Tag: 2026

  • PRESS RELEASE : This mission plays a vital role in protecting civilians in South Sudan – UK Explanation of Vote at the UN Security Council [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : This mission plays a vital role in protecting civilians in South Sudan – UK Explanation of Vote at the UN Security Council [April 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 April 2026.

    UK Explanation of Vote delivered by Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on South Sudan.

    The United Kingdom voted in favour of renewing the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, and we thank the United States for its engagement as penholder.

    UNMISS remains indispensable.

    In the context of ongoing instability and humanitarian need, the mission plays a vital role in protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian access, monitoring and reporting on human rights, and supporting implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the resolution of the conflict in South Sudan.

    The UK therefore welcomes the preservation of these functions within a refreshed mandate that is credible, deliverable, and responsive to conditions on the ground.

    The UK reiterates the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and return to inclusive dialogue with the opposition. 

    We are clear that any amendments to the Revitalised Agreement should be pursued through the Agreement’s formal mechanisms rather than through unilateral action.

    It is vital that UNMISS receives full cooperation from the transitional government and enjoys freedom of movement throughout its areas of operations, in order to implement its mandate in full.

    President, the UK remains fully committed to working with the Council, the Secretariat, and UNMISS leadership to ensure the mission can deliver effectively for the people of South Sudan.

  • King Charles III – 2026 Speech at Congress in Washington

    King Charles III – 2026 Speech at Congress in Washington

    The speech made by King Charles III in Washington on 28 April 2026.

    Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of Congress, representatives of the American People across all states, territories, cities and communities.

    I would like to take this opportunity to express my particular gratitude to you all for the great honour of addressing this Joint Meeting of Congress and, on behalf of The Queen and myself, to thank the American people for welcoming us to the United States to mark this semi-quincentennial year of the Declaration of Independence.

    And for all of that time, our destinies as Nations have been interlinked. As Oscar Wilde said, “We have really everything in common with America nowadays except, of course, language!”

    Ladies and gentlemen, we meet in times of great uncertainty; in times of conflict from Europe to the Middle East which pose immense challenges for the international community and whose impact is felt in communities the length and breadth of our own countries.

    We meet, too, in the aftermath of the incident not far from this great building that sought to harm the leadership of your Nation and to foment wider fear and discord. Let me say with unshakeable resolve: such acts of violence will never succeed. Whatever our differences, whatever disagreements we may have, we stand united in our commitment to uphold democracy, to protect all our people from harm, and to salute the courage of those who daily risk their lives in the service of our countries.

    Standing here today, it is hard not to feel the weight of history on my shoulder – because the modern relationship between our two Nations and our own peoples spans not merely 250 years, but over four centuries. It is extraordinary to think that I am the nineteenth in our line of Sovereigns to study, with daily attention, the affairs of America. So, I come here today with the highest respect for the United States Congress; this citadel of democracy created to represent the voice of all American people to advance sacred rights and freedoms. Speaking in this renowned chamber of debate and deliberation, I cannot help but think of my late mother, Queen Elizabeth, who, in 1991, was also afforded this signal honour and similarly spoke under the watchful eye of the Statue of Freedom above us. Today, I am here on this great occasion in the life of our Nations to express the highest regard and friendship of the British people to the people of the United States.

    As you may know, when I address my own Parliament at Westminster, we still follow an age-old tradition and take a member of Parliament ‘hostage’, holding him or her at Buckingham Palace until I am safely returned. These days, we look after our ‘guest’ rather well – to the point that they often do not want to leave! I don’t know,

    Mr Speaker, if there were any volunteers for that role here today…?

    As I look back across the centuries, Mr Speaker, there emerge certain patterns; certain self-evident truths from which we can learn and draw mutual strength. With the Spirit of 1776 in our minds, we can perhaps agree that we do not always agree – at least in the first instance! Indeed, the very principle on which your Congress was founded – no taxation without representation – was at once a fundamental disagreement between us, and at the same time a shared democratic value which you inherited from us. Ours is a partnership born out of dispute, but no less strong for it… So perhaps, in this example, we can discern that our Nations are in fact instinctively like-minded – a product of the common democratic, legal and social traditions in which our governance is rooted to this day. Drawing on these values and traditions, time and again, our two countries have always found ways to come together. And by Jove, Mr. Speaker, when we have found that way to agree, what great change is brought about – not just for the benefit of our peoples, but of all peoples.

    This, I believe, is the Special ingredient in our Relationship. As President Trump himself observed during his State Visit to Britain last Autumn, ‘The bond of kinship and identity between America and the United Kingdom is priceless and eternal. It is irreplaceable and unbreakable.’

    This is by no means my first visit to Washington, D.C. – the capital of this great Republic. It is in fact my 20th visit to the United States, and my first as King and Head of the Commonwealth. This is a city which symbolises a period in our shared history, or what Charles Dickens might have called ‘A Tale of Two Georges’: the first President, George Washington, and my five-times Great Grandfather, King George III. King George never set foot in America and, please rest assured, I am not here as part of some cunning rearguard action!

    The Founding Fathers were bold and imaginative rebels with a cause. 250 years ago (or, as we say in the United Kingdom, just the other day….) they declared Independence. By balancing contending forces and drawing strength in diversity, they united thirteen disparate colonies to forge a Nation on the revolutionary idea of ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’. They carried with them, and carried forward, the great inheritance of the British Enlightenment – as well as the ideals which had an even deeper history in English Common Law and Magna Carta.

    These roots run deep, and they are still vital. Our Declaration of Rights of 1689 was not only the foundation of our constitutional Monarchy, but also provided the source of so many of the principles reiterated – often verbatim – in the American Bill of Rights of 1791. And those roots go even further back in our history: the U.S. Supreme Court Historical Society has calculated that Magna Carta is cited in at least 160 Supreme Court cases since 1789, not least as the foundation of the principle that executive power is subject to checks and balances. This is the reason why there stands a stone, by the River Thames at Runnymede where Magna Carta was signed in the year 1215. This stone records that an acre of that ancient and historic site was given to the U.S.A. by the people of the United Kingdom, to symbolise our shared resolve in support of liberty, and in memory of President John F. Kennedy.

    Distinguished members of the 119th Congress, it is here in these very halls that this spirit of liberty and the promise of America’s Founders is present in every session and every vote cast.

    Not by the will of one, but by the deliberation of many, representing the living mosaic of the United States. In both of our countries, it is the very fact of our vibrant, diverse and free societies that gives us our collective strength, including to support victims of some of the ills that, so tragically, exist in both our societies today.

    And, Mr. Speaker, for many here – and for myself – the Christian faith is a firm anchor and daily inspiration that guides us not only personally, but together as members of our community. Having devoted a large part of my life to interfaith relationships and greater understanding, it is that faith in the triumph of light over darkness which I have found confirmed countless times. Through it I am inspired by the profound respect that develops as people of different faiths grow in their understanding of each other. It is why it is my hope – my prayer – that, in these turbulent times, working together and with our international partners, we can stem the beating of ploughshares into swords…

    I am mindful that we are still in the season of Easter, the season that most strengthens my hope. It is why I believe, with all my heart, that the essence of our two Nations is a generosity of spirit and a duty to foster compassion, to promote peace, to deepen mutual understanding and to value all people, of all faiths, and of none.

    The Alliance that our two Nations have built over the centuries – and for which we are profoundly grateful to the American people – is truly unique. And that Alliance is part of what Henry Kissinger described as Kennedy’s ‘soaring vision’ of an Atlantic Partnership based on twin pillars: Europe and America. That Partnership, I believe Mr. Speaker, is more important today than it has ever been.

    The first reigning British Sovereign to set foot in America was my Grandfather, King George VI. He visited in 1939 with my beloved Grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. The forces of Fascism in Europe were on the march, and some time before the United States had joined us in the defence of freedom. Our shared values prevailed.

    Today, we find ourselves in a new era, but those values remain.

    It is an era that is, in many ways, more volatile and more dangerous than the world to which my late Mother spoke, in this Chamber, in 1991.

    The challenges we face are too great for any one Nation to bear alone. But in this unpredictable environment, our Alliance cannot rest on past achievements, or assume that foundational principles simply endure. As my Prime Minister said last month: ‘ours is an indispensable partnership. We must not disregard everything that has sustained us for the last eighty years. Instead, we must build on it’.

