Tag: 2026

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement in response to the deteriorating situation in the West Bank [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement in response to the deteriorating situation in the West Bank [June 2026]

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

    Joint statement from Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Norway, and the United Kingdom in response to the deteriorating situation in the West Bank.

    In response to the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, we the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Norway, and the United Kingdom, have taken coordinated action to introduce sanctions and other measures to hold extremist settlers accountable for the horrific levels of settler violence against Palestinian civilians.

    Extremist violent settlers, with the backing of their supporters, continue to attack Palestinians and abuse their human rights. They use violence to displace Palestinians, destroy property and perpetuate the illegal settlement enterprise, undermining the viability of the State of Palestine and the prospects for peaceful coexistence.

    For too long, violent settlers have been able to act with near impunity, and settlement expansion and creation of outposts continue with the support and facilitation of the Government of Israel.  In some cases, settler violence takes place under the protection of Israel’s security forces. We continue to urge the Government of Israel to take action to ensure meaningful accountability for violence in the West Bank. The Government of Israel should ensure every attack is swiftly and thoroughly investigated, take action against the outposts and organisations that allow violence to flourish, and stop the incitement of violence.

    We believe that peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians can only be achieved through the implementation of the two-state solution. Together, we will continue to work towards this goal.

    We Australia, Canada, France, Norway, and the United Kingdom have all taken the historic decision to recognise the State of Palestine, reflecting the rights of the Palestinian people and as part of our common efforts to protect the viability of the two-state solution. Today, we are acting together again in support of the same objectives.

    We stand ready to take more action if the Government of Israel does not take urgent steps to address the situation on the ground.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and allies sanction networks enabling settler violence in the West Bank [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and allies sanction networks enabling settler violence in the West Bank [June 2026]

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

    Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper announces co-ordinated sanctions with international partners targeting individuals and entities involved in financing and enabling settler violence in the occupied West Bank.

    • Foreign Secretary to set out tougher UK action in response to record settlement expansion and rising settler violence in West Bank, and push for urgent implementation of the 20 Point Peace Plan
    • UK brings together Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand and Norway to deliver co-ordinated sanctions against networks financing and enabling settler attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank, and firmly advises British businesses against activity in illegal Israeli settlements 
    • UK takes further action to support recovery in Gaza, including providing £1 million for humanitarian demining, and at least £10 million supporting the PA to navigate the fiscal crisis and sustain critical services

    In a statement to Parliament today, the Foreign Secretary will announce that the UK, alongside partners (Canada, France and Norway) is imposing new sanctions. The UK will impose sanctions on 6 entities and one individual involved in financing, enabling and carrying out settler violence in the occupied West Bank. Australia and New Zealand published co-ordinated sanctions last week.   

    Australia, Canada, France, Norway, and the United Kingdom have all taken the historic decision to recognise the State of Palestine, reflecting the rights of the Palestinian people and as part of our common efforts to protect the viability of the two-state solution. Today, they are acting together again in support of the same objectives. 

    Those designated will face asset freezes and, where appropriate, travel bans and Director Disqualifications. These sanctions will disrupt the flows of finance that have allowed extremist settler groups to act with impunity in the West Bank and demonstrate the UK’s commitment to a two-state solution. 

    The UK position remains clear: settlements are illegal under international law, they undermine international efforts to secure a just, lasting peace in the Middle East, and they risk doing permanent damage to the prospects of a secure and viable Palestinian state being able to live in peace alongside a secure Israel.  

    For the first time, the Foreign Secretary has also announced that the UK’s official guidance will explicitly advise businesses against economic and financial activity in illegal settlements. The UK continues to support trade with Israel within 1967 lines, but states that there should be no economic involvement in illegal settlements.  

    Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is expected to say: 

    Today we are acting with our international partners to sanction those who support and sponsor violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

    Settler expansion and violence is illegal and a fundamental threat to the viability of a two-state solution, and to long-term peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis.

    These measures show the UK is leading with our partners to target those who are fuelling this violence.

    These steps come against a backdrop of continued illegal settlement expansion including the E1 project, which further undermines the viability of a two-state solution, and record levels of settler violence designed deliberately to destroy Palestinian homes and livelihoods in the West Bank. 

    The UK continues to urge the Government of Israel to end settlement expansion, clamp down on settler violence, prosecute those responsible, and lift ongoing restrictions on the functioning of the Palestinian economy. The UK will not hesitate to take further action if the situation does not improve. 

