Tag: 2026

PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 63 – UK Statement for the Item 10 General Debate [October 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 October 2026.

UK Statement for the Item 10 General Debate. Delivered at the 63rd Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Madame Vice President,

Item 10 remains key to the promotion and protection of human rights.

We know that lasting human rights progress depends on more than commitments. It depends on effective institutions, independent judiciaries, accountable governance, and the capacity to deliver rights in practice.

When applied effectively, technical assistance helps states strengthen national institutions, improve access to justice, and support the implementation of international obligations.

It is also valuable in preventing a cliff edge in support when country situations evolve: supporting states on the path from scrutiny and reporting towards sustainable implementation and long-term progress.

Strong institutions are the best defence against future violations, and technical assistance is one of the most effective tools this Council has to support them.

The United Kingdom will continue to champion technical assistance and capacity building, and thanks the Office of the High Commissioner for their work in providing this valuable support.

Thank you.

05/10/2026
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 63: UK Statement for the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the Democratic Republic of the Congo [October 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 October 2026.

UK Statement for the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Mr Vice-President.

The United Kingdom thanks the High Commissioner for his report and remains deeply concerned by the grave human rights situation, particularly in eastern DRC.

We are alarmed by continuing reports of unlawful killings, conflict-related sexual violence, the recruitment and use of children, arbitrary detention, and attacks against schools, healthcare facilities and civilian infrastructure. The findings of the UN’s investigations underline the gravity of the situation facing civilians in eastern DRC.

We are particularly concerned by the impact of the conflict on women and children, the continued displacement of millions of people, and the obstacles this creates for the delivery of humanitarian assistance. We are also concerned by the continued transmissions of Ebola, which is exacerbating vulnerabilities among conflict-affected populations and placing strain on already overstretched health services.

The UK reiterates its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC and calls on all parties to comply with international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Those responsible for violations and abuses must be held accountable.

What further action is needed from the international community to strengthen civilian protection, support the response to the Ebola outbreak, and ensure accountability for human rights abuses and violations?

05/10/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Domestic abusers to be marked and tracked in boost to victims’ safety [October 2026]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 5 October 2026.

Victims and survivors of domestic abuse will be better protected as new measures come into force today (Monday 5 October), which require courts to make a formal record when domestic abuse was a factor in offending.
- For the first time, courts will formally record when an offence involved domestic abuse.
- New marker will help police, prisons and probation better identify and manage perpetrators and protect victims.
- Latest step in the government’s mission to halve violence against women and girls.
Victims and survivors of domestic abuse will be better protected as new measures come into force today (Monday 5 October), which require courts to make a formal record when domestic abuse was a factor in offending.

Domestic abuse is already recognised as an aggravating factor in a wide range of offences, such as assault or stalking, but until now there has been no consistent way to record this once an offender is convicted. This makes it harder to identify abusers; manage the risks they pose and identify patterns of repeat offending.

Under the new measures, the courts must now state in open court when an offence involved domestic abuse, creating for the first time a single, clear court record that can be shared across the criminal justice system. This will ensure perpetrators are identified and managed more effectively by enabling more tailored interventions to address abusive behaviour.

Minister for Victims and Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls and International Justice, Alex Davies-Jones said:

Too many victims have suffered because patterns of abusive behaviour have not always been recognised across the justice system.

This is an important step towards better identifying dangerous perpetrators, protecting victims and delivering on our commitment to halve violence against women and girls.”

Andrea Simon, London’s Victims’ Commissioner, said:

As a panel member of the Independent Sentencing Review, I was committed to ensuring domestic abuse flags were enshrined in law through the Sentencing Act. This is so the context of an offence could be formally recorded and protections for victims of abuse could be strengthened. I am therefore, pleased to see these measures being implemented in practice. Within the context of early prison releases, it is vital that justice agencies can effectively identify and respond to the risks posed by domestic abuse perpetrators and put the right interventions in place to protect victims from further harm.

Court flags will be shared with relevant partners and agencies, and be visible on police, probation and prison digital systems. This will give frontline staff a clearer picture of an offender’s history, helping them assess and manage risk effectively and better identify repeat domestic abuse offenders

More widely, victims are being supported through a new Victim Support helpline, funded as part of an £18 million support package, while the Prime Minister has blocked offenders convicted of rape, serious child sexual offences and grooming from benefiting from upcoming sentencing changes.

