Tag: 2026

PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister to warn that Europe must move away from overdependence on the US, to interdependence – and a more European NATO [February 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 14 February 2026.

Europe must shift from overdependence on the United States and towards a more European NATO, underpinned by deeper links between the UK and the EU, the Prime Minister will say today.

Europe must shift from overdependence on the United States and towards a more European NATO, underpinned by deeper links between the UK and the EU, the Prime Minister will say today [Saturday 14 February].

In a speech at the Munich Security Conference, he will argue that in the face of the looming threat from Russia, the UK’s future prosperity and security rest on closer defence and security ties with Europe, and vice versa.

The Prime Minister is expected to say:

We are not the Britain of the Brexit years anymore. Because we know that, in dangerous times, we would not take control by turning inward – we would surrender it. And I won’t let that happen.

There is no British security without Europe, and no European security without Britain. That is the lesson of history – and it is today’s reality too.

[…]

He will say that the US remains an indispensable ally, and they have made an unparalleled contribution to European security. But as their own national security posture evolves, Europe must shift from overdependence to interdependence – forging a new path towards sovereign deterrence and hard power.

He will add:

I’m talking about a vision of European security and greater European autonomy, that does not herald US withdrawal but answers the call for more burden sharing in full, and remakes the ties that have served us so well.

Arguing that Europe’s fragmented defence industrial base has contributed to gaps and duplication – he will say that leaders must focus on collective effort to build a stronger, more integrated defence capability, backed by historic increases in spending.

British companies already account for over a quarter of the continent’s defence industrial base. They are a job-creating, community-building machine, employing around 239,000 people across the UK –

We want to bring our leadership in defence, tech and AI together with Europe – to multiply our strengths and build a shared industrial base across Europe which can turbocharge our defence production.

[…]

As I see it – Europe is a sleeping giant. Our economies dwarf Russia’s, ten times over.

We have huge defence capabilities. Yet, too often, all of this has added up to less than the sum of its parts.

Across Europe, fragmented industrial planning and long, drawn out procurement mechanisms have led to gaps in some areas – and massive duplication in others.

To meet the threats we face, the UK defence budget is rising to record levels – delivering the biggest boost to defence spending since the Cold War, totalling £270 billion this parliament alone. In his speech, the Prime Minister will also signal the UK’s willingness to participate in innovative joint solutions alongside European partners to accelerate new defence investment and ensure spending increases are used to their full potential.

He will also point to the UK’s existing bilateral co-operation – including our £10 billion deal with Norway to supply their Navy with frigates, our £8 billion Typhoon deal with Turkey, and ongoing collaboration with Germany, Italy and France to deliver next generation long-range missiles – as a signal for what could be achieved by joint work on a greater scale, all while delivering jobs and growth at home.

He will add:

We must level with the public and build consent for the decisions we will have to take to keep us all safe.

Because, if we don’t, the peddlers of easy answers on the extreme left and the extreme right are ready. They will offer their solutions instead.

It’s striking that the different ends of the spectrum share so much. Soft on Russia and weak on NATO – if not outright opposed.

And determined to sacrifice the longstanding relationships that we want and need to build, on the altar of their ideology.

The future they offer is one of division and then capitulation. The lamps would go out across Europe once again. But we will not let that happen.

If we want to repair our social fabric, if we believe in our values, in democracy, liberty, the rule of law, then this is the moment to stand up and fight for them, and prove that they are worth fighting for.

That’s why we must work together and show that by taking responsibility for our own security. In a volatile world, we help our people look forward not with fear, but with determination – and hope.

February 16, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with Chancellor Merz of Germany and President Macron of France [February 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 13 February 2026.

The Prime Minister met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron at the Munich Security Conference this afternoon.

Addressing the scale of the challenge facing Europe, they reaffirmed their commitment to continue working together, alongside other partners, to enhance our collective defence and security.

They agreed that Europe needs to step up and do more to share the burden while protecting the enduring strength of the Euro-Atlantic partnership.

We must take advantage of our huge defence capability in order to bolster our shared security and deliver for people at home, the Prime Minister added.

They confirmed their enduring support for Ukraine, especially in the face of Russia’s horrific recent attacks, and the ongoing work to secure a just and lasting peace.

They looked forward to further discussions in Munich this weekend.

February 16, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : New employer grant to boost quality in early years education [February 2026]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 13 February 2026.

A new package of support will help early years settings strengthen their workforce and improve outcomes for children from the very start.