    Today’s measures form part of a wider UK effort to advance peace and security in Israel and Palestine. This includes action to support implementation of the 20 Point Plan for Gaza and protect and strengthen a viable Palestinian state.  

    The Foreign Secretary is also expected to announce today that the UK will provide an additional £1 million for humanitarian mine action in Gaza in addition to the £4 million already contributed. She will call on the Government of Israel to open all crossings and remove arbitrary restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian aid and equipment to ensure that UK aid can reach all those who desperately need it.

    She will also announce that she will travel to Paris this week in advance of the Peace Building Conference, which is bringing together Israeli and Palestinian civil society, and international partners dedicated to advancing the two-state solution.

    In addition, the Foreign Secretary will confirm at least £10 million in financial and technical assistance to the Palestinian Authority in 2026, including support to navigate the fiscal crisis and sustain frontline services such as healthcare. 

    Background 

    Sanctioned individuals and entities include: 

    • The Farms Association: provides financial and organisational support to Israeli settler farms and outposts in the West Bank, including those associated with violence, intimidation and forced displacement of Palestinians 
    • Ahavat Gilad: serves as a financial conduit for the Farms Association, channelling donations to settler outposts including those associated with violence against Palestinians 
    • Ari Yshag: fundraises for illegal settler outposts associated with violence, intimidation and forced displacement of Palestinians 
    • Artzenu: promotes, finances and resources settler farms and outposts associated with violence against Palestinians, including fundraising for tactical military equipment for armed settler squads 
    • Shivat Zion Lerigvey Admata: the registered legal vehicle through which Artzenu’s financial activities are conducted, channelling donations to outposts linked to serious human rights abuses 
    • Eyal Hari Yehuda: construction and demolition company that facilitates, supports and is responsible for owners, staff, associates and family members who have used company resources while hired on construction and demolition jobs in the West Bank to destroy Palestinian land and property, as well as physically attack, shoot and kill Palestinians, which has led to the wider displacement of Palestinians
    • Itamar Yehuda Levi: owner of EYAL HARI YEHUDA COMPANY LTD (also designated today) that facilitates, supports and is responsible for owners, staff, associates and family members who have used company resources while hired on construction and demolition jobs in the West Bank to destroy Palestinian land and property, as well as physically attack, shoot and kill Palestinians, which has led to the wider displacement of Palestinians
  • Ed Davey – 2026 Comments on Violence in Northern Ireland

    Ed Davey – 2026 Comments on Violence in Northern Ireland

    The comments made by Ed Davey, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, on 10 June 2026.

    I am horrified by the disorder and racist violence in Belfast last night.

    Far too often now, we see extremists exploiting people’s anger and grief to spread hatred and violence – with the help of divisive algorithms on social media.

    This has to stop.

  • Robert Jenrick – 2026 Comments on Banning Visas from Sudan

    Robert Jenrick – 2026 Comments on Banning Visas from Sudan

    The comments made by Robert Jenrick on 9 June 2026.

    Reform UK have announced we will ban visas for anyone coming from Sudan.

    Enough is enough.

    To those who ask why, here are some indicative statistics:

    -The conviction rate for violence by Sudanese migrants is nearly double that for British people.

    -Only one Sudanese criminal was successfully returned back to Sudan last year.

    -99% of asylum claims from Sudan were granted in 2024.

    -There were 14,150 Sudanese-born welfare claimants in 2019. That means nearly half of all Sudanese migrants here are on benefits.

    The only reason to have immigration is if it makes British people safer and richer. Clearly migration from Sudan is doing the opposite.

    So Reform will ban it, and finally put the British people first.

    I know from my time in Westminster that only Nigel Farage has the conviction to actually get this done.

    As for the Sudanese man arrested in Belfast for trying to behead someone, he needs to be on the first flight out of the country.

    We don’t want to hear any human rights claims from him.

    We cannot live alongside someone so barbaric.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Universities face ban on international students over visa abuse [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Universities face ban on international students over visa abuse [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 4 June 2026.

    Raised standards for recruiting foreign students come amid continued visa abuse. Student asylum claims already down 30% as government action delivers results.

    Universities will be stripped of the right to recruit international students if too many drop out, as the government tightens the screws on visa abuse. 

    New sponsorship rules will introduce a sliding scale of penalties for higher education institutions that fail to recruit responsibly. 