    Renewal today starts with security. The United Kingdom recognizes that the threats we face demand a transformation in British defence. That is why our country, in order to be fit for the future, has committed to the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War – during part of which, over fifty years ago, I served with immense pride in the Royal Navy, following in the Naval footsteps of my Father, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh; my Grandfather, King George VI; my Great-Uncle, Lord Mountbatten; and my Great-Grandfather, King George V.

    This year, of course, also marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11. This atrocity was a defining moment for America and your pain and shock were felt around the whole world. During my visit to New York, my wife and I will again pay our respects to the victims, the families, and the bravery shown in the face of terrible loss. We stood with you then. And we stand with you now in solemn remembrance of a day that shall never be forgotten.

    In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, when NATO invoked Article 5 for the first time, and the United Nations Security Council was united in the face of terror, we answered the call together – as our people have done so for more than a century, shoulder to shoulder, through two World Wars, the Cold War, Afghanistan and moments that have defined our shared security.

    Today, Mr. Speaker, that same, unyielding resolve is needed for the defence of Ukraine and her most courageous people – it is needed in order to secure a truly just and lasting peace. From the depths of the Atlantic to the disastrously melting ice-caps of the Arctic, the commitment and expertise of the United States Armed Forces and its allies lie at the heart of NATO, pledged to each other’s defence, protecting our citizens and interests, keeping North Americans and Europeans safe from our common adversaries.

    Our defence, intelligence and security ties are hardwired together through relationships measured not in years, but in decades.

    Today, thousands of U.S. service personnel, defence officials and their families are stationed in the United Kingdom, as British personnel serve with equal pride across thirty American States. We are building F-35s together. And we have agreed the most ambitious submarine programme in history – AUKUS – in partnership with Australia, a country of which I am also immensely proud to serve as Sovereign.

    We do not embark on these remarkable endeavours together out of sentiment. We do so because they build greater shared resilience for the future, so making our citizens safer for generations to come.

    Our common ideals were not only crucial for liberty and equality, they are also the foundation of our shared prosperity. The Rule of Law: the certainty of stable and accessible rules, an independent judiciary resolving disputes and delivering impartial justice. These features created the conditions for centuries of unmatched economic growth in our two countries. This is why our governments are concluding new economic and technology agreements – to write the next chapter of our joint prosperity and ensure that British and American ingenuity continues to lead the world.

    Our nations are combining talent and resources in the technologies of tomorrow: our new partnerships in nuclear fusion and quantum computing, and in A.I. and drug discovery, holding the promise of saving countless lives.

    More broadly, we celebrate the $430 billion in annual trade that continues to grow; the $1.7 trillion in mutual investment that fuels that innovation; and the millions of jobs on both sides of the Atlantic supported across both economies. These are strong foundations on which to continue to build, for generations yet unborn.

    Our ties in education, research, and cultural exchange empower citizens and future leaders of both countries.

    The Marshall Scholarship, named after the great General George Marshall, and the Association of which I am so proud to be Patron, are emblematic of the connection between our two nations. Since its founding, more than 2,300 scholarships have been awarded, opening doors for Americans from all walks of life to study at the UnitedKingdom’s leading universities.

    So as we look toward the next 250 years, we must also reflect on our shared responsibility to safeguard Nature, our most precious and irreplaceable asset.

    Millennia before our Nations existed, before any border drawn, the mountains of Scotland and Appalachia were one; a single, continuous range, forged in the ancient collision of continents.

    The natural wonders of the United States of America are indeed a unique asset, and generations of Americans have risen to this calling: indigenous, political and civic leaders, people in rural communities and cities alike, have all helped to protect and nurture what President Theodore Roosevelt called ‘the glorious heritage’ of thisland’s extraordinary natural splendour, on which so much of its prosperity has always depended.

    Yet even as we celebrate the beauty that surrounds us, our generation must decide how to address the collapse of critical natural systems, which threatens far more than the harmony and essential diversity of Nature. We ignore at our peril the fact that these natural systems – in other words, Nature’s own economy – provide the foundation for our prosperity and our national security.

    The story of the United Kingdom and the United States is, at its heart, a story of reconciliation, renewal and remarkable partnership.

    From the bitter divisions of 250 years ago, we forged a friendship that has grown into one of the most consequential Alliances in human history.

    I pray with all my heart that our Alliance will continue to defend our shared values, with our partners in Europe and the Commonwealth, and across the world, and that we ignore the clarion calls to become ever more inward-looking.

    Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice-President, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, America’s words carry weight and meaning, as they have since Independence. The actions of this great Nation matter even more. President Lincoln understood this so well, with his reflection in the magisterial Gettysburg Address that the world may little note what we say, but will never forget what we do. And so, to the United States of America, on your 250th birthday, let our two countries rededicate ourselves to each other in the selfless service of our peoples and of all the peoples of the world.

    God bless the United States and God bless the United Kingdom.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Threat level increase following antisemitic terror attack [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Threat level increase following antisemitic terror attack [April 2026]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 30 April 2026.

    National Threat Level increased to SEVERE following Golders Green attack and increasing threat of Islamist and Extreme Right Wing terrorism in the UK.

    The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) has today (30 April 2026) raised the UK National Threat Level from SUBSTANTIAL, meaning an attack is likely, to SEVERE, meaning an attack is highly likely in the next six months.  

    The increase in threat comes following yesterday’s stabbing in Golders Green in North London, but it is not solely a result of that attack. The terrorist threat level in the UK has been rising for some time, driven by an increase in the broader Islamist and Extreme Right Wing terrorist threat from individuals and small groups based in the UK.

    While the UK National Threat Level set independently by JTAC reflects the terrorist threat in the UK, it comes against a backdrop of increased state-linked physical threats which is encouraging acts of violence, including against the Jewish community. 

    This is an independent, systematic, and rigorous process, based on the very latest intelligence and analysis of internal and external factors which drive the threat.

    Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said:

    Yesterday’s abhorrent, antisemitic attack was a vile act of terrorism.  

    My thoughts today remain with the victims, and with the whole Jewish community at a time of deep disquiet and fear.  

    My deepest thanks go to the volunteers and emergency services, a number of whom I met today. Their actions saved lives and they are, and forever will be, heroes.  

    Today, the national threat level has increased to “severe”, which means a terrorist attack is considered highly likely.  

    I know this will be a source of concern to many, particularly amongst our Jewish community, who have suffered so much.  

    The Government has today announced a significant increase in investment to protect our Jewish communities, with record funding for policing and security at synagogues, schools and community centres. And we will do everything in our power to rid society of the evil of antisemitism.  

    As the threat level rises, I urge everyone to be vigilant as they go about their daily lives, and report any concerns they have to the police.  

    And I can assure everyone that our world-class security services and the police are working day and night to keep our country safe.

    The UK was last at SEVERE in November 2021, following the Liverpool Women’s Hospital bombing and murder of Sir David Amess, before being lowered to SUBSTANTIAL in February 2022. 

    In light of yesterday’s attack and a spate of vile antisemitic arson attacks in London, the Government is investing an additional £25 million funding to protect Jewish communities against horrific antisemitic attacks.  

    This brings the total funding to £58 million this year – the largest investment a government has made in protecting Jewish communities in history. This funding will go towards increasing police presence and patrols in communities, as well as added protective security in synagogues, schools, and community centres. 

     It will also be invested into the expansion of Project Servator, putting specialist and plain-clothes officers in the community who are trained to spot suspicious activity and identify individuals preparing to commit serious crimes. 

    Legislation will also be fast tracked in the coming weeks to clamp down on individuals and groups carrying out hostile activity for foreign states, including those who act as their proxies. 
     
    The Home Secretary will be given new proscription-like powers to ban the activities of state-backed organisations who pose a threat to the UK’s national security. It will give police and intelligence agencies stronger tools under the National Security Act to disrupt the activities of anyone acting on behalf of state-backed organisations.

    More information about how the threat levels is set and what it means can be found by visiting the Security Service webpage.

  • Keir Starmer – 2026 Comments on the Golders Green Attack

    Keir Starmer – 2026 Comments on the Golders Green Attack

    The comments made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, at Downing Street on 30 April 2026.

