Tag: 2026

PRESS RELEASE : Government launches consultation on making public services quicker, easier and more secure to access with digital ID [March 2026]
The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 10 March 2026.

The Government has launched a consultation asking the public to share their views on how digital ID is used to make public services quicker, easier and more secure to access.
- Consultation will let the public have their say on how digital ID is used to make public services quicker, easier and more secure to access.
- Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister says government needs to “catch up” with services offered by the private sector, like online banking
- Digital ID prototype shows how “government by app” could work with the digital ID system as its foundation, doing the join-up work between departments you currently have to do yourself, for you.
The public are being given the chance to have their say on how the new digital ID could help them access public services more quickly, easily and securely – as the government launches a national consultation today.

From managing free childcare payments to filing tax returns, the consultation will seek views from people on how the system could be used to make public services work better for them.

Alongside the consultation, the government will reveal images and videos of a working prototype of the system showing how people could log on to a single app and prove who they are, ending a reliance on multiple logins and paper documents to access the support they need, saving time and effort.

Government by app will be as easy and secure as online banking, and will be available to those who want it. It will remove the frustration of endless telephone calls, complicated printed forms and people having no idea of how long it will take them to get the support they need. Existing routes to accessing public services will continue to be available for those who prefer them.

The system is part of wider government plans to reform public services, modernise public sector technology and replace legacy systems, to make services work better for people across the country and is expected to save money in the long run, by replacing the expensive legacy paper-based systems currently in place. The numbers across government are huge: the DVLA currently processes 45,000 letters a day, Defra uses 500 different paper forms, HMRC handles 100,000 phone calls a day.

Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, said:

People too often dread their interactions with public services. Endless telephone calls, complicated printed forms and having to tell your story multiple times to different parts of government.

I want to change that and make public services work for you. The new digital ID will make that possible, allowing you to log on and prove who you are to access public services more quickly, easily and securely.

Supermarkets, banks and shops have all chosen to move their services online because it delivers a better customer experience and value for money, and other countries like Estonia fully digitised public services years ago. We need to catch up.

We’re launching a public consultation to let you have your say about how we use digital ID to make public services work for you. We want to build a system that works for everyone. Now is your chance.

Anyone starting a new job will be able to use the new digital proof of identity for digital right to work checks, which will be required by the end of the Parliament – or they will be able to do a digital check of other documents such as passport or eVisa if they prefer.

The consultation will find out how digital ID can best work for people across the country and use their feedback to build a system that can help them access services and offer the best possible benefits. Questions include:
- At what age you should be able to get a digital ID;
- What information it would be useful to include – such as proof of address as well as identity – to end the scramble for a utility bill or bank statement;
- Which government services it could improve your experience of, for example getting a driving licence or checking your tax code; and
- How we make sure everyone is included.
To ensure the government hears views from people from all walks of life, an in-depth process going beyond typical government consultations will be launched. Alongside the eight-week online consultation, the government will establish a People’s Panel on digital ID, bringing together people across the country from different backgrounds. The panel will have in-depth discussions, sharing different views on the proposals and will agree ways to move forward.

While the prototype unveiled today gives the public insight into what the digital ID might look like and the type of services it might cover, the final design of the scheme will be subject to the outcome of the consultation and the views shared.

The announcement follows the Roadmap for Modern Digital Government, which set out how technology will transform services right across the state, from digitising planning to making it easier for people to manage their benefits and tax. The government is making it easier for organisations to move away from outdated technology, overhauling funding so old systems can be replaced faster, and doubling the number of tech experts across Whitehall.
March 15, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 61 – UK Statement on the Rights of the Child [March 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 March 2026.

UK Statement for the Annual day on the Rights of the Child. Delivered at the 61st Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Madam Vice President, and thank you to the panellists for their insightful remarks today.

We are deeply concerned about the worsening situation for children in conflicts around the world. In too many conflicts, children are bearing the brunt of violence.

The UK is committed to preventing grave violations against children, including as an active member of the UN Security Council Working Group.

