Tag: 2026

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK beef hits US shelves for the first time – cutting costs for UK businesses [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK beef hits US shelves for the first time – cutting costs for UK businesses [March 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 2 March 2026.

    First shipment of UK beef under reciprocal quota arrives in the US, as government works in partnership with the food and farming industries to save millions in export fees and grow the UK economy.

    UK food and farming take centre stage this week after the first shipment of British beef arrived in the US, alongside the launch of the UK’s first dedicated agri‑food trade mission to Washington DC.

    The trade mission will build on a milestone of the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal, where both countries agreed to implement a reciprocal 13,000 tonne quota for beef. The quota is a major growth opportunity for British farmers, worth up to £70 million a year if fully utilised. 

    Thanks to the deal, UK beef exporters were given dedicated access to the US market, and the first shipment has now arrived in the US from Northern Ireland’s biggest red meat exporter Foyle Food Group, who employ 1,150 people in the UK. Valued at more than £190,000, the agreement will see nearly £50,000 tariff relief to this landmark shipment alone – easing costs for businesses and supporting growth back home.

    The UK’s food and drink exports were worth over £25 billion globally last year, £2 billion of which went to the US, with considerable potential to grow the UK’s global trade.

    Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:

    The UK produces the finest food and drink, and I’m proud to champion our world-leading farmers, producers and exporters on the global stage.

    I am leading the first ever dedicated agri-food trade mission to the US to pursue opportunities to grow our trade with the largest consumer market in the world.

    The first agri-trade mission will seize on British food’s reputation for high quality and standards, taking the very best of the UK’s largest manufacturing sector directly to America’s buyers, businesses and decision-makers. In a market of more than 300 million people, the visit will turn international prestige into real commercial opportunity for UK farmers and food producers. 

    The Environment Secretary will be joined by key UK industry figures on her mission, including representatives from the National Farmers’ Union, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, Foyle Food Group, the International Meat Trade Association and the Scotch Whisky Association.

    She will attend the US Annual Meat Conference to support five of the UK’s largest meat exporters and discuss opportunities for growing the US market, flying the flag for UK meat among American buyers.

    Reynolds will then host a major Food and Drink Showcase reception at the Ambassador’s Residence, bringing together UK exporters and buyers to sample premium beef alongside other world-class British products such as cheese, seafood, spirits and English sparkling wine.

    Delegates from the Scotch Whisky Association will have opportunity to get their products in front of US buyers, championing one of the UK’s most iconic spirits in a market with strong consumer demand.

    Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said:

    For the first time, UK beef farmers have exclusive access to a market of over 300 million people, and that is a direct result of the deal we struck with the US last year.

    This isn’t just symbolic — it’s delivering real results. British beef is world-class, and American consumers deserve access to it. I look forward to seeing more of our farmers seize this opportunity and grow their businesses on the international stage.

    Michael Acheson, Business Development at Foyle Food Group, said:

    Foyle Food Group is delighted that the UK has secured a 13,000 metric tonne quota for British beef in the United States through the new UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal.

    This agreement provides tariff-free access to the world’s largest beef market. For Foyle Food Group, it means we can now offer British beef to a wide range of customers across the United States. Securing this dedicated UK quota for the first time also allows us to build longer-term business relationships and provide a more consistent and reliable supply into the US market.

    The trade mission also kickstarts the government’s ambition to act on Baroness Batters’ Farming Profitability Review, which identified expanding export opportunities as essential to supporting farm businesses to improve profitability and driving economic growth across every part of the United Kingdom.

    As the Environment Secretary outlined during her address to the National Farmers Union Conference on Tuesday 25 February, the government is committed to dedicated trade missions to showcase British food and drink overseas.

    NFU President Tom Bradshaw said:

    As one of the commitments made off the back of the Farm Profitability Review, it’s great to see the Secretary of State undertaking this trip in collaboration with industry.

    There is a growing demand in the US for a range of UK products, not least British beef but also lamb, dairy and pork. We hope to build on this momentum and champion high quality British produce in new and potential markets.

    Emily Norton, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) Chair, said:

    International trade and access to a broad portfolio of markets are vitally important for our red meat and dairy industry. The appetite for our world-class red meat and dairy produce was underlined last year with record values of UK exports achieved for both sectors.

    Central to this success is the importance of connecting with people to help our exports continue to thrive. AHDB’s updated report on prospects for UK agri-food exports in North America has highlighted long-term opportunities for premium red meat and dairy products in the USA and the wider region. We welcome the Secretary of State’s visit and look forward to continuing working with government and industry to help deliver further success for British red meat and dairy exports.

    Mark Kent, Chief Executive at the Scotch Whisky Association, said:

    It is good to be teaming up with the Secretary of State on her trip to Washington DC. We’re proud that Scotch whisky is the UK’s biggest food and drink export, and the United States is our most important market, worth £933 million in 2025. Scotch whisky has deep, longstanding ties with the American whiskey industry – not just through our closely connected supply chain, but in our shared commitment to a premium product that’s loved around the world.

    At a time when global trade is evolving and our sector is seeing increased pressure in crucial markets like the US, the Secretary of State’s visit is an important opportunity to build on that historic relationship while championing zero tariff trade which benefits whisky industries, and their supply chain from farmers to barrel makers to the hospitality industry, on both sides of the Atlantic.