    Yesterday, Britain’s Jewish community suffered yet another vile terrorist attack. Two men stabbed in broad daylight on the streets of Golders Green because they were Jews. I’ve just come back from Golders Green where I expressed my sadness and solidarity with that community but also my determination to act because the truth is this attack is not a one-off.

    There have been a series of attacks including an arson attack in Hendon, an attack on the Jewish Ambulance Service Hatzola, the fireball at Kenton United Synagogue which I visited last week and on top of all this Heaton Park in Manchester last October where two Jewish men were killed in a vile Islamist attack on their synagogue. And so people are scared, scared to show who they are in their community, scared to go to synagogue and practise their religion, scared to go to university as a Jew, to send their children to school as a Jew, to tell their colleagues that they are Jewish, even to use our NHS. Nobody should live like that in Britain but Jews do.

    And so yesterday this anxiety that is always there went to another place, to terror frankly. That is the right word. I want to thank the Jewish Security Services who wrestle with this every day and who alongside the police prevented a much greater tragedy yesterday.

    I met some of the first responders today and on behalf of the country I thanked them for their bravery. We will strengthen the visible police presence in our Jewish communities. We will increase our investment in those Jewish Security Services. We will introduce much stronger powers to shut down charities that promote antisemitic extremism. We will prevent hate preachers from entering our country, bar them from our campuses, our streets, our communities. Work with our justice system to speed up sentences on antisemitic attacks so there is a stronger deterrence factor as we do with riots.

    And we need stronger powers to tackle the malign threat posed by states like Iran because we know for a fact that they want to harm British Jews which is why we will fast-track the necessary legislation. And yet the truth is while we can and we will bring the full power of the state to bear on this, this is about society every bit as much as it is about security. At moments like this we often say this is not Britain, that these attacks are an afront to British values, to British tolerance, British decency but they keep happening. 

    And so today instead I will simply say that our values are not a gift handed down generation to generation. They are something we earn each day through action. They come from us.

    Antisemitism is an old, old hatred. History shows that the roots are deep and if you turn away it grows back. Yet far too many people in this country diminish it.

    They either don’t see it or they don’t want to see it. Take the marches that happen regularly across Britain. Of course we protect freedom of speech and peaceful protests in this country but if you are marching with people wearing pictures of paragliders without calling it out you are venerating the murder of Jews.

    If you stand alongside people who say globalise the intifada, you are calling for terrorism against Jews and people who use that phrase should be prosecuted. It is racism, extremely racism and it has left a minority community in this country scared, intimidated, wondering if they belong. So, I say again this government will do everything in our power to stamp this hatred out.

    We will strengthen our security and protect our Jewish community, but I also call on everyone decent in this country to open their eyes to Jewish pain, Jewish suffering and Jewish fear. I call on everyone to come together and fight antisemitism and I call on everyone to fight for the decent, respectful, tolerant Britain that I and millions of people love so that our freedom and our values can still speak loud and true to a community that can no longer take it on faith. Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government funds ambulances after arson attack [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government funds ambulances after arson attack [April 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 30 April 2026.

    The Government has confirmed it will provide a grant for new electric ambulances to replace those destroyed in arson attack.

    • Grant will enable Hatzola charity to buy four new electric ambulances
    • Ambulance fleet will be permanent replacements for those destroyed in attack on 23 March and following the horrific antisemitic attack in Golders Green yesterday
    • They will replace on-loan vehicles provided by the London Ambulance Service 

    The government will provide a cash grant so that the Hatzola charity can buy top-of-the range electric ambulances replacing their fleet destroyed in an antisemitic arson attack.

    New high-tech ambulances will be able to serve the local community which has been a victim of repeated appalling hate attacks in recent months and follows the latest utterly appalling stabbings in Golders Green yesterday.

    Hatzola will be given a cash grant as soon as possible to permanently replace the four loaned to the Jewish charity by the London Ambulance Service.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    We have seen deplorable acts of evil against Golders Green’s Jewish Community which are part of a pattern of rising antisemitic attacks.

    Jewish people should not have to live in fear of attack in Britain today or suffer any further than the appalling harm that has already been caused as a result. But simple words are not enough and we need to take action.

    The provision of these ambulances will not stem the anguish Jewish people are feeling, but it is one way that this government can stand with its Jewish communities today.

    Hatzola and its volunteers again showed they were the very best of us in the face of such hatred in their swift response to yesterday’s attacks. The new high tech fleet will allow Hatzola’s paramedics to continue their lifesaving work, as they continue to care for and support the wider community.

    Every one of us must work to root out the hatred and antisemitism that is poisoning Britain. Only then will all of our Jewish community will be safe.

    The direct grant from the Department for Health and Social care to cover the full costs of the four new electric ambulances – or whichever ambulances the charity decides would best meet their needs – will be processed as soon as possible.

    The vehicles are lighter and include more accessible features for crews to care patients. This includes a powered trolley bed system, a powered carry chair and an integrated scanning system that scans the vehicle and informs the crews whether the ambulance is fully stocked after each patient they’ve treated.

    The London Ambulance Service will continue its loan of replacement ambulances until the new ones are ready.

    Jason Killens KAM, Chief Executive of London Ambulance Service, said:

    We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community and with our ambulance colleagues at Hatzola during this difficult time.

    We remain committed to supporting Hatzola through the loan of ambulances for as long as they are needed to help deliver emergency care and save lives.

    We are proud to work alongside them in serving all of London’s communities.

    The new ambulances add to the further £25 million being invested into increased police patrols and protective security to keep our Jewish communities safe.

    It brings the total investment to £59 million this year – the largest investment a government has made in protecting Jewish communities in history.

    The combined funding will help provide:

    • Dedicated ambulances with the government, charities and communities working together
    • Increasing police presence and patrols in Jewish communities;
    • Protective security in synagogues, schools and community centres;

    The government has also announced it will fast track legislation in the coming weeks to provide the powers to go after individuals and groups acting on behalf of state-sponsored organisations.

    That means anyone acting as a proxy of a state-sponsored group can be investigated and prosecuted under the National Security Act – just as we would deal with foreign intelligence services.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s veto of the Panel of Experts was a calculated move to obscure the DPRK’s unlawful pursuit of weapons of mass destruction – UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s veto of the Panel of Experts was a calculated move to obscure the DPRK’s unlawful pursuit of weapons of mass destruction – UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 April 2026.

    Statement by Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on North Korea.

    This Council is entrusted with the responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. 

    Yet two years ago, Russia deliberately undermined that mandate by vetoing the DPRK Panel of Experts, an act that has hollowed out our collective ability to respond to the clear and growing threat from the DPRK’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

    That veto was not an isolated procedural decision. 

    It was a calculated move to obscure the DPRK’s unlawful pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and to conceal Russia’s own systematic erosion of the UN sanctions architecture, which, as with all UN Member States, it is duty‑bound to uphold.

    Since Russia’s veto, the DPRK has carried out approximately 80 ballistic missile launches and expanded key facilities, funded by an increasingly sophisticated cybercrime. 

    Without the panel, we have been deprived of crucial Security Council resolution violation monitoring, analysis, and oversight.

    In vetoing the panel, Russia also cleared a path to expand its military relationship with the DPRK. Pyongyang has supplied more than 11,000 troops to Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine, along with munitions and missiles. 

    In return, the DPRK has enjoyed Russia’s patronage, provision of critical goods through arms-for-oil exchanges, and gained increased technical and military capabilities from its combat experience.

    Russia has also recklessly called DPRK’s denuclearisation a ‘closed issue’. 

    We reaffirm our full commitment to non-proliferation obligations.  

    At this year’s NPT Review Conference, we are calling on all UN members to encourage the DPRK to dismantle its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, to re-engage in meaningful dialogue, and to return to full NPT compliance. 

    We urge Russia to recommit to our collective non-proliferation obligations.

    Mr President, as we have heard today, the DPRK continues to be innovative in circumventing sanctions, utilising emerging AI technology, advance maritime spoofing techniques, and ship-to-ship transfers to transport coal and iron ore. 

    We must remain equally agile in our response, drawing upon the breadth of our collective responsibilities and capabilities. 