Victims will also be better protected through the expansion of electronic monitoring, including world-first restriction zones designed to keep the highest-risk offenders away from those they have harmed.

Dame Nicole Jacobs, Domestic Abuse Commissioner, said:

This marks a step change in our ability to track domestic abuse perpetrators through the criminal justice system – something I have long called for.

Not only will it enable us to better identify and respond to harmful behaviour, but it will also help ensure victims receive the right level of support they need, while giving us a clearer picture of how pervasive domestic abuse is within our justice system.

That insight is crucial if we are to better protect victims and hold perpetrators to account.

Further information
- The Judicial Finding of Domestic Abuse was introduced by the Sentencing Act 2026. It has also been included in the Criminal Procedure Rules, making it obligatory for the courts to implement. The judicial finding will apply when an offence involved domestic abuse (as defined by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021) carried out by the offender.
- The Judicial Finding of Domestic Abuse will only apply in the Criminal Court.
- The finding will be recorded as a formal court result at the point of sentencing.
- The reforms form part of wider action to improve outcomes for victims and survivors, including:
- Introduced domestic abuse specialists in 999 call centres in selected areas. Specialists can support first responders to assess the risk and make sure there is an appropriate response.
- The CPS and NPCC have launched the ‘Domestic Abuse Joint Justice Plan’, which brings police and prosecution expertise together – for a stronger, more co-ordinated approach to investigating and charging domestic abuse.
- Improved access to civil legal aid for domestic abuse victims by extending the equity disregard for the main residence.
- Expanding the Pathfinder pilots in family courts, which are helping to ensure that children’s voices are heard in each case, reducing their trauma, and providing more access to specialist support.
- The rollout of the Domestic Abuse Protection Orders in selected areas. This puts tough restrictions on abusers and can include orders for behaviour change programmes.
- Considering how to expand the use of specialist domestic abuse courts.
05/10/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Supported housing residents to keep more of what they earn as new rules come into force [October 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 5 October 2026.

More than 325,000 residents in supported housing and temporary accommodation will keep more of what they earn when they take up work or increase their hours.
- New rules coming into force today will end the “cliff edge” loss of income faced by residents in supported housing and temporary accommodation when they increase their working hours.
- Comes as part of the Government’s wider plan to move from a welfare state to a working state, including a £3.5 billion investment in employment support and the biggest youth employment reforms in a generation to create almost one million opportunities for young people.
More than 325,000 residents in supported housing and temporary accommodation will no longer face a drop in income when increasing their working hours, under new rules coming into force today [Monday 5 October 2026].

Under the system inherited by this Government, people living in supported housing and temporary accommodation often received help with their day-to-day living costs through Universal Credit, while support for their rent was paid separately through Housing Benefit.

The two systems had different rules about how much someone could earn before their benefits started to be reduced and for people receiving Housing Benefit, those rules were less generous than for people whose support was provided entirely through Universal Credit.

As a result, some residents who moved into work or increased their hours could see their Housing Benefit reduced more quickly, leaving them worse off despite earning more. In some cases, the fear of losing support with housing costs acted as a disincentive to take on work. This created a cliff edge that trapped people on benefits rather than supporting them into work and financial independence.

The reforms will help make sure that people living in supported housing and temporary accommodation, including nearly 50,000 young people who are starting out in employment, are better rewarded for taking up work or increasing their hours.

As part of the Government’s commitment to move from a welfare state to a working state, the regulations change how Housing Benefit is calculated so it aligns with Universal Credit, strengthening work incentives for more than 325,000 residents in supported housing and temporary accommodation.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:

People should never have to choose between keeping a roof over their head or being able to work. But the system has been rigged against some of the very people trying their hardest to get on, particularly young people starting out, who are being left worse off for earning more.

We’re putting that right through a common-sense change that will help people keep more of what they earn. This is what progressive welfare reform looks like: helping people into work and giving families the security and breathing space they need to get on. That’s how we make Britain better off.

Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, said:

For too long, the system has been doing the opposite of what it should: it discouraged some of the most vulnerable residents from working rather than helping them into jobs.

