helping separating families agree practical arrangements for their children on GOV.UK.
- The “Get Help Finding a Child Arrangement Option” – a triage service which helps users identify the most suitable path to resolution based on their circumstances.
- A redesign of GOV.UK content for separating families, making it clearer and easier to use to encourage families to settle disputes outside of Court where appropriate.
The package is a key part of the government’s plan to help families save money and turn the page after separation by settling disputes more quickly and more easily outside of court.

Justice Minister Baroness Levitt KC said:

Separation is one of the hardest moments in any family’s life. The last thing parents need is a slow, costly court fight that drags out the pain, particularly for their children.

Our actions put families back in control. We are producing simple online tools and clear advice on GOV.UK which, taken together with the non-means tested £500 mediation voucher, will help parents to sort things out more quickly, with less stress and lower cost.

The changes build on the Government’s recent decision to expand Child Focused Courts – formerly known as Pathfinder Courts – across England and Wales. Child Focused Courts have been highly successful during their trial period in several areas. In particular, in some of the pilot areas, Family Court backlogs have halved and cases are being resolved up to seven and a half months faster, sparing children and families prolonged uncertainty.
15/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Adults locked out of learning to access education with new reform [May 2026]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 15 May 2026.

Government announces first 130 universities and colleges approved to offer new bite-sized courses, with applications opening this September.

Adults balancing responsibilities such as work and childcare will now have a new route into university and college thanks to radical reforms to create a new, more flexible student finance system.

From September 2026, for the first time ever people will be able to access student finance for shorter, flexible, bite-sized courses, known as “modules”, as well as traditional university degrees.

Today the government has confirmed the first 130 universities and colleges approved to offer the new smaller courses through the system, which people will be able to apply for this September.

The change is part of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, as set out in the government’s Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper last year, with people now able to see the universities and colleges across the country where they will be able to use the new funding system.

Traditionally, higher and further education has been built around full-time degrees and qualifications taken straight after school or college. But that doesn’t work for the many people who need to fit study around life commitments or want to return to learning later down the line to upskill.

The funding of these new smaller courses mean people can gain qualifications over time, rather than needing to complete a rigid three-year full-time degree in one go, which previously locked thousands of people out of learning.

The modules on offer will focus on subjects that will tackle skills shortages, including economics and computing, engineering and architecture, as well as health and social care.

These plans are central to the Prime Minister’s ambition to ensure two‑thirds of young people are in a gold‑standard apprenticeship, higher training or university by the age of 25, helping to close skills gaps, cut the number of young people not in education, employment or training, and drive economic growth as part of our national renewal.

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said:

Financial support should be available whether you want to do a degree, take a short course, or retrain later in life. Our changes will make that happen, with the option to access student finance in any stage of life.

Whether it’s fitting study around a job, retraining for a completely new career, juggling childcare, or getting qualifications later in life, the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement will open up new opportunities for thousands more people to build the careers they want and get on in life.

Applications for student finance will open in September 2026, for anyone starting courses or the new modules from January 2027.

Under the new system, people will be able to access funding equivalent to four years of post-18 study, currently worth up to £39,160.

This money can be used flexibly across the new modules, shorter courses or full degrees over the course of their working lives.

Eligible students will also be able to apply for maintenance support to help with living costs and funding will be provided in smaller amounts linked to the size of the course being studied, rather than only through full academic years.

People who already have a degree may still be able to access the new funding, either if they have remaining student finance available in their pot or want to retrain in certain priority subject areas.

Alex Stanley, National Union of Students Vice President said:

Everyone should be able to study in the way that works best for them. For some that is going to university at 18, for others a changing job market might mean getting new qualifications at 40.

We welcome the flexibility that the Lifelong Learning Entitlement allows, especially through the modular study. Higher education plays a vital role in our society, and we hope that this funding shift will allow more people study, gain new qualifications and invest in their future.

Professor Dave Phoenix, Vice-Chancellor of The Open University, said:

As pioneers of flexible learning, The Open University has long focused on reaching learners where and how they need to study. The Lifelong Learning Entitlement provides a real opportunity to deliver a post-18 education system for the 21st Century, one that better reflects how people, live learn and work today.