    It comes after asylum claims from work, study and tourist visas more than tripled under the previous government – reaching 37% of all claims, with foreign students accounting for the largest share.  

    Asylum claims by students have since fallen by 30% in the past year alone following tough action taken in partnership with the sector. 

    The Home Secretary has also imposed a first-of-its-kind visa brake on study visas for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan following a surge in asylum claims. 

    These reforms build on that progress, raising the pass marks of the annual test used to monitor visa sponsors – across all three of its metrics: 

    • Visa refusal rate: must remain below 5% (previously 10%) 
    • Course enrolment rate: must reach at least 95% (previously 90%) 
    • Course completion rate: must reach at least 90% (previously 85%) 

    Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp said: 

    The UK will always welcome genuine international students, and our universities are rightly admired around the world. 

    But our visa system must not be used as a backdoor to asylum and illegal working. 

    Student asylum claims are down 30% in the last year. I thank the sector for their co-operation in achieving this, but we must go further. 

    Those seeking to game the system should know we are watching – and won’t hesitate to act.

    High drop-out rates can indicate students have entered the illegal working economy rather than studied whilst high visa rejection rates or low enrolment figures suggest some institutions have not done enough due diligence on applicants. But from summer 2027, a new traffic light rating system will make clear to regulators, and the public, which institutions are recruiting responsibly.  

    Those rated red will face restrictions on the number of students they can recruit and must fund a 12-month action plan to fix failing practices.  

    Those that don’t improve face losing international student recruitment rights altogether.

    The changes were announced during a visit to Manchester Metropolitan University by Home Office Minister Mike Tapp, hosted by Vice-Chancellor Professor Malcolm Press and Universities UK.  

    Professor Malcolm Press CBE DL, President of Universities UK said: 

    UK universities are one of our greatest success stories, and we should be proud that people from around the world aspire to study here. We are fully committed to protecting the integrity of the visa system and working in partnership with the Home Office. 

    International students bring significant economic and soft power benefits, contributing £37 billion in export earnings. We want the UK to remain open and welcoming, but that depends on responding quickly to any risks of abuse. 

    What universities need from government is policy stability, transparent visa decision-making, and real-time data to act on emerging concerns. The sector relies on international student income, and recent sharp declines have led to substantial cost-cutting and job losses. It is essential that we build a fair, stable, and transparent system that works in the national interest.

    The Home Office is actively exploring new ways to share data with the education sector, within a robust data protection framework.  

    Education institutions also hold valuable data of their own, and the government continues to urge them to work together to share intelligence across the sector and crack down on abuse wherever it occurs.   

    Since last summer, the Home Office has contacted 306,000 students whose visas are due to expire – warning that meritless asylum claims will be swiftly refused and those without the right to remain must leave or face removal. 

    These measures form part of the government’s broader drive to restore order and control to the immigration system – under which net migration has now fallen by 74%.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Djibouti – David Hall [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Djibouti – David Hall [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 June 2026.

    Dr David Hall has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Djibouti, in succession to Mr Vinay Talwar, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.

    Dr Hall will take up his appointment during October 2026.

    Curriculum vitae 

    Full name: David Ian Hall 

    DatesRole
    2022 to 2025MOD, Deputy Director, Counter Proliferation
    2021FCDO, Head of Security Policy
    2017 to 2020Vienna, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to IAEA/CTBTO
    2015 to 2017Vienna, Deputy Permanent Representative, UKMis
    2012 to 2015Nairobi, Political Counsellor
    2009 to 2012FCO, Counter Proliferation Department
    2007 to 2009FCO, Africa Directorate
    2003 to 2007Brussels, First Secretary (Nuclear Policy, NATO)
    1993 to 2003MOD
  • PRESS RELEASE : GCHQ confirms heavy Russian losses as Moscow avoids negotiations and civilian casualties grow – UK Statement to the OSCE [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : GCHQ confirms heavy Russian losses as Moscow avoids negotiations and civilian casualties grow – UK Statement to the OSCE [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 June 2026.

    Mr Chair, only a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, one that safeguards its sovereignty, will deter further Russian aggression. The United Kingdom’s commitment is unwavering: we will maintain pressure on Russia, continue supporting Ukraine’s Armed Forces, and help secure a peace that endures.

    President Putin expected a swift victory. More than four years on, he has achieved none of his strategic aims, while inflicting immense suffering on Ukrainians and on his own people.