We’re putting that right, so that residents keep more of their earnings, and so that working more hours leaves people better off than staying on benefits.

This is a promise from our Autumn Budget now being put into action, and it’s part of a much bigger effort to overhaul a welfare system that has trapped too many people in dependency for too long. We’re building a system that rewards work and lets people hold on to more of what they earn, while continuing to protect those who need it most.

Homelessness Minister, Florence Eshalomi, said:

We’re investing over £4 billion to end homelessness for good, and employment is an important step in many people’s recovery. This is a crucial intervention that supports this mission – helping people into secure work or increase their earnings from work, in turn building lasting independence.

We’ll continue to support people in temporary accommodation by ensuring that safe, stable placements are available to all who need them, tackling the unlawful use of B&Bs for families and improving access to vital support services.

Today’s rules come alongside previous steps to help people on disability benefits who want to work into work. We have rebalanced Universal Credit to tackle the perverse incentives that discourage work, while giving sick and disabled people support, they were denied under the previous government and introduced the Right to Try so people can try work without fear of immediate reassessment.

Seyi Obakin, Chief Executive Officer at Centrepoint said:

This is a landmark win for young people, and we commend the government for getting this change over the line. For too long young people in supported housing, particularly those at the start of their careers, have had their ambitions blocked by a system that punished them for working harder.

Young people told us that they often felt “trapped,” unable to increase their hours, change jobs or even build savings without feeling immediately worse off, as the cost of living, rents and utility bills continued to rise. From 5th October a young person living in supported housing will keep far more of what they earn, so their extra hours will finally add up. The changes will mean most young people will not experience the stark financial cliff edge they once faced.

Young people will be free to take on more work, chase their career goals and build the futures they want. This is what it looks like when the system works for young people, and we are hugely grateful to everyone who made it happen.

Emma Haddad, CEO at St Mungo’s CEO said:

St Mungo’s has long campaigned for this change, so we absolutely welcome this landmark moment in removing barriers to work for people living in supported accommodation.

For many people, work is a way to build up financial resilience and independence and supports with maintaining and sustaining a home. But for people living in supported housing, work has often felt out of reach. It is reasonable for benefits to reduce as earnings rise; however, the system that is being replaced withdrew support so sharply that people were left worse off by working more. We have seen heart-breaking cases where people had to choose between earning and keeping their accommodation because of this perverse anomaly in the benefits system.

Hundreds of people who St Mungo’s supports benefit from our learning, training and employment services so that they can improve their skills and confidence before entering the world of work. This change will allow more people to use their skills, which we know has positive impacts on their health and wellbeing and increases connection with communities, all of which are vital steps in the recovery from homelessness.

These measures come alongside an investment of £3.5 billion in employment support for sick or disabled people to end the culture of people being signed off and written off, including personalised support to help 300,000 people into work via the Connect to Work programme.

Additional information
- The Housing Benefit (Earned Income Disregards) Regulations 2026 were laid before parliament on 6th July 2026 and come into force on 5 October 2026.
- Five new earned income disregards are being introduced for working-age Housing Benefit claimants in supported housing and temporary accommodation.
- Disregard values will be updated annually. No group is made worse off by this change; any variation in the immediate financial gain reflects how existing Universal Credit and Housing Benefit tapers already operate.
05/10/2026
Alex Norris – 2026 Comments on Scrapping Judge Only Trials

The comments made by Alex Norris, the Justice Secretary, on 4 October 2026.

This government inherited criminal courts on the brink of collapse, with victims waiting years for their day in court. I remain committed to bringing down the backlog and delivering swifter justice for those who so desperately need it. But I have heard the strength of feeling on the proposals for increasing the number of judge-alone trials in the Crown Court and have made the decision to change course.

This allows us to start that work far earlier, ensuring that under this Government we do not have victims waiting endlessly for justice.

Justice delayed is justice denied, and I am committed to maximising efficiencies in our system alongside record investment. I remain committed to structural reform which is crucial if we are to bring down the backlog.

05/10/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Justice reforms to be rolled out faster as Justice Secretary sets out changes to Courts Bill [October 2026]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 4 October 2026.