It has the potential to truly stimulate lifelong learning, by enabling institutions to build more flexible, modular pathways both into and through higher education, enabling people to train, retrain and upskill throughout their lives.

Realising that potential will depend on ensuring the system works in practice for learners, employers, and further and higher education providers alike and require providers to challenge themselves as to what the future could look like.

15/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Reforms to secure British borders to be agreed by Foreign Ministers in Moldova this week [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 May 2026.

The Foreign Secretary visits Chisinau to agree a more modern interpretation of the European Convention for Human Rights (ECHR).
- The UK will be able to take stronger action against illegal migration as Council of Europe Foreign Ministers, including Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, are set to agree an updated interpretation of Articles 3 and 8 of the ECHR today
- The UK has led diplomatic efforts alongside like-minded partners over recent months, securing support for a principled and international approach to restoring order and control to the immigration system – whilst reaffirming shared commitment to ECHR as a vital protection for people’s rights in uncertain times
- New declaration set to support ambitious domestic efforts to restore order and control, including cracking down on individuals exploiting the system to avoid deportation
A more modern interpretation of the European Convention for Human Rights (ECHR) – which will help courts in the UK ensure that serious criminals are not able to avoid deportation – is expected to be agreed today in Chisinau, Moldova by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, the Attorney General, and fellow Foreign Ministers.

The UK has been leading the debate across Europe, working with partners to reform the way the ECHR is interpreted to support prompt removals of those who have committed serious crimes or have exploited the system. If agreed, this collective agreement will demonstrate the success of UK diplomacy – and will provide clear evidence that a principled and international approach to combatting illegal migration can achieve change.

The declaration is expected to help courts interpret how the ECHR is applied, ensuring that serious criminals are not able to exploit the system to frustrate their deportation and extradition, and ensuring that family rights under Article 8 are properly balanced against the public interest – including the ability of countries to be able to deport foreign criminals and address national security threats.

The Foreign Secretary will attend the Council of Europe Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Moldova to finalise the Political Declaration with Council of Europe ministers, which will support the UK’s ability to pursue wider reforms to restore order and control to its borders.

The UK has led the push to modernise how the ECHR is interpreted throughout her time in government, launching a review of Articles 3 and 8 last year as Home Secretary, and driving engagement with European partners to ensure the Convention can adapt to solve the significant and complex migration challenges across the continent.

She will tell the Council that the Convention is immensely important to European security and rights, but that the way it is interpreted must reflect the real challenges to domestic and border security that nations face today.

Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said:

We have been working with neighbours across Europe to ensure that countries can take strong action against illegal migration, control borders, uphold the rule of law and respect international standards.

The ECHR has protected democracy, human rights and the rule of law across Europe for 75 years. To ensure this continues, we need a common-sense approach that reflects the realities of today.

We want to ensure that immigration systems can’t be unfairly gamed to prevent foreign criminals or those accused of crimes abroad being lawfully returned.

We need a strong, principled, international approach to tackling illegal immigration.

The UK will continue to build the partnerships abroad that make us stronger at home.

Attorney General, Richard Hermer, said:

The ECHR delivers meaningful protections for ordinary people in Britain and across Europe. The Convention is 75 years old, but it has never been static – it has shown its ability to adapt and to respond to new challenges.

That is why this country is proud to be part of a process to work with colleagues across the continent to modernise how the ECHR works, including how to protect our borders in the national interest, to ensure the Convention endures for another 75 years and beyond.

Furthering a manifesto promise, the Foreign Secretary, alongside over thirty-five of her counterparts, will confirm to the Council that the UK is committed to the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and pushing forward action to operationalise this unique judicial body to prosecute those responsible for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including those who may be sitting within the Kremlin.

The Council of Europe has also announced important work to tackle foreign information manipulation and interference. The Foreign Secretary will welcome the Council’s approach and highlight the importance of joint work to tackle hybrid and information threats.