We urge all parties listed in the Secretary General’s annual report to engage with the UN to develop and implement Action Plans and call on all parties to conflict to immediately end and prevent grave violations against children.

The UK is supporting children affected by conflict through our humanitarian assistance and our £450,000 funding this year to the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism to ensure grave violations are documented.

We are also supporting children affected by sexual violence in conflict through our work with partners such as Grace International to advance legal reforms.

The UK is committed to amplifying the voices of young people and ensuring their voices are heard. We will continue to champion meaningful and safe engagement with children affected by conflict, including at the UN.

Madame Vice President,

How can States better integrate children’s voices safely into prevention and protection efforts?

Thank you.

March 15, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : More dentists coming as government boosts number who can practise [March 2026]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 10 March 2026.

Boost for patients as the government bolsters the dental workforce by thousands.
- Thousands more dentists will be available to see patients as government helps clear backlog of those waiting to take professional registration exams
- First sustained expansion of dental school places in nearly 2 decades will also allow 50 more dentists to be trained every year from 2027
- Training places to be targeted in so-called dental deserts where patients often have to fight through their teeth to get an appointment
Thousands more dentists will be available to see patients, opening up appointments across the country by boosting places on 2 professional registration exams.

As it stands, thousands of fully qualified dentists from overseas who are often already living in the UK are unable to practise because of limited exam capacity.

In a huge boost for the dental workforce, a total of 2,400 more overseas-trained dentists, many of whom are already living in this country and waiting for the opportunity to help, could be registered annually from 2028 to 2029.

Thanks to new government investment, final exam places run by the Royal College of Surgeons of England will be increasing nearly tenfold, allowing up to 1,350 overseas-trained dentists to join the General Dental Council’s (GDC) register annually by 2028 and be available to provide dental services – including NHS treatments – in the UK.

At the same time, the GDC will significantly expand the number of places on its Overseas Registration Exam (ORE), meaning more than 1,000 overseas-trained dentists are expected to join the register annually through this route by 2028 to 2029.

It comes alongside an increase of training places for home-grown dentists, prioritising so-called dental deserts that do not currently train dentists.

Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said:

No one in the 21st century should be left in a situation where they cannot access a dentist.

That is why today’s announcement is crucial, as training more dentists and allowing greater numbers of those qualified overseas to practise will put more patients in dental chairs, receiving care when they need it most.

These investments show this government is serious about rebuilding NHS dentistry and laying the foundations to make it fit for the future.

Backed by a one-off £420,000 grant the Licence in Dental Surgery (LDS) exam, an exam that overseas-trained dentists can take in order to practise in the UK, is being massively expanded, with places on the final part of the exam being increased tenfold from 180 to 1,800 by 2028.

The GDC’s clinical part of its ORE will increase to 1,500 places, which is expected to deliver more than 1,000 more dentists on the register by 2028 to 2029.

Dr Charlotte Eckhardt, Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at RCS England, said:

RCS England is pleased to work with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to increase the number of places for candidates sitting the LDS examination. This expansion will support more candidates, strengthen the dental workforce and help improve public access to dentistry.

Tom Whiting, Chief Executive and Registrar at the GDC, said:

Our top priority has been to increase the capacity of the ORE, and I’m pleased that we can offer greater certainty and scale through this new contract. This is good news for candidates.

More ORE places, along with more students at dental schools and the increase in capacity for the LDS, is great news for the dental workforce and, in turn, patients and the public.

Sustainable change requires a long-term plan, and working with others, we are committed to playing our part, to support any workforce strategy, including building a comprehensive framework to support international recruitment.

And in a first for nearly 20 years, an extra 50 dentists will be trained in England every year from 2027, with the Office for Students having been asked to prioritise these new training places in so-called dental deserts that do not currently train dentists, for example in rural and coastal areas, where getting an appointment has long felt like mission impossible.