Victims will get the fast and fair justice they deserve under changes to court reforms, the Justice Secretary has announced today.
- Plans for some criminal trials to be heard by judge alone to be scrapped under changes to court reforms
- Wider changes to criminal courts to cut the record number of cases waiting to be heard will be fast-tracked
- ‘Victims will not be waiting endlessly for justice’ Justice Secretary pledges
Plans for some criminal trials to be heard by judge alone will be scrapped, meaning more serious cases will continue to be heard in front of a jury, keeping juries the cornerstone of British justice.

This will mean the Justice Secretary can be fully focussed on fast-tracking the broader changes needed to drive down the record number of cases waiting years to be heard – fixing a crisis that is leaving too many victims in limbo before they see their perpetrator in the dock.

Millions will be invested in new technology to modernise the outdated courts and slash inefficiencies, judges will be given the resources they need to hear more cases, and vital structural reforms will deliver a court system fit for the 21st Century.

This will give magistrates the power to hand out longer sentences, meaning the courts can deal with cases quicker and get victims justice faster.

Technical and lengthy fraud and financial offences will be allowed to be heard by a judge alone, freeing up jurors from the personal and financial burdens created by complex, months-long trials.

And courts will have the final say over where cases should be heard, preventing criminals accused of relatively minor crimes trying to game the system by electing a jury trial in an attempt to avoid prison.

Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Alex Norris, said: 

This government inherited criminal courts on the brink of collapse, with victims waiting years for their day in court. I remain committed to bringing down the backlog and delivering swifter justice for those who so desperately need it. But I have heard the strength of feeling on the proposals for increasing the number of judge-alone trials in the Crown Court and have made the decision to change course.

This allows us to start that work far earlier, ensuring that under this Government we do not have victims waiting endlessly for justice.

Justice delayed is justice denied, and I am committed to maximising efficiencies in our system alongside record investment. I remain committed to structural reform which is crucial if we are to bring down the backlog.

The changes announced today will be made to the Courts and Tribunals Bill, due back in Parliament later this month.

When it returns, the government will also make a statutory commitment to consider any impacts of the structural reforms on ethnic minorities and people of different backgrounds, led by an independent reviewer.

Minister for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman KC said: 

Justice delayed is justice denied. We must take action to bring down the backlog using every lever we have. That’s why we will set out, in our response to Lord Leveson’s report, the steps we are taking to make the courts more efficient.  

Whether that is using AI to support the listing of cases, rolling out further virtual hearings, or taking steps to ensure defendants arrive to court on time, we will turn the tide and deliver the swifter justice victims deserve.

Today’s announcement comes just weeks after new figures confirmed the backlog in the Crown Court had reached a record high. Nearly 81,000 cases are now stuck waiting for justice and of these almost a third had been waiting for a year or longer.  

No single measure can fix years of underinvestment and decades where the system has not kept up with the pace of change. That is why the government is doing all it can to get victims fairer, faster justice – long-term reform, underpinned by vital efficiency and record investment.

Notes to editors:
- The Government will publish its full response to both parts of Lord Leveson’s review in the coming weeks. 
- The Bill will return to the House of Commons on 13 October.
05/10/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement from Defence Ministers of the Joint Expeditionary Force [October 2026]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 2 October 2026.

Defence Ministers of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) and Allies met at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, today (02 October) to advance the JEF’s role as a key pillar of European and Euro-Atlantic security.

Defence Ministers of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) and Allies met at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, today (02 October) to advance the JEF’s role as a key pillar of European and Euro-Atlantic security. Following guidance from Leaders at the Helsinki Summit in March, Ministers agreed upon further action across the JEF’s key priorities.

1. Reinforcing steadfast support to Ukraine through ambitious delivery of the JEF-Ukraine Enhanced Partnership.

The JEF Nations remain steadfast in their support for Ukraine. In 2025, the JEF-Ukraine Enhanced Partnership was established to deepen cooperation and strengthen collective security. Today, Defence Minister Khamara virtually joined JEF counterparts to mark the successful ongoing delivery of that Partnership. This year, for the first time, Ukraine participated in the JEF’s flagship Lion Protector exercise, with Ukrainian mine countermeasure vessels operating alongside JEF forces to strengthen interoperability, enabling the JEF to benefit from Ukraine’s unrivalled operational experience of modern warfare. Defence Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the Partnership and agreed to deepen Ukraine’s involvement in JEF activities.