  • Keir Starmer – 2026 Statement on Iran

    Keir Starmer – 2026 Statement on Iran

    The statement made by Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 1 March 2026.

    Yesterday, I spoke to you about the situation in the Gulf and explained that the United Kingdom was not involved in the strikes on Iran. 

    That remains the case.

    Over the last two days Iran has launched sustained attacks across the region at countries who did not attack them.

    They’ve hit airports and hotels where British citizens are staying. 

    This is clearly a dangerous situation. 

    We have at least 200,000 British citizens in the region – residents, families on holiday, and those in transit. 

    I ask all our people in the region to please register your presence and follow Foreign Office travel advice.  

    I know this is a deeply worrying time and we will continue to do all we can to support you.

    Our Armed Forces who are located across the region are also being put at risk by Iran’s actions.  

    Yesterday Iran hit a military base in Bahrain, narrowly missing British personnel.

    The death of the Supreme Leader will not stop Iran from launching these strikes. 

    Their approach is becoming even more reckless – and more dangerous to civilians.

    Our decision that the UK would not be involved with the strikes on Iran was deliberate.

    Not least because we believe that the best way forward for the region and for the world is a negotiated settlement.

    One in which Iran agrees to give up any aspirations to develop a nuclear weapon.

    But Iran is striking British interests nonetheless, and putting British people at huge risk, along with our allies across the region. 

    That is the situation we face today. 

    Our partners in the Gulf have asked us to do more to defend them, and it is my duty to protect British lives.  

    We have British jets in the air as part of coordinated defensive operations which have already successfully intercepted Iranian strikes. 

    But the only way to stop the threat is to destroy the missiles at source – in their storage depots or the launchers which used to fire the missiles.

    The United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose. 

    We have taken the decision to accept this request – to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk, and hitting countries that have not been involved.

    The basis of our decision is the collective self-defence of longstanding friends and allies, and protecting British lives.

    That is in accordance with international law. And we are publishing a summary of our legal advice.

    We are not joining these strikes, but we will continue with our defensive actions in the region.

    And we will also bring experts from Ukraine together with our own experts to help Gulf partners shoot down Iranian drones attacking them.

    I want to be very clear: we all remember the mistakes of Iraq. 

    And we have learned those lessons. 

    We were not involved in the initial strikes on Iran and we will not join offensive action now.

    But Iran is pursuing a scorched earth strategy – so we are supporting the collective self-defence of our allies and our people in the region. 

    Because that is our duty to the British people.

    It is the best way to eliminate the urgent threat and prevent the situation spiralling further.

    This is the British government protecting British interests and British lives.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint E3 Leaders’ Statement on Iran [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint E3 Leaders’ Statement on Iran [March 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 March 2026.

    Joint E3 Leaders’ Statement on Iran.

    E3 leaders are appalled by the indiscriminate and disproportionate missile attacks launched by Iran against countries in the region, including those who were not involved in initial US and Israeli military operations. Iran’s reckless attacks have targeted our close allies and are threatening our service personnel and our civilians across the region.

    We call on Iran to stop these reckless attacks immediately. We will take steps to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region, potentially through enabling necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Iran’s capability to fire missiles and drones at their source.

    We have agreed to work together with the US and allies in the region on this matter.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Summary of the UK Government legal position – The legality of defensive action in respect of Iranian regional attacks [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Summary of the UK Government legal position – The legality of defensive action in respect of Iranian regional attacks [March 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 March 2026.

    Summary of the UK Government legal position: The legality of defensive action in respect of Iranian regional attacks.

    The UK condemns in the strongest terms the Iranian regime’s reckless and ongoing indiscriminate attacks against countries in the region. Such actions demand a united response to restore peace and security and prevent further escalation of the conflict.

    As well as defending itself and its position in the region, the UK is acting in the collective self-defence of regional allies who have requested support.  The UK and its allies are permitted under international law to use or support force in such circumstances where acting in self-defence is the only feasible means to deal with an ongoing armed attack and where the force used is necessary and proportionate.

    Accordingly, the UK has military assets flying in the region to intercept drones or missiles targeting countries not previously involved in the conflict.  In addition, the UK has responded to a US request which will facilitate specific and limited defensive action against missile facilities in Iran which were involved in launching strikes at regional allies.

    The UK’s actions and related support to its allies is solely focussed on ending the threat of air and missile attacks against regional allies unlawfully attacked by Iran and who have not been involved in hostilities from the outset.  It does not signal the UK having any wider involvement in the broader ongoing conflict between the US, Israel and Iran.  

    The UK remains of the view that a negotiated solution should be supported, and that further escalation into a wider regional conflict should be avoided.

    The Government will notify the United Nations Security Council of relevant actions taken under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with the Sultan of Oman [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with the Sultan of Oman [March 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 March 2026.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Sultan of Oman, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik al Said, this afternoon.

    He expressed the UK’s support of Oman in the face of Iran’s widespread and uncontrolled retaliation. They shared their concern about the safety of civilians and the rising number of injured people as a result of the strikes.

    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 : Prime Minister call with President Christodoulides of Cyprus [March 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with President Christodoulides of Cyprus [March 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 March 2026.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, earlier today.

    They discussed the deeply concerning impact of Iran’s indiscriminate strike action in the region, which has hit airports, ports and infrastructure – harming innocent people as a result.

    The Prime Minister underscored his full support for the security of Cyprus and the Sovereign Base Areas.

  • 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.