Dr Katie Petty-Saphon, Chief Executive of the Dental Schools Council, said: 

We are pleased that the government has recognised the urgent need to grow the dental workforce at a time when access to NHS oral healthcare remains a significant challenge for many patients.

Each year, dental schools are forced to turn away talented applicants who show great potential and this increase will allow more future NHS dentists to be admitted.

Dental schools look forward to working with the government to support this expansion, ensuring recruitment follows best practice in widening participation while training NHS-ready dentists and addressing geographical gaps in access to care.

This action is just the beginning, as the government strives to fundamentally reform the dental contract by the end of this Parliament, with a focus on ensuring funding goes where it is needed most, helping more people to get appointments and properly rewarding dentists and their teams for the vital work they do.

For too long, patients have often had to make the agonising choice between going without dental care, or paying through their nose for private treatment.

Today’s announcement demonstrates the government’s unwavering commitment to solving this issue and is part of the government’s wider strategy to shift the focus from sickness to prevention, as part of the 10 Year Health Plan.

Neil Carmichael, Executive Chair, Association of Dental Groups (ADG), said: 

This is excellent news that ultimately will benefit patients as well as put energy into the dentistry profession. We should soon see an increase of overseas-trained dentists, who are now able to take the robust examinations, joining the GDC’s register – and providing NHS treatments.

The ADG has been pushing for some time for the bottleneck in the registration examination for international dentists to be addressed, having highlighted the craziness of having over 5,000 trained dentists from overseas waiting in the queue to qualify, while we have 2,700 dentist vacancies and not enough home-grown dentists to fill the gap.  This is a creative approach to get things moving and we applaud DHSC’s efforts and agility.  

Increasing UK dental school places is also fantastic news. A career in dentistry is an exciting and rewarding one that UK students should be encouraged to pursue. As always, ADG stands by to advise policymakers and stakeholders to keep the momentum going and ensure that we target the most urgent patient needs in dental deserts.

Eni Muco, an overseas‑qualified dentist from Albania living in the UK and waiting to sit the ORE, said:

I qualified as a dentist in Albania in 2013 and ran my own practice before moving to the UK in 2021 to build a life with my husband.

I joined the ORE candidate list in 2023 but, after 7 failed attempts to book Part 1, I still can’t sit the exam. The uncertainty has caused financial strain, anxiety and difficult family decisions.

Expanding exam capacity, fairer allocation and provisional registration would let dentists like me contribute and support the NHS.
March 14, 2026

PRESS RELEASE : Change of Ambassador to the European Union [March 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 March 2026.

Dame Caroline Wilson DCMG has been appointed Ambassador to the European Union in succession to Mr Lindsay Croisdale-Appleby CMG, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Dame Caroline will take up her appointment during August 2026.

Curriculum Vitae

Full name: Caroline Elizabeth Wilson

Year	Role
2020 to 2025	Beijing, His Majesty’s Ambassador
2016 to 2019	FCO, Europe Director
2012 to 2016	Hong Kong, British Consul General to Hong Kong and Macao
2008 to 2012	Moscow, Minister Counsellor
2006 to 2008	Cabinet Office, European Secretariat
2004 to 2006	FCO, Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary
2001 to 2004	Brussels, UK Permanent Representation to the European Union
1996 to 2000	Beijing, First Secretary
1995	Joined FCO

March 14, 2026

PRESS RELEASE : Tech companies must go ‘above and beyond’ to protect women and girls from online abuse or face further action [March 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 10 March 2026.

Tech firms must do more to protect women and girls online or face further action, Tech Secretary Liz Kendall warns at major platform roundtable.
- Government tells tech companies to go further and faster in implementing safety measures to protect women and girls online
- Warning comes after government takes decisive action to tackle online violence and Ofcom issues practical guidance to tech firms
- Tech Secretary encourages Ofcom to report on which companies are failing to act soon as possible, to inform women and girls which platforms decide not to protect them
Major technology companies must use every tool at their disposal to protect women and girls from abuse and misogyny online – or face further action from government, the Tech Secretary Liz Kendall warns.