2. To further leverage the JEF’s specific geographical focus and collective expertise in operating in the Arctic, High North, North Atlantic and Baltic Sea regions to strengthen NATO’s northern flank

Defence Ministers reaffirmed that the Baltic Sea region, the High North, and the North Atlantic remain the JEF’s core and interconnected area of strategic interest. Joined by Canadian Defence Minister McGuinty, Ministers discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation between the JEF and Canada, noted Canada’s application to join the Framework, and advanced work towards a shared recommendation to JEF Leaders on Canadian membership.

Ministers also agreed the JEF’s overarching policy direction and a common framework for structuring engagement with partners.

3. To further increase the JEF’s deterrence and peacetime activity.

Defence Ministers received an update on the Lion Protector series, conducted across Iceland and Norway this autumn, and welcomed its synchronisation with the UK’s Carrier Strike Group. Ministers reviewed the JEF’s five-year programme of activity and welcomed continued efforts to strengthen coherence with NATO, including work to align JEF response options with NATO regional plans.

Ministers discussed Russia’s hybrid activity against JEF nations and other NATO Allies and agreed to continue developing common approaches through JEF mechanisms. Despite Russia’s unacceptable acts of sabotage against JEF Nations and other Allies, they are resolved to improving our individual and collective preparedness to defend against these threats and will not be deterred from supporting Ukraine. Ministers reiterate that JEF nations do not seek confrontation and pose no threat to Russia, but Russia should be in no doubt that we will defend ourselves.

Ministers also reviewed progress on defence industrial cooperation following two meetings of JEF National Armaments Directors since the Ankara Summit. They welcomed the pace of work to identify practical opportunities for collaboration and the importance of delivering tangible outcomes. Ministers reaffirmed the need for collaboration in reinforcing interoperability, advancing capability innovation, and strengthening shared industrial resilience. Ministers looked forward to receiving concrete proposals ahead of their next meeting. The Single Services continue to deepen military engagement within the JEF, including through work on the Northern Navies concept, in support of the JEF’s five-year exercise plan.

Finally, Ministers reaffirmed the JEF’s vital contribution to a stronger Europe within a stronger NATO. They highlighted the JEF’s unique role below the threshold of Article V, delivering agile and credible responses to emerging challenges while complementing NATO’s deterrence and defence posture. Ministers directed further work to demonstrate the JEF’s contribution to Euro-Atlantic security and ensure the Framework continues to meet the evolving needs of our collective security.

Ministers thanked Iceland for hosting the next JEF Leaders’ Summit in Reykjavik next spring.

05/10/2026
PRESS RELEASE : UK and Taiwan deepen trade and technology cooperation [October 2026]
The press release issued by the Department of Business on 2 October 2026.

The UK and Taiwan have held the 28th annual UK-Taiwan Trade Talks in London, alongside the launch of a new Science, Innovation and Technology Arrangement and engagement with a Taiwanese business delegation.

28th annual UK-Taiwan Trade Talks

The Trade Talks were co-chaired by Minister for Trade Lord Sarwar and Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Cynthia Kiang. The UK and Taiwan discussed opportunities to strengthen trade and investment ties, deepen cooperation on digital trade and clean energy, and support collaboration in advanced manufacturing and resilient supply chains.

The UK and Taiwan have held annual Trade Talks since 1991, providing a regular opportunity to discuss trade and economic issues and strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Taiwan is the UK’s sixth-largest trading partner in the Asia-Pacific region, with total bilateral trade reaching £8.9 billion in 2025.

Minister for Trade Lord Sarwar said:

“The UK and Taiwan share a strong trading relationship that is delivering growth, jobs and investment for both economies.

“Today’s trade talks have helped identify new opportunities in digital trade, clean energy and advanced manufacturing to support our industrial ambitions and drive growth in every postcode.”

Ministers also met representatives from UK and Taiwanese businesses to discuss opportunities to expand trade and investment between the two economies. These discussions took place alongside a wider programme of engagement undertaken by Taiwanese businesses visiting the UK to strengthen commercial partnerships and explore investment opportunities.