    We welcome ongoing Member State efforts to fill the monitoring and implementation information gap, including through the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team reports.

    We call on the DPRK to refrain from further provocations, to engage meaningfully in dialogue, and to take concrete steps towards complete denuclearisation and peace on the Korean peninsula. 

    And I call on Russia, and all Council Members with influence on the DPRK, to allow this Council to reunite on this vital issue of peace and international security and let us get back to work.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Biggest shake up in decades to tackle local crime [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Biggest shake up in decades to tackle local crime [April 2026]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 30 April 2026.

    Biggest crime-fighting shake up in decades as police gain new powers to tackle local crime as the landmark Crime and Policing Bill receives Royal Assent.

    Community policing will finally have the powers it needs to effectively tackle local issues as the landmark Crime and Policing Act becomes law.

    For too long, community policing has been continuously downgraded, lacking the resources and powers it needs to properly protect the communities it serves.

    Today, the government has delivered a series of vital measures to tackle the whole spectrum of criminality.

    New powers for police and the wider criminal justice system will help realise this government’s mission to restore confidence in policing and to tackle the epidemic of serious violence and violence against women and girls.

    Minister for Crime and Policing Sarah Jones said:

    This is the biggest overhaul of our crime‑fighting powers in a generation. It puts policing back on the side of the public and gives officers the tools they need to tackle the problems people see on their streets every day.

    From banning repeat offenders from town centres and protecting shop workers, to cracking down on exploitative gangs and strengthening victims’ rights, this Bill is about restoring order and rebuilding confidence.

    Our message is clear: If you spread fear, exploit the vulnerable or fuel violence, the law will catch up with you.

    The Crime and Policing Act has over 70 measures including tougher police powers to crackdown on antisocial behaviour and retail crime by:

    • introducing respect orders to enable the police to ban repeat offenders from town centres and other locations
    • removing the requirement for police to issue a prior warning before seizing any vehicle used in an anti-social manner
    • ending the outdated treatment of theft under the value of £200 as a summary-only offence so perpetrators can be punished properly
    • introducing a bespoke offence for assaulting a retail worker with a possible sentence of six months in prison

    These new measures will be underpinned by the government’s neighbourhood policing guarantee to deliver an additional 13,000 neighbourhood officers by the end of this parliament.

    To tackle the epidemic of online stalking and to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm:

    • helping police manage online stalkers and protect victims through new ‘Right to Know’ guidance on disclosing the identity of an online stalker to victims at the earliest opportunity
    • more powers for courts to impose stalking protection orders directly when a defendant is convicted or acquitted, to keep perpetrators away from victims and prevent further harm
    • there will be a standalone offence of child criminal exploitation with a penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and accompanying orders which will allow courts to intervene early to prevent children from being harmed
    • the act introduces a new criminal offence of cuckooing (home takeover for illegal activity) with a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment
    • it is also introducing a new offence for internal concealment of drugs and other specified items including forcing individuals to hide items inside their bodies

    The act has also introduced further laws around the sale of knives online as the government aims to halve knife crime in a decade:

    • tech bosses will have personal criminal liability for failing to act on illegal knife and weapons content on their platforms resulting in a total fine of up to £70,000 for each offence
    • there will be a mandatory two-step verification for online knife purchases at both point of sale and delivery using photographic ID
    • retailers are legally required to report any bulk purchases of bladed articles made online, to tackle organised crime
    • there is a new offence of possession of a knife with intent to cause unlawful violence with a sentence of up to seven years in prison

    This government has already delivered over 3,000 neighbourhood officers, launched a national centre for tackling knife crime and deployed the largest crackdown on violence against women and girls in British history.

    With the Crime and Policing Act now law, those efforts will go further and faster, delivering safer streets and stronger communities across England and Wales.

    John Hayward-Cripps, Chief Executive of Neighbourhood Watch said:  

    The nature of crime has changed considerably, and major police reform is needed to keep pace. Greater focus on and investment in police capacity, particularly neighbourhood policing, has been needed for a long time.  

    People want to feel safe and to have greater trust in law enforcement. So it is reassuring for our members and the wider public to see that the government is listening to these concerns and is willing to act.

    Neil Basu QPM former head of Counter Terrorism Policing said: 

    I welcome the Crime and Policing Act as a serious and necessary step in keeping order on our streets and giving the police the powers they need to tackle modern crime. 

    Measures such as stronger action against prolific offenders, better protection for shop workers, and a renewed focus on neighbourhood safety are not only justified, but overdue. 

    The act reflects the reality that crime has changed. From organised fraud to technology-enabled theft, law enforcement must be equipped to act quickly and effectively if it is to keep pace. 

    Professor Emmeline Taylor, Professor of Criminology at City St George’s, University of London said: 

    This is a welcome and important step forward from the government in tackling the harms that most affect everyday life. Alongside stronger action on antisocial behaviour, theft and violence, it also recognises the serious impact of stalking, child exploitation and the abuse of vulnerable people. With effective enforcement and sustained neighbourhood policing, these reforms have the potential to make a real difference.

    Ryan Wain, Senior Director at the Tony Blair Institute, said: 

    These new measures are a welcome signal that government is taking not just crime, but its impact on Brits, seriously. Last week’s crime statistics showed, thankfully, there’s been a decrease in serious crimes including homicide, knife crime, and robbery under this government. 

    But we know there’s often a difference between the statistics and what people feel. And what people feel is scared. The communities they want to take pride in are vandalised. Antisocial behaviour is a given. Phones are gripped tighter as we walk down the street.

    By bringing power back to our local police, today’s measures should protect our town centres and our community. Britain doesn’t just need to be told that crime is being tackled, it needs to see it, and it needs to feel it.

    Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, said: 

    This Crime and Policing Act is a crucial step in addressing the growing challenges facing our town and city centres, particularly at night. Antisocial behaviour and repeat offending have placed significant strain on venues, workers, and public safety.

    Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, said: 

    The new Crime and Policing Act is a long-overdue turning point in the fight against retail crime. With 1,600 incidents of violence and abuse every single day and 5.5 million thefts a year, the extraordinary levels of retail crime cannot be accepted as simply part of the job.  

    The BRC, alongside others, have campaigned relentlessly for these changes. Stronger laws on assault and theft will send a clear warning to would-be offenders, but laws alone won’t keep retail workers safe. What matters now is consistent, visible police enforcement so colleagues can genuinely feel safe and protected at work. 

    Harvinder Saimbhi, CEO of ASBHelp said: 

    As the national charity supporting victims of anti-social behaviour, we welcome the dual approach respect orders bring, tackling both the harmful behaviour and the underlying causes, whilst also offering the potential for safer communities and better long-term outcomes for victims. We look forward to working with government on their implementation, at both a local and national level.

    Rebecca Bryant, CEO of Resolve said: 

    Resolve welcomes the government’s continued focus on tackling anti‑social behaviour and strengthening neighbourhood policing. Our members see every day the impact that persistent ASB, exploitation and serious violence have on victims and communities, and it is vital that frontline practitioners have the tools, powers and support they need to respond effectively. 

    The measures set out in the Crime and Policing Act represent a significant shift in the national approach. Powers such as respect orders, strengthened vehicle‑seizure provisions and new offences relating to exploitation and cuckooing have the potential to improve outcomes for victims when used confidently and proportionately as part of a wider problem‑solving approach.

    A spokesperson for Samsung said: 

    Samsung is committed to continuing to work closely with both the Home Office and Met Police on tackling the issue of phone theft in the UK. We are supportive of the new phone theft search measures included in the Crime and Policing Act.

    RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: 

    RAC data shows a quarter of drivers have suffered some form of vehicle crime, so the government’s move to make the possession and distribution of tech designed to steal cars illegal is very welcome.  

    Currently, the number of cars being stolen far outstrips the number of people convicted of committing the offence, and it’s so often the case that signal jammers and signal amplifiers are used to do this right outside owners’ homes. We hope this law change will reduce the number of vehicles stolen so fewer people have to go through this traumatic experience.

    Edmund King, AA president, said:

    Strengthening the penalties for thieves caught carrying signal jammers is an important measure from the government which is widely supported. Too many cars are stolen to order and literally ‘gone in 60 seconds’ by crooks using signal jammers. 