Holding a roundtable, on Monday 9 March, with leading companies including Snapchat, Meta, YouTube and TikTok, the Secretary of State urged platforms to go further and faster in implementing safety measures.

The warning follows a series of robust interventions the government has taken to meet its commitment to halve violence against women and girls within the next decade. Over the past 6 months alone, the government has made intimate image abuse, cyberflashing and choking priority offences under the Online Safety Act – treating this material with the same seriousness as child abuse or terrorism and placing legal duties on platforms to stop this content before it reaches users.

In January, the Prime Minister called out Grok for the despicable, illegal sexualised images of women and girls that were being spread on its site, and the government then acted within days to fast-track legislation to ban the creation of non‑consensual intimate deepfakes.

And new legal requirements introduced by the government mean tech firms must now remove intimate images shared without consent within 48 hours of being flagged, shifting the burden from victims to platforms. This month, an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill also created a new offence criminalising so‑called “nudification apps”, AI tools that generate synthetic sexualised images of women and girls.

Having taken these decisive steps, the government is now clear that tech companies must match that level of action. Three months ago, Ofcom set out important measures that companies can take to reduce online misogynistic abuse, harassment, stalking and image‑based sexual abuse – including prompts to reconsider harmful posts, limits on pile‑ons, stronger privacy defaults and hash‑matching for intimate images.

The regulator is expected to report on what platforms are failing to comply and the government is encouraging Ofcom to do so as soon as possible, enabling women and girls – and the wider public – to make informed decisions about where they spend their time online.

Tech Secretary Liz Kendall said:

Every woman and girl deserves to be safe online and we will stop at nothing to ensure the digital world is working for them, not against them.

This government has taken tough action to tackle intimate image abuse, deepfakes and the online harms women and girls face every day.

Now, tech companies must go above and beyond to use the tools readily available to them to make their platforms safer. If they don’t, these companies are not innocent bystanders – they are enabling abuse to thrive.

That is why we are asking Ofcom to report swiftly on how companies are complying, because better safety and better accountability go hand in hand.

Later this week, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall will also convene the Women in Tech Taskforce, which is focused on ensuring women are at the table in shaping the technologies of the future – tackling bias in tech design and helping build online spaces that prevent harm to women and girls from the outset.

Last week, the government also launched a public consultation, calling on parents, guardians, and young people across the UK to shape the country’s next steps on children’s digital wellbeing.

The consultation will gather insights from the public on how to keep children safe online across social media, AI chatbots and gaming platforms, and the government will respond in the Summer.
March 13, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : UK Government publishes Terms of Reference for Patrick Finucane Inquiry [March 2026]

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 9 March 2026.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, has today [09 March] announced the Terms of Reference for the Patrick Finucane Inquiry.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, has today announced the Terms of Reference for the Patrick Finucane Inquiry, following agreement with the Chair of the Inquiry, Sir Gary Hickinbottom.

In 2024, the Secretary of State announced the government’s intention to establish an independent Inquiry into the circumstances of Mr Finucane’s death. The human rights lawyer was brutally murdered in his North Belfast home by the loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Defence Association, in February 1989.

The Terms of Reference were published by the Secretary of State via a Written Ministerial Statement to Parliament.

Mr Benn said:

The Terms of Reference have been developed following formal consultation with Sir Gary Hickinbottom, as required by the Inquiries Act. Sir Gary, in turn, consulted the family of Patrick Finucane who provided very helpful feedback and observations. I would like to thank Sir Gary and the Finucane family for their engagement throughout the process.

I commend and support the tireless campaign of Mrs Finucane and her family in seeking answers to the brutal murder of their loved one over the course of 37 years and I am pleased that the Inquiry will now finally be able to get underway.

The Inquiry will be established under the Inquiries Act 2005, with full powers, including the power to compel the production of documents and to summon witnesses to give evidence on oath.