Earlier this week, the Foreign Secretary announced some of the UK’s toughest action to date targeting Russia’s information warfare campaigns through sanctions hitting over fifty individuals and entities who are sowing pro-Kremlin narratives abroad in flagrant attempts to destabilise Ukraine and undermine European elections, including most recently in Armenia.

Notes to Editors:
- Landmark legislation announced in this week’s King’s Speech [13 May] will bring into effect the main reforms announced in Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s Restoring Order and Control statement last November – the most significant in a generation. The Immigration and Asylum Bill will deliver radical reform to reduce pull factors driving illegal migration and increase the removal of those with no right to be here.
- To restore order and control to the immigration system and ensure it operates fairly and effectively, the legislation will tighten the application of Article 8 of the ECHR to prevent gaming of the system and ensure that the public interest carries proper weight in immigration decisions.
15/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : 13 new bathing sites open across England helping communities and waterways [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 14 May 2026.

Designated sites include first-ever site on the River Thames in London.

Today (Friday 15 May) 13 new bathing sites open across the country, helping to restore pride in local areas, giving a boost to outdoor and swimming groups, and protecting cherished rivers and beaches.

The sites, including the first-ever on the River Thames in London, have now officially received designated status as the bathing water season begins.

The 13 new sites take the total to over 460 bathing waters, covering nearly every coastal county in England as well as several more inland swimming spots.

They will be rigorously and regularly tested by the Environment Agency throughout the bathing season meaning swimmers are better informed about water quality, and can swim with greater confidence. 

The designations follow a public consultation with each site receiving overwhelming public support, with 90% of responders in favour of designation and a record number endorsing the Ham & Kingston site.

The Government’s commitment to improving water quality and expanding monitoring is delivering clear results for swimmers and the environment, with four in five bathing sites being rated as either ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’.

Water Minister Emma Hardy said: 

The introduction of these new bathing sites means better monitoring of our waterways, a boost for local tourism, and greater confidence for local swimmers.

Following years of indifference towards bathing waters, this government has expanded the number of sites as part of our overhaul of the water sector.

We’re committed to generational reform of our water industry and won’t stop until the job is done.

The Environment Agency regularly monitors water quality at designated bathing water sites and assesses whether action is needed to cut pollution levels – working with local communities, farmers, and water companies to improve water quality at these locations.

What that means is environmental officers on site every week at each of these locations throughout the summer, taking and assessing water samples, and publishing that information online for the benefit of swimmers.

Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency, said:

The growing number of designations across the country reflects the importance communities place in their local environment and water quality.

If you’re planning on going open water swimming this summer, I’d advise everyone to get informed – checking water quality and conditions before you go.

Across the bathing water season, Environment Agency teams will be out conducting over 7000 tests across over 460 locations. Through strong regulation and the right data, we will continue to drive improvements to bathing water quality, working closely with local partners to direct investment and target action in the right places.

The filming location for the iconic ITV drama Broadchurch in Bridport, Dorset is another confirmed bathing water site. Government will also provide funding towards signage to ensure people have clear access to these new sites.

Sites also play a vital role in connecting people with nature – bringing important social and health benefits and helping towns prosper through increased tourism, delivering on the government’s wider commitment to empower communities to shape how their local environment is protected and enjoyed.

These new designations come alongside recent changes to the bathing water regulations that will modernise the system, helping to ensure it is fit for today and reflects how people use rivers and beaches.

Last year, 93% of England’s bathing waters met acceptable standards for swimming, with 87% rated as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’. The government’s new Bathing Water Regulation reforms will allow us to move away from a ‘one size fits all’ approach to better reflect how people use our beaches, lakes and rivers.  

This announcement is in line with the upcoming Clean Water Bill, announced this week in the King’s Speech, which will continue momentum on once‑in‑a‑generation reforms to end weak oversight, stop water companies marking their own homework and restore public trust.

Supportive quotes:

Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy Mete Coban said:

The announcement of the first-ever river swimming site on the River Thames in London is a moment of celebration for Londoners and highlights the role of community groups in helping to make London’s rivers and waterways cleaner and more accessible spaces.