    While ‘smash and grab’ car crime has declined, those using modern techniques has increased, so it is right that the law keeps pace. It could also help bring down insurance premiums as every claim for a stolen vehicle adds pounds to everyone’s premiums.

    Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, said: 

    The BRC has long advocated for these additional protections, which send a clear message that violent and abusive behaviour, as well as theft will not be tolerated. Retail crime has escalated since the pandemic, with our latest survey showing 1,600 incidents of violence and abuse every single day, alongside 5.5m shoplifting offences last year. 

    Retailers have been playing their part, spending £5bn over the past five years on crime prevention measures. Government has now taken action, so now it is now essential that the police make full use of this new legislation to step up their response to such incidents.  

    By working together, we can achieve better outcomes that support and protect all our hardworking colleagues.

    Association of Convenience Stores chief executive Ed Woodall said: 

    The Crime and Policing Act marks a turning point in the way that shop theft and abuse will be treated by the justice system. Convenience retailers and shopworkers can feel more confident that action will be taken against prolific shop thieves as the government enshrines in law tougher penalties for attacks on shopworkers and clarity on how shop theft will be dealt with in courts.  

    These new powers need to be backed by local police forces on the ground and the wider justice system sending a clear message that when shop theft incidents are reported, police will respond and justice will be served to break the awful cycle of reoffending that causes significant damage to communities.

    Paul Gerrard, Director of Campaigns, Public Affairs and Policy, Co-op, said:  

    Shopworkers have had to tolerate unacceptable levels of theft, abuse and violence for far too long, and it’s not right. Local shops are an anchor in communities, and that is why Co-op, my colleagues and our members spoke-up, often when others wouldn’t, to say criminal behaviour, violence and abuse ‘should not be part of the job’. The tide of criminality can be turned, we saw crime levels reducing in the Co-op by more than 20% in 2025. But this is just the start.  

    As we continue to invest significantly in wide-ranging safety and security measures, forge successful partnerships with local police forces and see a significant increase in police attendance, this landmark Act from the government has the power to drive further sustained change, and we all must seize this opportunity and continue to do all we can to protect local community stores, and those that work in them.

    Kari Rodgers, UK Retail Director at Primark:  

    Primark welcomes the government’s Crime and Policing Act becoming law. This is a significant and positive step forward for the retail sector and shows what can be achieved through strong collaboration between government and retailers. 

    Making assault against a retail worker a specific offence sends a clear signal that violence and abuse will not be tolerated, while removing the effective £200 threshold for shoplifting ensures every offence is taken seriously. Together, these measures will help protect hardworking colleagues, improve the shopping experience for customers and support the long-term future of our high streets and town centres as vital hubs of employment, economic activity and community life.  

    We look forward to continuing to work with government, the police, fellow retailers and others to support their effective implementation.

    Hetal Patel, National President of the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) said:

    Retail crime, including violence, theft and harassment, remains a deep concern for our members.  

    Theft is traumatic for shopkeepers and a social blight but also imposes a series of direct and indirect economic costs for shops in lost stock and expensive security measures, which undermine their financial viability.  

    For these reasons, the Fed has campaigned long and hard for measures like the removal of the £200 threshold and the introduction of a standalone offence of assaulting a shopworker.  

    We welcome the government’s active approach in this area and the measures outlined in the Act. More broadly, we will continue to call for more active intervention from Community Policing teams so that this issue is taken more seriously and that shoplifting is not seen as a victimless crime.

    Nick McDonnell – Auror VP Global Trust & Safety and Law Enforcement Partnerships, said:  

    The Crime and Policing Act is an important step towards creating safer stores and high streets across the UK. This is about recognising that retail crime is not just about shoplifting – it’s also about the violence, threats and intimidation directed at vulnerable frontline colleagues every day. We know through retailer reporting in Auror that 10 per cent of offenders are responsible for up to 70 per cent of retail crime, while those repeat offenders are also four times more likely to be violent, and this new Act will be part of the solution to hold those repeat offenders to account.  

    It’s now up to the retail sector, law enforcement and government to support the effective reporting of retail crime, information sharing and collaboration to surface the scale of the issue so we can stop violent and organised crime in its tracks. Auror is proud to support that collaboration across the UK and through further government leadership like this Act, we’ll see safer stores for millions of frontline colleagues and the communities they serve. 

    Currys COO Lindsay Haselhurst said:  

    The Crime & Policing Act is an important step towards tackling retail crime and will make a real difference to our store colleagues.  It’s particularly welcome that assaulting a retail worker will now be treated as a standalone offence. No one should face the threat of violence for simply doing their job, and treating these offences properly will help protect our colleagues and send a clear message that this kind of behaviour isn’t acceptable. 

    Ending the outdated approach to theft under £200 is another welcome change. Shop theft is not a victimless crime, so it’s great to see that perpetrators can no longer act with impunity.

    Ken Murphy, Tesco Group Chief Executive, said: 

    The Crime and Policing Act is a significant piece of legislation and we are pleased that the government engaged with retailers and listened to the experiences of our store colleagues in dealing with retail crime.

    No one should feel unsafe at work, and we’ve invested tens of millions of pounds over the last four years on a range of security measures to keep people safe. We strongly welcome the government introducing a standalone offence for assaulting a retail worker and hope it will make a real difference in improving the safety of our high streets.

    Dal Babu, former Chief Superintendent at the Metropolitan Police, said:   

    The new Crime and Police Act is a piece of legislation that I welcome. It will help police to deal with the emerging problems of some demonstrators masking up to use anonymity to attack police and deliberately disrespect memorials to the dead. 

    Although the majority of protestors are law abiding a hard core from across the political spectrum attend marches masked up, with pyrotechnics designed to attack police and oppositions. The new legislation will help deal with this worrying trend.

    Ian Morrison, Director of Policy and Evidence at Historic England said:  

    Our war memorials are important for keeping parts of our national story from being forgotten and the government’s Crime and Policing Act will help protect the stories these memorials help to tell. 

    Patrick Green, CEO of The Ben Kinsella Trust and member of the government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said:  

    The Crime and Policing Act is a major step forward from this government because it brings our knife crime laws up to date with the online world young people are growing up in. By tightening online sales, strengthening age verification, criminalising possession with intent to cause harm and improving enforcement, it closes dangerous loopholes that have existed for far too long. These changes will help prevent serious violence and better protect children and young people.

    Pooja Kanda, member of the government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said:  

    I lost my innocent son three years ago to knife crime he was murdered with a ninja sword obtained online. Since then, my family and I have campaigned for stricter laws to protect youths from obtaining weapons online and stricter age verifications.  

    The Crime and Policing Act is a big step forward, and I’m grateful the government has listened to our relentless campaigning and introduced what we now call Ronan’s Law. This law will close loopholes and introduce a vital level of safety that was missing. By passing this legislation, they have taken a crucial step towards protecting lives.

    Pastor Lorraine Jones Burrell MBE, CEO of Dwaynamics and member of the government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said: 

    I welcome the progression of the Crime and Policing Act and the strengthened measures being introduced. From my lived experience of losing my son to knife crime, and through my daily work supporting young people and families impacted by violence, I know just how critical it is that we take firm and decisive action. 

    The tougher penalties around knife possession, sales, and intent send a clear message and the focus on tackling child criminal exploitation is both necessary and long overdue.

    However, laws alone cannot solve this. It takes partnership, prevention, and sustained support on the ground all of which this government is pioneering with passion and determination to make happen.

    Martin Cosser, CEO of Charlie’s Promise, father of Charlie Cosser and member of the Government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said: 

    We are encouraged to see meaningful and positive progress through the government’s introduction of the Crime and Policing Act, which represents one of the most significant steps forward in tackling serious violence in recent decades. 

    At Charlie’s Promise, we work every day with young people, families and communities affected by knife crime. We know first-hand the devastating and far-reaching impact it has. Measures such as stronger action on illegal knife content online, a new offence for child criminal exploitation, and increased powers to address anti-social behaviour are all important and welcome developments. 

    In particular, holding technology companies to greater account is long overdue. The online space plays a critical role in shaping behaviour, and it is vital that those who enable harmful content are held responsible. 

    While legislation alone cannot solve this complex issue, it is a crucial step in the right direction. What matters now is effective implementation, proper resourcing, and continued collaboration between government, policing, charities, and communities focusing on the route causes and early intervention. 