Last year, the Secretary of State announced Sir Gary Hickinbottom as Chair of the inquiry. Mr Benn also confirmed the appointment of both Baroness Nuala O’Loan, and Francesca Del Mese, as Assessors to the Inquiry. Both will provide advice to the Chair on their relevant expertise in regards to the Inquiry, while also giving further assurance about the Inquiry’s independence.

March 13, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Weekend voting and shopping centre polling stations to be trialled [March 2026]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 9 March 2026.

Some voters in England will be able to cast their ballot in a shopping centre and on weekends as part of plans to make voting easier and more convenient for people during May’s local elections.

The way we vote at the polling booth has not changed since 1872. Four areas are taking part in new pilots which will give people more choice over where and when they vote, by turning popular venues into polling booths and letting people vote before polling day.

In Milton Keynes, voters can have their say in the city’s main shopping centre – Midsummer Place – rather than being restricted to a single designated polling station. This could eventually be rolled out across the country in future elections along high streets and in town centres.

People in Cambridge, Tunbridge Wells and North Hertfordshire will be able to cast their vote in person ahead of the election, including on the weekend. This will stop people being limited to just one polling day.

Voters in these places will be able to visit central buildings across their area at a time that suits them, such as the Guildhall in Cambridge’s city centre.

This will make voting more convenient, accessible and efficient for local people – and could eventually happen in all UK elections.

Minister for Democracy Samantha Dixon said:

The way we vote in person has not adapted to people’s busy lives, with voters often given no choice but to cast their ballot at strictly set polling stations within limited hours.

Our trials will make polling days more convenient and test out the first real changes for over 100 years, bringing our democracy into the 21st century.

Further plans for future pilots could include mobile voting stations that travel to different locations, potentially including care homes, universities, or community centres. Other plans could include voters casting their vote at any polling station within the local authority area rather than being restricted to a designated location.

At the same time the integrity and security of the UK’s voting system will continue to be protected, with participating local authorities using existing safeguards, and robust technology, with strong support from the government throughout.

Local authorities will continue to operate traditional polling stations alongside the new options, and people will still be able to vote by post or proxy, meaning voters can choose the method that works best for them.

This comes alongside the government’s landmark Representation of the People Bill which reduces barriers to participation including a landmark change to give votes to 16 year olds, along with tougher rules on political donations to tackle risks around foreign interference in our democracy.

Peter Stanyon, Chief Executive of the Association of Electoral Administrators, said:

These pilots are a great start to exploring different ways to offer electors greater choice about when and where they cast their vote. Weekend and early voting, plus voting hubs at places like shopping centres, are used to good effect in many democracies and we hope will also be successful here. Well done to the election teams who have stepped up to take these pilots forward, we look forward to learning from you.

William Benson, Chief Executive and Returning Officer for Tunbridge Wells borough said:

I am very pleased that Tunbridge Wells is part of the pilot scheme. It’s important that every eligible elector uses their vote and three hubs in key locations across the borough will make it even easier.

Voters can be assured these new arrangements are just as secure as the polling stations they’re used to, and the same helpful staff will be there to guide people through the process.

Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, Cllr Pete Marland said:

Milton Keynes is proud to be leading the way as the UK’s first pilot area for a central voting hub, making it easier and more convenient for people to vote. We’re committed to improving democratic participation, and this innovative approach will give residents greater flexibility.

Melanie Stimpson, Democratic Services Manager and Returning Officer for North Hertfordshire said:

We are very pleased to have been selected to take part in the flexible voting pilots. We know that people lead busy lives and face real challenges in finding time to vote.  Being able to explore new approaches is important to understand how we can better support of residents and collaborate our Council priorities of thriving committees and accessible services.

Robert Pollock, Returning Officer for the City of Cambridge:

Cambridge is renowned for science and tech innovation. We want to bring that mindset to test how we can make voting more inclusive and convenient for all our residents. We already have higher than average turnout in Cambridge. I’d really like this trial to help us get to over 40% at the May local elections.

March 13, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 61 – Panel on disabilities [March 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 March 2026.