    And make no mistake, militarily Russia is under severe strain. The Director of the UK’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) recently confirmed intelligence indicating nearly 500,000 Russian soldiers have been killed since the start of the full-scale invasion, assessing that the Russian military is “going backwards on the battlefield”. Monthly losses remain extremely high, while territorial gains have slowed markedly in 2026. The already devastatingly slow rate of advance has halved so far in 2026. This illegal campaign only serves to consume vast resources, inflict mass casualties for limited, reversible gains.

    Yet a state under pressure can still inflict immense suffering, as recent strikes and threats demonstrate. On 23–24 May, Russia launched one of the largest air assaults on Kyiv, damaging or destroying more than 30 residential buildings. In May alone, Russia fired 197 missiles, including 72 ballistic or hypersonic, alongside hundreds of daily drone strikes, levels that have now become deeply alarming in their regularity. In its latest mass attack on Monday night and early Tuesday morning, Russia launched 656 drones and 73 missiles, resulting in the death of at least 18 civilians and leaving dozens injured. This was the largest ballistic/hypersonic missile attack since the full-scale invasion. Russia has not acknowledged responsibility for any of this.

    Civilian suffering continues to intensify. In the first four months of 2026, civilian casualties increased by 21% compared to the same period in 2025. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, at least 16,149 civilians have been killed and more than 46,000 injured. The United Nations projects that up to 504,000 additional people could be displaced this year, with a further 2.7 million affected by ongoing strikes.

    Russia’s warnings of “systematic strikes” on the capital and the targeting of decision-making centres are wholly unacceptable. Despite threats and warnings to evacuate, missions have remained in place, with the G7 and partners making clear they will continue to stand alongside Ukraine. This sustained presence sends a clear signal: attempts at threats intimidation will not succeed, and the international community remains engaged and visible in Kyiv.

    Russia’s actions so clearly violate the core OSCE principles: sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the prohibition of the use of force. The Code of Conduct makes clear that such actions are a matter of direct and legitimate concern to all participating States, requiring solidarity and coordinated response.

    Ukraine has demonstrated repeatedly that it is the party of peace, including by agreeing to a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire, and by engaging constructively with partners. Russia, by contrast, has failed to engage seriously. It continues to advance maximalist demands tantamount to Ukraine’s surrender, while prolonging negotiations and intensifying attacks. Russia continues to demand that Ukraine withdraw from areas it has failed to occupy after years of fighting. That is not diplomacy, it is attempted coercion.

    Mr Chair, Russia can end this war now, by engaging seriously in negotiations, withdrawing its forces, and respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty. The United Kingdom is fully committed to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, security and right to self-defence. Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ministry of Defence confirms the death of Lance Corporal James Stewart Freeman

    PRESS RELEASE : Ministry of Defence confirms the death of Lance Corporal James Stewart Freeman

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 3 June 2026.

    It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Lance Corporal Freeman, who died in Iraq during routine training activity on 31 May 2026. He was 29 years old.

    Lance Corporal Freeman was born on 1 January 1997. He joined the Army in June 2016, attending the Infantry Training Centre Catterick, before joining 1st Battalion, the Royal Anglian Regiment (The Vikings) in February 2017.

    Lance Corporal Freeman was a dedicated and experienced Viking and Royal Anglian Regiment soldier. He deployed on Operations in South Sudan, contributed to the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, supported force protection missions in Cyprus and most recently Operation SHADER, Iraq. In addition, he served in the Falklands, Jordan, Romania and Kenya. He served in a variety of roles throughout his career, including rifleman, mortarman and machine gunner. However, it was his most recent appointment, as a Section Second in Command within the Assault Pioneer Platoon, that was most notable. He was deeply invested in this role, pushing the capability, and always suggesting improvements to techniques, kit and equipment. He had a promising career ahead of him.

    A lover of the outdoors, he would often go clay pigeon shooting and regularly share stories about shooting with his dad. He also enjoyed gaming and would often play video games into the late hours with soldiers across the battalion.  

    Above all, he was a devoted family-man and never passed up on the opportunity to share that with his peers. He put them first in every situation whether it was a passing comment in a hard situation or expressing his excitement to see them when he was away.