There is still more work to be done, and the Mayor and I are committed to improving water quality in all the capital’s waterways. This is why we are launching the Clean and Healthy Waterways plan in the summer to ensure they are safe and welcoming spaces for all, as we continue to build a better, greener London for everyone.

Ben Seal, Head of Access & Environment, Paddle UK said:

The designation of these 13 new bathing sites, is another positive step forward in protecting our precious waters. For the millions of people who love being in, on, and beside the water, access to safe, regularly monitored blue space is vital. This expansion ensures that more communities can be better informed when choosing where and when to access the water. Furthermore, the overwhelming public demand for these new designated sites just proves how passionate the public is about being and being active in blue spaces.

Together, the increase in designated bathing water sites and the Clean Water Bill represent a historic opportunity to secure healthy, pollution-free waters for everyone to enjoy.

Marlene Lawrence, Leader and Founder of the Teddington Bluetits chill swimmers, said:

We are absolutely delighted to have achieved Bathing Water status for the Thames at Ham and Kingston.  The river is widely used by all ages to swim, row, paddle and sail, and it is wonderful to have such a natural resource to use to enhance our health and mental well-being.

With water testing throughout the bathing water season, I really want to encourage more people to enjoy leisure time in and on the Thames here.

Notes to editors:

Designated Bathing Waters are regularly tested for water quality throughout the bathing season (15 May – 30 September).

The confirmed sites include:
1. Little Shore, Amble, Northumberland, a crescent of sand between the River Coquet and the North Sea popular with locals 
2. Newton and Noss Creeks, Devon, a narrow tidal inlet just off the River Yealm in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 
3. Canvey Island Foreshore, Essex, a unique family favourite sandy beach.   
4. Sandgate Granville Parade Beach, Kent, shingle beach enjoyed by swimmers, and kayakers.  
5. Queen Elizabeth Gardens Salisbury, Wiltshire, one of Salisbury’s most cherished parks opened in the early 1960s to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II 
6. East Beach at West Bay, Bridport, Dorset, filming location for the iconic ITV drama Broadchurch.  
7. Pangbourne Meadow, Berkshire, a meadow and river in the area that inspired The Wind in the Willows 
8. River Fowey in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, a scenic tidal river, flowing through the heart of the town 
9. River Swale in Richmond, Yorkshire, with dramatic waterfalls over limestone steps 
10. Falcon Meadow, Bungay, Suffolk, a riverside community space on the River Waveney 
11. River Thames at Ham and Kingston, Greater London, London’s first river bathing site on the Thames 
12. New Brighton Beach (East), Merseyside, a sandy seaside resort at the mouth of the Mersey Estuary 
13. River Dee at Sandy Lane, Chester, Cheshire, a popular spot for families and water sports 
The Bathing Water Regulations were updated in November 2025, introducing changes that prioritise public safety and water quality. We are now working towards implementing the reforms. The Bathing Water Reforms include:
- removing the automatic de-designation of sites that have been classified as ‘poor’ for five years running. Now waters with the potential to recover aren’t abandoned prematurely.
- prior to designation, consideration will now be given to the feasibility of a site’s ability to achieve the “sufficient” standard, as well as any known significant risks to the physical safety of bathers arising from the site, and wider environmental impacts.
- opportunity for flexible, site‑specific bathing seasons, allowing monitoring to align with when people actually use the water.
15/05/2026
Keir Starmer – 2026 Letter to Wes Streeting Following his Resignation

The letter sent by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, to Wes Streeting on 14 May 2026.

Dear Wes,

Thank you for your letter. I am very sorry that you have stepped down from Government. We have worked together for many years and I want to thank you for all your hard work in helping to get us back into Government and for all that you have achieved as Health Secretary.

When we came into Government the NHS was on its knees. Almost two years on, the statistics published today are a result of your work and determination and that of the whole of the NHS. Thanks to the choices we made to stabilise our economy, invest in our public services and reform the NHS, hospital waiting lists have been cut. Patients are now waiting less time for hospital appointments, ambulances are arriving sooner, the NHS is more productive, and people’s experience of healthcare is improving. The NHS is back on its feet.