UK Statement for panel discussion on the rights of persons with disabilities. Disability-inclusive infrastructure, including transport and housing.

Thank you, Mr President.

The United Kingdom thanks the panellists for their contributions to this important discussion. We fundamentally agree that disability-inclusive transport and housing plays an important role in realising the rights of disabled people, particularly in enabling independent and community living.

On housing, the Disabled Facilities Grant, administered by local authorities in England, helps to meet the cost of adaptations for disabled people to make their homes safe and suitable for their needs.

With regards to transport, our goal is for disabled passengers to travel confidently, easily and with dignity. The new Bus Services Act includes a comprehensive package of measures to improve accessibility, including helping local authorities to deliver safer, more accessible bus stations and stops as well as mandating more streamlined disability training for bus drivers and frontline staff.

We are also glad to be working closely with disabled people, operators and regulators to develop an Accessible Travel Charter, to embed accessibility across the transport system.

Mr President, how can States further utilise assistive technologies to enhance accessibility and service delivery across transport and housing infrastructure?

March 13, 2026
Peter Mandelson – 2025 Email Requesting Foreign Office Help

The email sent by Peter Mandelson on 17 September 2025 and released as part of the Mandelson files.

From: Peter Mandelson
Sent: 17 September 2025 14:35
To: Mark Power < @fcdo.gov.uk>

Subject: Re: Further correspondence

Thank you for your letter. These dates are right given the delay in obtaining Jock’s veterinary certification.

My chief concern is leaving the US and arriving in the UK with the maximum dignity and minimum media intrusion which I think is to the advantage of all concerned, not least because I remain a crown/civil servant and expect to be treated as such.

How is the FCDO assisting in this ?

I am not sure what you mean by paras 12 and 13. My understanding is that I have common law employment rights but this will be better understood by lawyers than by me.

Very best

Peter

March 11, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : We are appalled by the continued restrictions imposed on the women and girls of Afghanistan – UK statement at the UN Security Council [March 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 March 2026.

Statement by The Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern, Minister of State (Minister for Skills) and Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities) at the UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.

Colleagues, let me first begin by expressing the United Kingdom’s deep concern at the intensification of the Taliban’s repression.

We are appalled by the continued restrictions imposed on the women and girls of Afghanistan, including the ban preventing Afghan women from accessing UN spaces.

Millions are being systematically excluded from society.

As we heard from Afghan student, Sunbul Reha, in the opening session of the Commission on the Status of Women this morning, this is not an abstract concept. But a devastating infringement of women’s rights, opportunities, and dreams.

And it cannot continue.
As we mark the beginning of the Commission on the Status of Women here at the UN, the United Kingdom stands in solidarity with the women and girls of Afghanistan, who deserve full, meaningful, and equal participation in all areas of life.
We are dismayed by the Taliban’s new criminal procedures directive, which legitimises domestic violence, embeds religious discrimination, and targets women and minorities.

These oppressive measures must be rescinded.

As my Foreign Secretary has said, the rights of all Afghans must be protected.
Second, the United Kingdom is deeply concerned by the significant escalation in tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

We call for de-escalation and re-engagement in mediated dialogue.
Finally, the United Kingdom is a longstanding and major donor to Afghanistan, providing over $200 million this financial year for vital life-saving and basic services support to the country’s most vulnerable people, especially women and girls.

We are therefore deeply dismayed by the Taliban’s refusal to allow essential health and nutrition supplies over the border into Afghanistan.

This is having a severe impact on the delivery of aid. It is vital that these goods are allowed to enter Afghanistan without obstruction and without delay.

22 million people across the country remain in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
Colleagues, progress in Afghanistan requires the Taliban to engage meaningfully in the UN process.

This is the path towards the goal which we collectively agreed in resolution 2721, of an Afghanistan that is at peace with itself and its neighbours, fully reintegrated into the international community and meeting its international obligations.

The United Kingdom supports the efforts of UN leadership and UNAMA in this regard, and looks forward to continuing to work together with our international and regional partners to this end.

March 11, 2026