    We remain committed to working alongside all partners to ensure these changes translate into real, lasting impact, keeping young people safe and preventing other families from experiencing the unimaginable loss that we have endured.” 

    Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza said:  

    Too many children have had their lives ruined by criminal exploitation – forced to do terrible things, receiving criminal sentences, or even losing their lives. Some are themselves treated as adults, facing punishment instead of support, because of prejudice among professionals towards them.  

    Their voices are often ignored and overlooked, meaning missed opportunities to prevent abuses against them, and the harm they cause to victims of the crimes they are forced to commit.  

    This new offence will give much-needed clarity that exploited children are victims of abuse, and I am grateful the government has accepted it must apply equally to all children.

    Daniel Morris, Assistant Director of Young People and Families at Catch22, says: 

    The introduction of child criminal exploitation (CCE) as a specific criminal offence is an incredibly positive step forward in recognising the horrific impact of this form of child abuse. 

    People who exploit children must be prosecuted  for the unimaginable lasting harm they cause, and the new CCE offence rightly acknowledges the seriousness of grooming and exploitation for criminal gain. Proper safeguarding of child victims is key, and Catch22 will continue to work with the Home Office to ensure statutory guidance puts this into practice.  

    To further draw a line under the criminal exploitation of children, we must now see investment into specialist support for its victims to address the long-term impact and mental scars it leaves.

    Kathy Betteridge, Director of Anti‑Trafficking and Modern Slavery for The Salvation Army, said: 

    We welcome measures in the Crime and Policing Act to prevent and tackle child criminal exploitation at the earliest possible stage. For many of the adult survivors of modern slavery we support, exploitation began when they were children. When this continues unchecked for years, the trauma is deeper and the road to recovery can be far more complex.  

    The creation of a standalone offence of “cuckooing” is also an important step forward. Many people we support have experienced their homes being taken over through coercion and control but have struggled to have this recognised as criminal exploitation. This offence will help close that gap and strengthen protection for those at risk.” 

    Protecting vulnerable people as early as possible is essential to preventing long-term harm and helping individuals build safer futures. 

    Emma and Philip Dix, Founders of the Joe Dix Foundation and members of the government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said: 

    The Joe Dix Foundation particularly supports the government’s introduction of the new child criminal exploitation law because it represents a crucial step toward recognizing and addressing the complex realities faced by vulnerable young people. Too often, children coerced into criminal activity are treated primarily as offenders rather than victims of manipulation, grooming, and abuse.  

    This legislation helps shift that perspective by prioritizing safeguarding, early intervention, and accountability for those who exploit children for criminal gain. By strengthening legal protections and improving coordination between agencies, the law offers a more compassionate and effective framework to prevent harm, support recovery, and ensure that young people are given the protection and opportunities they deserve.

    CEO of The Children’s Society, Mark Russell, said:  

    For too long, children groomed and coerced into criminal exploitation have been treated as offenders, when they are, in fact, victims of abuse.  

    The government creating a specific offence of child criminal exploitation is a long overdue shift – putting the focus where it belongs: on the organised criminals and networks exploiting children. 

    However, this legislation will only succeed when implemented consistently, nationwide, and backed by increased funding for specialist victim support. 

    We will carry on our work with law makers, breaking the cycles of harm for child exploitation victims to give them the hope and support they need to rebuild their young lives.

    Tracey Burley, Chief Executive of St Giles, said:  

    We strongly welcome the government’s introduction of new offences relating to enforced concealment and cuckooing and hope they will provide greater protection for people subjected to traumatic, degrading and exploitative abuse. 

    It is vital that the application of this legislation safeguards vulnerable and coerced young people, while clearly distinguishing them from the perpetrators who groom, manipulate and exploit them for criminal gain. 

    All stakeholders must continue to work together to ensure these important changes are implemented fairly and effectively – in a way that protects victims, holds offenders to account, and does not unfairly criminalise young people or create further barriers to their future opportunities.

    The Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Claire Waxman OBE, said:  

    Strengthening and extending the use of stalking protection orders is an important step forward for victims. These orders are a vital tool in keeping people safe and in addressing stalkers’ behaviour; making them easier to obtain and accessible on conviction should help protection be put in place sooner. 

    In stalking cases, speed is critical, and our overburdened court system can still slow access to protection. It is therefore encouraging that, during the passage of the Act, the Government has given assurances it will consider quicker, police‑led safeguards, including Stalking Protection Notices. 

    Nick Gazzard OBE, founder of the Hollie Gazzard Trust, said: 

    Stalking destroys lives, not just through individual incidents but through the constant, cumulative fear it creates. Too many victims have been left in a state of uncertainty and danger because systems have not moved quickly enough to recognise ongoing risk. As Hollie’s Dad, who was stalked before she was killed by her jealous ex-partner, this is something I know only too well. 

    The Trust also strongly welcomes new powers for courts to impose stalking protection orders directly, including following acquittal where there is clear evidence of ongoing risk. Combined with commitments to clearer statutory guidance and improved multi‑agency working, these measures better reflect the reality that stalking is about patterns of behaviour and long‑term harm, not isolated criminal acts. 

    Clive Ruggles, co-founder and Chair of the Alice Ruggles Trust, said: 

    Unless you have been a stalking victim, or close to one, it is hard to imagine just how distressing those endless repeated, and often vile, intrusions can be. And not even to know who is responsible, what is motivating them, takes this to another level. I strongly welcome this move to help people find out more quickly who is stalking them online. 

    Stalking, whether physical or online, is hugely impactive and often life-changing for the victim. In the worst cases it can escalate to murder, something I know all too well because of what happened to my daughter Alice. That is why I also welcome the wider raft of measures included in the Crime and Policing Act, including making stalking protection orders easier and faster to obtain and strengthening the multi-agency working that is so essential for managing the risk effectively in serious stalking cases.

    Chief Operating Officer, Louise, said: 

    At Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service, where we support victims of stalking every day, we welcome the measures set out in the Crime and Policing Act. These changes represent a significant step forward in safeguarding and protecting victims of stalking. 

    In cases where the stalker is unknown to the victim, we consistently hear how not knowing who is behind the behaviour can leave victims living in fear, uncertain about the level of risk they face and unsure of who they can trust. The introduction of statutory Right to Know guidance is therefore a vital shift. It will allow police to lawfully disclose the identity of online stalkers at an earlier stage, helping victims better understand the threat, assess their safety, and regain a sense of control.” 

    Hannah Swirsky, Head of Policy at the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) said: 

    The devastation caused by AI child sexual abuse imagery is very real. Real children’s real abuse feeds into these synthetic creations, and often the imagery is made to feature real, recognisable children, very often girls. It’s another way victims’ suffering and harm is commodified on the internet.  

    In 2025, our analysts saw a staggering 260-fold increase in AI-generated child sexual abuse videos. A massive 65% of these were classified as Category A, depicting the most severe and extreme kinds of sexual abuse. The availability of this content is dangerous for everyone.  

    We have long campaigned to have these rules tightened up – and are pleased to see these measures brought in. There can be no reason for these manuals, models, or nudification apps to exist. The internet will be a safer place without them. We also welcome new powers allowing the rigorous stress testing of new AI models to ensure they cannot be used to create child sexual abuse imagery. We are ready to work closely with the Government to make sure new tech is safe. But this is not the end of the fight – and we urge all companies to urgently adopt a culture of safety by design before making products available to the global public. Simply creating an AI tool and waiting for the inevitable abuse is not good enough.

    Sharon Pursey OBE, Co-Founder, SafeToNet – creators of the first AI preventative nude harm blocking solution for connected devices, platforms and apps said: 

    The criminalisation of AI tools designed to generate child sexual abuse material, the outlawing of AI ‘paedophile manuals,’ the powers granted to Border Force, and the personal accountability placed on tech bosses, are foundational measures that matter enormously. And we are here to help make them work.

    SafeToNet welcomes the Crime and Policing Act and the meaningful, forward-thinking measures it introduces to protect children from online harm. This is a clear and courageous signal that government is prepared to move at the speed of the threat, and we stand firmly alongside them in that mission. 