    Colonel James WHM Bishop, Commander British Forces Operation SHADER, said:

    I am devastated at the loss of Lance Corporal Freeman. He was a highly professional Junior Non-Commissioned Officer whose dedication to his friends, his sub-unit in the United Kingdom Mobility Company, and the wider Battalion represented the very best of his generation. Larger than life and magnetically charming, he was a trusted junior leader who naturally brought people together, forming a wide and fiercely loyal group of friends across the entire Op SHADER contingent.

    His absence leaves a profound, irreplaceable void, and he will be missed beyond measure by everyone who had the privilege to serve alongside him. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife, his family, and the 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment.

    Lieutenant Colonel Nick JP McGinley, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said:

    I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear of the death of Lance Corporal James Freeman. A soldier with a bright future ahead of him, he was everything you could wish for in a junior leader – selflessly committed, thoughtful and professional. His loss is felt profoundly by all those who had the privilege of serving alongside him. Most of all, our thoughts are with his family to whom he was utterly devoted. My condolences go out to them at this incredibly difficult time.

    Major James SD Pugh, Officer Commanding A (Norfolk) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said:

    Lance Corporal Freeman was the very essence of a Viking soldier and a highly regarded member of the Royal Anglian Regiment. Unfailingly dependable, he set the highest standards for those he led, demonstrating consummate professionalism in every task he undertook. He was the kind of soldier you wanted by your side – steadfast and resolute. His enthusiasm, unwavering humour in the face of adversity, and determination were the cornerstones of his success. Whatever the challenge, he brought people with him.

    Beyond his military excellence, Lance Corporal Freeman was a devoted husband and father. His greatest pride was his daughter, and the simple walks to and from school were the moments he cherished most each day. His loss will be deeply felt by his fellow Vikings, but none more so than by his family. My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with them during this profoundly difficult time.

    Captain Daniel Bradnam, Company Second-in-Command, B (Suffolk) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said:

    Lance Corporal Freeman was my go-to man – steadfastly dependable, unwaveringly professional, and a genuine joy to be around. He earned the respect and affection of everyone he met, and quick-witted humour never failed to brighten a room. I will always remember LCpl Freeman for his deep commitment and dedication to his family, whom he loved dearly and spoke about with great pride.

    It has been an absolute privilege to have commanded and served alongside LCpl Freeman. He will forever remain in the hearts and memories of all those in B (Suffolk) Company and will be sorely missed.

    WO2 Bradley P Hilton, Company Sergeant Major, B (Suffolk) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said:

    Lance Corporal Freeman was the epitome of a Viking Non-Commissioned Officer. He was utterly reliable and I could always count on him. If I ever asked how he was progressing, he would flash a cheeky side smile and say, “Don’t worry Sir, I’m on it” – and he always was.

    He excelled as a junior leader and commander whilst deployed in Iraq. A devoted family-man and a true mate to his comrades. I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife, daughter, and family during this difficult time.

    Lieutenant Samuel Frost, Officer Commanding, 7 (Assault Pioneer) Platoon, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said:

    As his Platoon Commander, he was the first person I would turn to. As well as his professionalism, we will remember him for his strength of character and sense of humour. He was often to be found sitting in the office, laughing, telling stories about the Platoon on previous exercises, and was a genuine pleasure to be around. An impressive soldier, he particularly stood out for his leadership and initiative.

    He loved his role and was pivotal in the re-creation of the Assault Pioneers Platoon and its subsequent success. Working with Lance Corporal Freeman has been a huge pleasure, and he will be sorely missed, rightfully commemorated, and never forgotten. He was one of the best. His passing is a shock to the Company, and his wife and daughter have my profound sympathy.

    Sergeant James Cobbold, Platoon Sergeant, 7 (Assault Pioneer) Platoon, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said:

    I have had the privilege of serving as Lance Corporal Freeman’s Platoon Sergeant over the past eight months. James was everything you would want in a Section Second in Command, when something needed doing, you knew James would get it done. More than that, James had that rare ability to lift those around him; whether through his example, his work ethic, or simply his presence.

    Outside of work, a devoted family man, who spoke about his wife and child with pride and carried this responsibility with purpose. In the short time I knew him, James was a reliable soldier, a committed father and a truly good man.

    Corporal William S Thorpe, Section Commander, B (Suffolk) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said:

    James was my best friend. A man who was committed to achieving any task before him to the highest standard and always professional, but also someone to talk to in confidence, either for advice or, most often, for a moan. I do not believe I would be where I am today without him, especially for the amount of “just do me a favour” favours I owe him.