Alongside the Trade Talks, Ruth Bradley-Jones, British Representative, Taipei and Vincent Yao, Taipei Representative, London signed a Memorandum of Understanding between UK Export Finance and Taiwan EximBank to strengthen cooperation on export credit opportunities.

UK-Taiwan Science, Innovation and Technology Arrangement

The two representatives also signed the UK-Taiwan Science, Innovation and Technology Arrangement, witnessed by the UK’s National Technology Adviser, Dr Dave Smith, and Deputy Minister Bing-Yu Chen of Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council (NSTC).

Dr Dave Smith, the UK’s National Technology Adviser, said:

“The UK and Taiwan are natural partners in emerging technologies – from semiconductors and photonics to space and next-generation communications.

Our strengths are genuinely complementary: world-leading UK research, design and innovation alongside Taiwan’s unrivalled capability in advanced manufacturing and hardware. This Arrangement gives that partnership a lasting framework to deliver tangible outcomes for researchers and businesses on both sides.”

The Arrangement establishes a framework to support collaboration between the UK Department of Business, Innovation, Science and Trade and Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council. It builds on existing collaboration between the UK and Taiwan, focusing new bilateral efforts to drive joint research and development in areas of mutual interest, such as semiconductors, space, telecommunications, net zero and AI standards.

In advance of the launch, NSTC Minister Cheng-Wen Wu met separately with Baroness Lloyd, Minister for Space, Cyber and Regulatory Reform, to discuss arrangements for the signing and exchange views on UK-Taiwan S&T opportunities more broadly.

Notes to editors
- The UK and Taiwan share a strong, unofficial relationship across cultural, educational, and trade-related areas, including trade policy, investment, science, technology and innovation, climate, and health.
- The UK and Taiwan have held annual Trade Talks since 1991.
- Taiwan was the UK’s sixth-largest trading partner in the Asia-Pacific region in 2025, with bilateral trade worth £8.9 billion.
- Ministers reviewed progress under the UK-Taiwan Enhanced Trade Partnership, including cooperation on investment, digital trade and energy and net zero.
- The Science, Innovation and Technology Arrangement is a non-legally binding framework between the UK and Taiwan to support cooperation in science, innovation and technology.
05/10/2026
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 63 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on the oral update on Ukraine [October 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 October 2026.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on the oral update on Ukraine. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Mr Vice-President,

The High Commissioner’s latest report sets out starkly the severity of sexual violence against Ukrainian prisoners of war. Sixty three percent of those interviewed reported conflict-related sexual violence at Russian hands. This included rape, genital mutilation, electric shocks and beatings to the genitals, and forced nudity – inflicted to strip prisoners of dignity and humiliate them before fellow captives and guards, sometimes over years.

Beyond captivity, the report shows how Russia is using sexual violence as an instrument of control – a weapon to enforce its occupation, terrorise communities, and assert dominance over Ukrainian civilians.

Chillingly, children have not been spared: the youngest documented rape survivor was four, and some women now bear children born of rape. These harms have profound and lasting consequences, underlining the need for child-sensitive, survivor-centred support and justice.

These findings may only offer a glimpse into the true scale of the crimes being committed.

Russia continues to refuse monitoring missions access to occupied territory, prisoners of war and detainees.

Russia has passed laws that grant servicepersons near total immunity for crimes committed during military service.

High Commissioner, based on the evidence available to your Office, to what extent can conflict-related sexual violence in Russian detention be understood as a systemic practice rather than a collection of individual crimes?

Thank you.

05/10/2026
Ellie Reeves – 2026 Attorney General Swearing-in Speech

The speech made by Ellie Reeves, the Attorney General, at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on 2 October 2026.

My Lady Chief Justice, Lord Chancellor, members of the Court.

It is an honour to take my oath this morning.

It was less than a year ago I was being sworn in as Solicitor General.

It was a job I loved, and gave me an insight into the talent, the dedication and the professionalism of the people who work in the department.

The Attorney General’s Office is a place where we get things done.

So, while I am new to this role, I am not new to the work, and I am pleased to drive it forward.

I want to take a moment to recognise the judiciary and the extraordinary work you do.

You uphold the rule of law with independence and integrity, often in the most difficult and sensitive circumstances.