Alongside these performance improvements, you and your team have set out an ambitious policy agenda. The 10 Year Health Plan will modernise the NHS and wider health system. The Casey Commission and Fair Pay Agreement for adult social care puts us on a path to a National Care Service we can be proud of. Alongside this, the National Cancer Plan, HIV Action Plan, National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation, and Life Sciences Sector Plan are all ambitious pieces of work. The Tobacco and Vapes Act will save lives, and the Mental Health Act will improve lives.

This is the difference a Labour government makes. This is the change we are delivering.

Last week’s local election results were extremely tough. I know many colleagues saw good friends lose seats. Everyone in our party is acutely aware that our opponents are more dangerous than ever before. They are a real threat to the values we care about, to the communities we represent and to the country we love.

It is incumbent on all of us to rise to what I see as a battle for the soul of our nation. As part of that we must deliver on all of the promises we made to the country, including our promise to turn the page on the chaos that was roundly rejected by the British people at the last general election.

I am truly sorry you will no longer be sat at the Cabinet table helping to transform our National Health Service. But I have no doubt you will continue to play an important role in our party for many years to come. I hope we can work together to show that Labour in power can address the problems our opponents exploit, can install hope where they want despair, and can bring people together where they want division.

All best wishes,

The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP

15/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE : More children eligible for eGates in boost for families this summer [May 2026]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 15 May 2026.

Access to UK eGates expanding to children aged 8 and 9 years.

Up to 1.5 million more children will soon be able to use UK eGates, speeding up journeys for them and their families this summer.

Children aged 8 and 9 years, who are at least 120cm (3ft 11in) tall and accompanied by an adult will become eligible under plans announced today (14 May 2026).

The age limit change will help families returning from their holidays with young children.

Millions of passengers already use UK eGates each year.

Based on 2025 UK arrival figures, an estimated 1.5 million more children will be eligible to pass through eGates with their families over the next year as a result of the age change.

And there won’t be long for families to wait.

The expanded access is set to begin from Wednesday 8 July 2026, covering more than 290 eGates in UK and juxtaposed ports (where border checks take place in Europe).

Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp said:

Travel with young children can be stressful for parents.    

By expanding eGate access, more families can experience a swifter and smoother journey home – freeing up precious time this summer holiday season. 

We are delivering continued improvement to the passenger experience, while keeping our borders safe and secure.

Border Force Director General, Phil Douglas said:

eGates are an essential part of keeping our border secure.

Expanding access for families will deliver safe, smooth journeys whilst freeing up highly-skilled officers to focus on intercepting those who pose a threat to the UK.

Karen Dee, Chief executive of AirportsUK, the trade body for UK airports, said:

This is a welcome development as it will give more families the ability to take advantage of this technology, speeding up the border process and reducing waiting times for many.

Airports work very hard with border authorities to ensure the UK’s front door is both secure and welcoming, with those coming home and visiting enjoying a smooth experience.

 Patricia Yates, chief executive of Visit Britain said:

We want to provide a world-class experience for the millions of visitors who travel here every year.

Expanding eGate access boosts our competitive tourism offer and our message of welcome, inspiring even more visitors and families to book a trip to Britain this summer and beyond.

Using an eGate typically takes just minutes.

And with more people using eGates, this should also reduce queue times for those going through passport control.

The announcement is the latest step in UK border transformation, delivering smooth journeys for passengers and protecting border security.

As of February, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme has been enforced, providing a fuller picture of those seeking to come to the UK.

Almost 25 million (24.8 million) ETAs have been issued since their introduction. The ETA scheme takes us one step closer to a contactless border.

Contactless border will see state‑of‑the‑art facial comparison technology verify identity, rather than needing to present a passport. This is all whilst keeping our country’s borders secure.

15/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE – Manor of Northstead (Stephen Mark Flynn) [May 2026]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 15 May 2026.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has this day appointed Stephen Mark Flynn to be Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead.

15/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE – Three Hundreds of Chiltern (Stephen Patrick Gethins) – May 2026]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 14 May 2026.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has this day appointed Stephen Patrick Gethins to be Steward and Bailiff of the Three Hundreds of Chiltern.

15/05/2026