  • Wes Streeting – 2026 Speech to the Royal College of Emergency Medicine’s (RCEM) Annual Conference

    Wes Streeting – 2026 Speech to the Royal College of Emergency Medicine’s (RCEM) Annual Conference

    The speech made by Wes Streeting, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, on 30 April 2026. We have been unable to acquire a version which hasn’t been redacted.

    It’s good to be with you today, and it’s really good to follow a session on high performance.

    Let me start by echoing Ian’s words in his opening remarks on Tuesday, when he encouraged you to be ‘loud and proud’ of what you do.

    At a time when more and more people have lost faith that things can get better…

    When a general sense of pessimism and cynicism risks slipping into fatalism…

    And when the very existence of the NHS is being contested like never before…

    You are helping to prove the doubters and doomsters wrong.

    So I want to say a simple but heartfelt thank you to all of you for all your energy, stamina, creativity, and the huge amount of hard graft over the past year, not just all of you in this room, you and all of your colleagues across the country, because you – the whole team – are achieving something we’ve not seen for a long time, an NHS that is improving.

    This government set you ambitious targets last year. And despite resident doctors’ strikes and record demand, you rose to the challenge.

    Best 4-hour performance in A&E in 5 years.

    Today, almost 4 in 5 patients are seen within 4 hours and 500,000 more people than last year are being seen on time.

    Ambulances are arriving faster than for half a decade.

    For suspected heart attacks and stroke patients, we’re reaching them five minutes faster than last year, when you and I both know that every second matters.

    We have been repeatedly told that the NHS recovery won’t happen, it can’t happen. But you are delivering it.

    And in doing so, you have landed one in the eye to every commentator, who was preparing the headline [political content removed], or ‘the NHS falls short’ depending on which of us they dislike most that day.

    You’ve delivered a blow to think tank orthodoxy, which says that the NHS will never be able to cut waiting lists, A&E, and ambulance waiting times all at once.

    And to those who argue that the results are just a March sprint, just wait until you see April’s performance data.

    This is a marathon, not a sprint. And there’s a long track ahead of us. But some of the frontrunners are already approaching the finishing line.

    North East and West Midlands ambulance services are within reach of the constitutional standard of 18-minute response times.

    At Sheffield children’s A&E, 98% of kids are seen within 4 hours – above the constitutional standard. West Herts, Northumbria, and George Eliot are all above 90%.

    George Eliot, in particular, has made incredible strides, going from 66% to 91% in just this past year.

    They are showing what’s possible when UEC is made a priority.

    The trust introduced round-the-clock assessments to speed up triage; seven-day ward rounds in the Acute Medical Unit to get patients home on time; and doctors working the discharge lounge to make sure patients had the medication they needed to send them home.

    Those simple steps have transformed the experience and the safety of their patients. They have proven that we can do it.

    Ambulance recovery isn’t happening by accident, if you excuse the pun.

    It is happening because the ambulance service is embracing change.

    Where paramedics would once provide extraordinary care on the scene, then take their patient to hospital, now they’re using their skills to act as coordinators of care.

    Providing the same world class urgent, on-the-spot care they always have, then deciding the best place for follow-up treatment, which isn’t always a hospital.

    The result is improved turnaround and handover times, and fewer people ending up in A&E.

    You in emergency medicine understand better than most that the NHS is not just a service, it’s a system.

    And when part of the system has broken down, people end up at your door.

    It’s why A&E had gone from Accident & Emergency to Anything & Everything.

    When people can’t see a GP, they end up in A&E, which is worse for them, worse for you, and more expensive for the taxpayer.

    When people can’t get the mental health support they need, they reach crisis point, which is worse for them, worse for you, and more expensive for the taxpayer.

    And when people can’t get the social or community care they need, they’re left in hospital, which is worse for them, worse for you, and more expensive for the taxpayer.

    And so a lot of the answers to cutting ambulance and A&E response times lie outside the doors of the emergency department.

    It’s why the health think tanks are so wrong to argue that the government ought to prioritise certain sections of the NHS over others.

    That we should focus on social care or emergency care first and do electives or GPs later.

    The way we will get the NHS out of the hole it had been left in is by week by week, year on year, across the board improvement. A rising tide that lifts all ships.

    The NHS has been the standout winner from this government. Record £26 billion a year investment at a time when the public finances are under big and growing pressures, with increased instability and uncertainty around the world.

    It shows what this government’s priority is.

    But you and I know that the additional funding alone cannot buy our way to recovery. It has to be accompanied by change and modernisation.

    A narrative emerged during the years of [political content removed] that the NHS just needs more inputs into the same model. More staff, more beds, more money in hospitals.

    Investment is part of the solution.

    But unless we change how the NHS works, those will only be sticking plasters, storing up the same problems for later down the line.

    There will still be ever-increasing numbers of patients walking through your doors and ever-increasing numbers stuck in beds waiting to go home.

    With the war in Iran and its consequences for the global economy, I’m afraid I can’t play the Oliver Twist of the Cabinet, pleading for more from the Treasury.

    Not because the Chancellor is Scrooge – to invoke another Dickens character – but because there isn’t any.

    So we’re having to mop up the consequences of austerity, Brexit, [political content removed], the pandemic, and the war in Ukraine, as well as dealing with the Iran crisis and making sure that as we do so we’re beating a path to a better future, not just seeking to scramble back to a broken status quo.

    So the new investment needs to be matched with change and modernisation to help that investment go further and to make sure we get to where we want to be.

    You in emergency medicine are leading the way and showing that change is possible.

    Ambulance services are providing more paramedic-led care at the scene.

    Urgent community response services in Dorset and Kirklees cared for patients, directed them to appropriate services, with 80% never needing to step foot in a hospital.

    Hear and Treat is freeing up ambulance crews to reach the most urgent patients faster, and get other patients the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

    We set what was an ambitious 45-minute target for ambulance handovers and today average handover times are down to just shy of 30 minutes.

    That’s more patients off ambulances and into EDs more quickly.

    And it’s only been possible because of the combined efforts of ambulance services and ED teams – and we are grateful for it.

    My department and the NHS worked with RCEM to pull together our model ED guidance.

    It identifies the most successful methods of streamlining emergency care from across the country, taking the best of the NHS to the rest of the NHS.

    This is the first chapter of the new book we are writing together, and I look forward to working with RCEM on the model discharge guidance, which is coming soon.

    The government is putting our money where our mouth is.

    We’re investing £300 million in 55 new or improved same day emergency care and urgent treatment centres.

    We’re spending almost an extra half a billion pounds on mental health facilities, including up to 85 Mental Health EDs – providing patients with rapid assessment, urgent treatment, and safe discharge with referral for longer term support.

    All of this will help to unclog emergency departments, and make sure patients are seen where they should be, when they should be, by who they should be.

    Much of the change you are leading is about delivering the left shift from within emergency medicine.

    And the government is leading the left shift outside of emergency departments.

    Our 10 Year Plan for Health set the NHS on course to become as much a Neighbourhood Health Service as a National Health Service.

    A key measure of its success will be A&E admissions – specifically the 1 in 5 patients who turn up to A&E who do not need urgent and emergency care.

    They have been failed upstream.

    Our modernisation agenda is all about catching patients earlier, treating them faster, and preventing them falling ill in the first place.

    That work has already begun.

    We’ve recruited 2,000 more GPs and patients can now request appointments online.

    We’re delivering millions more dental appointments.

    We’ve invested £600 million more in community pharmacy and given them greater powers to monitor and manage patients with ongoing conditions.

    We’re investing £4.6 billion in social care.

    We’ve legislated for the first ever fair pay agreement for care workers, backed by half a billion pounds.

    We’ve given carers the biggest increase in carer’s allowance since the 1970s and increased the disabled facilities grant, which will help to speed up discharge, reduce admissions, and most importantly of all, give people dignity, freedom, quality of life and comfort in their own homes.

    And the first report from the Casey Commission is coming later this year, forging the national consensus we need to build a National Care Service.

    New neighbourhood health services will bring together healthcare professionals to deliver proactive and personalised care, out of hospital, in the community.

    We’ve set them a target of reducing avoidable hospital admissions by 10% for the most vulnerable patients, backed by new financial incentives.

    I know that the most difficult cases you see are patients in the midst of a mental health crisis. Failed by a lack of early support, in A&E through desperation, often the very worst place for them to be.