I will work hard to protect this independence, which is at the core of our justice system.

I look forward to working closely with you, Lady Chief Justice, and with judges across our courts, to strengthen public confidence in our justice system.

I also want to take a moment to pay tribute to Richard Hermer.

It was a privilege to serve alongside him. I learnt a lot from him and owe him a debt of gratitude.

And I am really pleased to have Andy Slaughter as our Solicitor General.

I could not think of a better person to have in the role.

His longstanding experience of Parliament and the criminal justice system will serve him, and all of us, extremely well.

Andy, you often say you’ve only waited 21 years for your appointment.

I think that confirms that you possess two qualities essential for any Law Officer: remarkable patience and an admirable refusal to give up.

And it is a genuine relief to know I will now have you beside me at the Justice Select Committee rather than the other side of the table, asking the difficult questions.

Having served both as the Shadow Solicitor General and as Chair of the Justice Select Committee, I cannot think of a better person to have in this important role.

And of course, it’s a privilege to see our new Lord Chancellor in post.

He and I were elected to Parliament on the same day, just over nine years ago.

As a Minister in the Home Office, Alex had to grapple with some of the most difficult challenges facing our government.

He tackled those issues with determination, respect and thoughtfulness. As Lord Chancellor he’ll show those same qualities.

And I know how committed he is to the rule of law and ensuring that our justice system delivers for ordinary people.

Lady Chief Justice, you touched on my own journey into law.

It is true that growing up I didn’t know any lawyers.

I went to my local South East London comprehensive and when I was around 17 I distinctively remember saying to my dad that I might want to study law at university, maybe even become a barrister, but I didn’t think that was something girls like me from schools like mine did.

Dad – I still remember your words today. You said, “Well Ellie, if you don’t do it, how will things ever change!”

And Mum and Mike, your words were just as impactful, you both thought I should apply because, and I quote: “you love arguing with people, so you may as well get paid for it.”

So, with that ringing endorsement, off I went to Oxford University to study law.

In one of my earliest seminars, our professor told my class we were practically guaranteed a training contract in a magic circle law firm, but I knew that wasn’t why I was studying law.

There is nothing wrong with that work, but I wanted to be able to make a difference to people’s everyday lives.

So, after being called to the bar in 2004, I trained as an employment rights lawyer, representing trade unions and their members for over a decade, before setting up my own consultancy, to support women facing maternity and sex discrimination at work.

Representing people at work taught me that law doesn’t exist in a vacuum.

It’s people’s pay packets, it’s their livelihoods, it’s their safety and their dignity at work.

The law makes a real difference to people’s lives.

And that’s what has shaped my work in law, and in Parliament, and will continue to do so in this role, as Attorney General.

As Solicitor General, I made tackling violence against women and girls my number one priority.

I was proud to be able to help design and publish the Government’s VAWG strategy;

To unlock five million pounds for the CPS to better support domestic abuse victims in the crown courts and roll out the early Victims Right to Review scheme.

And as Attorney General just this week I have announced the national roll out of the Victim Transformation Programme, including dedicated victim liaison officers for victims of domestic abuse.

That is progress, but there are more challenges we still face.

Public confidence in our criminal justice system is low, and there is much more to do to deliver for victims.

I will work closely with the Lord Chancellor and Home Secretary to make sure we do.

I know there is impatience. People want government to get things done. And done now.

That’s why, a few weeks ago, I changed the Legal Risk Guidance.

I want to empower our brilliant government lawyers to find creative and innovative solutions, support ministers to take legally sound decisions that stand up to scrutiny.

And crucially, I want them to enable this Government to deliver for ordinary people.

Lady Chief Justice, to swear this oath today is an honour and a great responsibility.

As Attorney General, I will work to uphold the rule of law, strengthen confidence in our justice system, and ensure the law continues to serve the people it exists to help.

The legal profession should be open to everyone, regardless of their background.

If there is one bit of advice I could give any aspiring lawyers thinking the profession might not be for them, it would be this. Follow your dreams and don’t let barriers get in the way, instead: strive to break them down.

And as Attorney General, I will work to break down those barriers, increase opportunity and help widen access to our brilliant profession.

05/10/2026