    Lance Corporal Cameron AW Donald, Section Second-in-Command, A (Norfolk) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said:

    Lance Corporal James Freeman has had a large influence on me as an individual and as a soldier from very early in my career. Having spent my first months with him in Troodos, Cyprus I quickly got to learn what kind of man he was. Not just an experienced and high-quality soldier, but also a deeply compassionate soul, who was willing to help the next man out before himself.

    James and I clicked very quickly, and we realised we had a very similar sense of humour. I considered him one of my best friends within work, and someone I looked up to as he steered me in the right direction to promote as a Lance Corporal. The world has lost a tremendous character, and we have lost a brother.

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    Lance Corporal James Freeman served our country with dedication, professionalism and pride. He was a greatly valued member of his regiment who will be deeply missed.

    My thoughts are with his family, loved ones and colleagues at this devastating time. The tributes paid to James make clear he was an exceptional soldier, leader and friend.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Sir Ian Cheshire confirmed as new Ofcom chair [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Sir Ian Cheshire confirmed as new Ofcom chair [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 3 June 2026.

    Sir Ian Cheshire has been announced as Chair of Ofcom, the UK’s independent regulator for communications.

    • Technology Secretary confirms Sir Ian Cheshire, as new Chair of Ofcom 
    • The former Channel 4 Chair will oversee regulator responsible for enforcing the UK’s Online Safety Act, driving growth across communications sectors, and protecting consumers  
    • Sir Ian has committed to ensuring the regulator acts decisively to protect people from online harms as he steers Ofcom through crucial next chapter. 

    Business leader Sir Ian Cheshire has been announced as Chair of Ofcom, the UK’s independent regulator for communications, following a pre-appointment hearing with the Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee. 

    His appointment signals a significant moment for Ofcom, which has evolved considerably since it was first established, with telecoms, broadcasting and online safety now all within its remit. 

    In taking on the role, Sir Ian has committed to ensuring the regulator is guided by the experiences of those most exposed to online harms and translates that insight into strong, effective action. He has also committed to working constructively with Government on all aspects of Ofcom’s remit, including effective implementation of the Online Safety Act including government’s recent action to build on it, delivering Ofcom’s growth goals, and developing robust KPIs, while fully upholding Ofcom’s operational independence.  

    Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: 

    Sir Ian brings exactly the kind of leadership experience that Ofcom needs as it enters this next critical chapter.  

    The Online Safety Act must be enforced robustly and without compromise, and Ofcom has a central role in making the UK the safest place to be online. 

    From protecting consumers and tackling online harms to driving growth across our communications sectors, the regulator has never had a more important role to play. I look forward to working with Sir Ian as he leads Ofcom into this next phase.

    Sir Ian Cheshire said: 

    I am honoured and delighted to take on the Chair of Ofcom at this vital time as it begins to tackle the new challenges of Online Safety while continuing to deliver its traditional oversight of telecoms and broadcasting . I am especially interested in the lived experience of our citizens and also seeing the data that allows us to measure the increase of our impact.

    Sir Ian was most recently Chair of Channel 4 from 2022 to 2025, and previously Chief Executive of Kingfisher plc. He has since held senior non-executive and advisory roles across business, sustainability and public policy, including as Chair of Barclays UK, Landsecurities PLC and various charities. 

    The Chair provides strategic leadership to Ofcom to ensure it can deliver its statutory responsibilities, including implementing and enforcing the Online Safety Act, protecting consumers and supporting growth and innovation across the UK’s communications sectors. 

    He succeeds Lord Michael Grade, whose term as Chair concluded at the end of April 2026.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with President Mahama of Ghana [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with President Mahama of Ghana [June 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 3 June 2026.

    The Prime Minister met President Mahama of Ghana in Downing Street.

    The Prime Minister welcomed the signing of the UK-Ghana Growth Partnership in London on Monday, which represents exciting new opportunities for mutual economic growth and forworkers and businesses in both countries. 

    The leaders discussed the UK and Ghana’s strong migration partnership, and the Prime Minister said he was keen to build on that further. 

    On global security and economic stability, the Prime Minister set out how the UK urgently wants to see a swift and lasting resolution to the conflict in the Middle East, and that it was vital to ensure a permanent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. 

    The Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s stance that human rights apply equally to all people, including those who are LGBT+. 

    They looked forward to meeting again soon.