    So, we are intervening earlier.

    This government promised to recruit 8,500 more mental health workers by the end of the Parliament.

    And today I can announce that we have kept that promise… three years early.

    We have recruited 8,500 more therapists, psychiatrists, and mental health nurses. They are delivering more care, earlier, and closer to home.

    Another 900,000 children can also now see a mental health support team in their own school, thanks to action we have already taken.

    Promises made, promises kept.

    Change has begun. And the best is still to come.

    One of the bigger balancing acts I face as a political leader is giving the public confidence that the NHS is improving and hope for the future, at the same time as acknowledging that we know that things still aren’t good enough.

    Corridor care is the most visible, most distressing symptom of the pressures in our NHS.

    And since emergency departments are the frontline of the NHS and most people’s first impression of a hospital, you’re in the full glare of the public spotlight – and often used as the barometer for how the service is doing overall.

    I know this will be a test the government is judged against.

    When we came into office, NHS England didn’t measure corridor care, let alone have a plan to address it.

    Corridors were officially referred to as ‘temporary escalation spaces’.

    And as corridor care became normalised, you, the teams working in those conditions, suffered the moral injury of having to treat your patients in circumstances so undignified that you wouldn’t wish them on your worst enemy, never mind your closest loved one.

    I have walked past many of those trolleys. I cannot imagine walking past lines of trolleys every day, desperately wishing you could do something about it, but being held back.

    And I want to thank the Royal College, alongside the Royal College of Nursing and others, for never accepting this practice, for sounding the alarm, and for keeping the pressure on me and others to act.

    I am clear: corridor care is not normal, it is not acceptable, it should never be tolerated, and I am determined to end it.

    We’re calling it what it is; we’ve defined it; we’re measuring it; and with your help, we’re finally getting on top of it.

    Once again, change is being led from below.

    Blackpool are using data to predict the busiest periods and clearing beds in advance.

    The main corridor [political content removed] was cleared when the Medical Director and Chief Nurse took over discharge decisions.

    And take [political content removed], as seen on TV, because when its corridors were full of trolleys this winter, the broadcasters understandably chose the hospital of [political content removed] to exemplify the national crisis.

    I was back there the other month, no cameras in sight, apart from the one on my phone, walking the same corridors I did in January, but this time they were empty. Demand hadn’t changed, the level of funding hadn’t changed, but the model of care had.

    They put the senior consultant on the front door of the A&E to make swift triaging decisions – sending frail elderly people who needed care, but not A&E, into the frailty same day emergency care centre. And they worked with the Ambulance Service and community teams to get people the right care at home.

    As a result, 12-hour waits are down, 10,000 corridor hours were saved in February alone, and the corridors were empty aside from one chap who was about to be wheeled in for a scan.

    That is amazing progress, a real credit to the staff of Queen’s, and they are sustaining that progress.

    It’s not always easy, but it is important that we recognise improvement and we celebrate success.

    I said as much publicly, and then received a text message after an interview on BBC Breakfast, and that message said, ‘Glad to see this can be done. I had the opposite experience with my dad this weekend.’

    Her elderly father, who has Parkinson’s, had been left on a bed in a corridor by a vending machine, with a small bleed on the brain, with no water, no buzzer, and no dignity.

    That is the contradiction of where the NHS is today.

    There has been marked improvement.

    Incredible progress has been made against predictions and expectations.

    But too many patients are still being failed.

    What we have shown together in just under two years that this government has been in office, is that the NHS can change and things can get better.

    Success has come when we’ve moved as a pack, working together, driven by a simple but powerful conviction that we will not accept the status quo anymore.

    It’s not easy. We are having to rebuild the plane mid-flight. There are times when it is a bumpy ride.

    If we’re getting things wrong, I want to hear about it. If something’s not working, we need to know.

    But we must never forget that we are one team of 1.5 million people in the National Health Service, working alongside another 1.5 million in social care.

    Resident doctors say I need to do more for them. So does general practice. So do consultants. And so does every specialty.

    Take Advice & Guidance. If patients should be on waiting lists for elective care, that’s where I want them to be.

    But if they can be treated faster and better in the community, that is better for everyone.

    Yet even on that simple principle, we have encountered opposition.

    We can’t do everything, for everyone, everywhere, all at once. And if everyone just advocates for their part of the service, the NHS is going to end up like an overloaded shopping trolley with the wheels all pointing in different directions.

    Every part of the service has been under real pressure and has been through extended crises over the past decade.

    It isn’t just your corner of the NHS that feels like that.

    The model of care was broken across the whole service.

    So, the NHS has to change to survive. And it’s going to take a concerted effort from everyone.

    That’s why I wanted to speak to you all today.

    You and your colleagues are stepping up. You are proving the pessimists wrong and showing that change is possible. In doing so, you are charting the course to a brighter future.

    So, I need you to keep at it.

    To keep showing the innovation, drive, and leadership that is taking the NHS from the worst crisis in its history, getting it back on its feet, and making it fit for the future.

    We can do it.

    All of us.

    Together.

    And what a legacy that would be for our country.

    Thank you very much.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Montenegro [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Montenegro [April 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 April 2026.

    Ms Nerys Jones has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Montenegro in succession to Ms Dawn McKen, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Jones will take up her appointment during August 2026.

    Curriculum Vitae

    Full name: Nerys Heledd Jones

    YearRole
    August 2025 to presentFull-time language training
    2024 to 2025Berlin, Embassy Spokesperson & Counsellor for Public Diplomacy and Internal Politics
    2023 to 2024FCDO, Deputy Head Mediterranean Department
    2022 to 2023FCDO, Europe Directorate Flexible Resource (Western Balkans and Mediterranean Departments; Prague, Deputy Head of Mission; and Warsaw, Political Counsellor Ukraine Humanitarian
    2017 to 2022Vienna, Deputy Head of Mission (including secondment to Austrian Ministry BMEIA)
    2014 to 2017FCO, Deputy Head Human Rights and Democracy Department
    2014 to 2014UK Defence Academy, Higher Command and Staff Course
    2013Governor’s Office, Gibraltar
    2009 to 2013Athens, Deputy Head of Mission
    2005 to 2009Rome, First Secretary EU & Economic Affairs
    2003 to 2005FCO, Head of Turkey Section
    2001 to 2003FCO, Assistant European Correspondent, Common Foreign & Security Policy Department
    1999 to 2001FCO, Desk Officer for Western European Union, Security Policy Department
  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina [April 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina [April 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 April 2026.

    Ms Dawn McKen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina in succession to Mr Julian Reilly, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms McKen will take up her appointment during August 2026.

    Curriculum Vitae

    Full name: Dawn McKen

    YearRole
    2023 to presentPodgorica, His Majesty’s Ambassador
    2022 to 2023Global Strategy Programme in International Security and Strategic Leadership studies, Royal College of Defence Studies
    2022MA in International Security and Strategy, King’s College, University of London
    2021Athens, Deputy Head of Mission, later Chargée d’Affaires
    2019 to 2021FCDO, Additional Deputy Director, UK Future Relationship with Turkey and Cyprus/Head, EU External and Security Unit, Europe Directorate
    2016 to 2019FCO, Head, Europe Programmes Unit, Europe Directorate
    2013 to 2016FCO, Deputy Head, Somalia Unit, Africa Directorate
    2011 to 2013FCO, Project Manager, UK Estate Reform Project
    2007 to 2011Budapest, First Secretary (Political), later Deputy Head of Mission and Chargée d’Affaires
    2006 to 2007Full Time Language Training (Hungarian)
    2004 to 2005FCO, Team Leader, EU External and Economic, Europe Directorate
    2002 to 2003FCO, Team Leader, Conventional Arms and Security Sector Reform, Security Policy Department
    2002Kabul, Deputy Head of Mission, later Chargée d’Affaires
    2000 to 2002FCO, Team Leader, Cyprus and Malta, Europe Directorate
    2000FCO, Project Manager, European News Grid, Europe Directorate
    1996 to 2000Moscow, Second Secretary (Political)
    1996Full Time Language Training (Russian)
    1995 to 1996FCO, Desk Officer, Hungary and Bulgaria, Know How Fund