Early years staff across the country will be supported to upskill and qualify as teachers through new paid degree apprenticeships, as the government marks the close of National Apprenticeship Week and continues its work to raise the quality of early education and improve children’s life chances.

The new early years teacher degree apprenticeship will allow 400 staff to earn while they learn, gaining the skills to teach in nurseries and early years settings, improving the quality of early education children receive in the years that matter most.

By raising skills and creating clear routes to higher pay, the programme will help make early years a more attractive and rewarding profession, supporting recruitment and retention for the staff who are central to giving children the best start in life.

High-quality early education and childcare makes a lasting difference to a child’s life. The evidence is clear that the better trained the staff in nurseries and early years settings are, the more children benefit.

Research show that providers with graduate-level early years staff deliver better outcomes for children. For every 10% increase in settings employing a graduate, the proportion of children reaching a good level of development rises by around 1.2%.

Backed by a £3.2 million grant to support employers, the programme will contribute £9,000 per apprentice each year to cover training costs. The government will also provide an additional £8,000 per apprentice to help employers cover backfill, training and National Insurance costs, so that no provider is left out of pocket.

Department for Education data shows those with degree-level qualifications in early years typically earn around £5.50 more per hour than those trained to A-level standard, underlining how apprenticeships can boost pay while strengthening quality across the sector.

The announcement comes as part of National Apprenticeship Week, when employers, providers and government showcase how apprenticeships unlock opportunity, build skills and drive economic growth. Department for Education analysis estimates apprentices will contribute £25 billion to England’s economy across their working lives.

Minister for Early Education Olivia Bailey said:

These degree apprenticeships give early years staff the chance to build skilled, well-paid and rewarding careers while continuing to do the vital work they do every day for children and families.

High-quality early education can change the course of a child’s life. When we back the people who guide children through those first crucial years, we help build their confidence, prepare them for school and set them up to thrive in the years ahead.

Backing progression and better pay in early years is good for families, good for the workforce and good for our country.

Completing the apprenticeship gives early years staff the skills and status to lead learning, not just support it, meaning they can work within higher staff-to-child ratios and progress into better-paid, senior roles across early years settings.

The £8,000 support grant will be paid to training providers, who will pass the funding directly on to early years settings employing the apprentice.

Sophie Hayter, Qualification Lead at Kido Nurseries and Pre-Schools said:

This is a significant and welcome step forward for our sector. By investing directly in the professional development of early years practitioners and providing funding to settings to support, the government is recognising the vital importance of highly skilled educators in shaping children’s earliest experiences.

This funding not only strengthens workforce quality and sustainability, but also ensures more children can benefit from graduate-level expertise during the most critical stage of their development.

This investment is part of the government’s Best Start in Life strategy and supports its long-term ambition to have an Early Years Teacher in every setting, helping address the current shortfall of graduate-level staff across the sector.

It follows the announcement of a record £9.5 billion investment delivering affordable and high-quality childcare places for families all over the country. Working parents can now save up to £7,500 a year through expanded funded hours, supported by clearer guidance to ensure families are not hit with unexpected charges. Funding rates are also increasing above inflation to help nurseries and childcare providers maintain quality as access expands.

More widely, the government is using apprenticeships to unlock opportunity and tackle skills shortages across the country, with a series of announcements this week reinforcing its commitment to high-quality training and clear routes into work.

The government has unveiled a series of further measures during National Apprenticeship Week to expand opportunities across the country.

As part of the government’s education estates strategy announced this week, construction firms working on school building projects will have to show that they are providing opportunities for apprenticeships and T Level students, creating around 13,000 new opportunities.

Further measures announced during National Apprenticeship Week include new pilots to match ‘near miss’ applicants with similar apprenticeship opportunities in their area, alongside a new online platform giving young people clearer, more accessible information about apprenticeships and career outcomes.

February 16, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : The UK welcomes the agreement reached between the Syrian Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces to bring an end to the fighting in North-East Syria – UK statement at the UN Security Council [February 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 February 2026.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

I will make three points.

First, echoing the statement of the Council yesterday, the United Kingdom welcomes the agreement reached between the Syrian Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces in late January to bring an end to the fighting in North-East Syria.

The UK has engaged closely with both sides, and we commend the work of the US to help broker this agreement.

This is a critical step towards a stable and unified Syria.

We encourage all involved to commit to de-escalation and to avoid destabilising action.

There have been important steps in the implementation of the agreement, including the Presidential decree on the protection of Kurdish rights.

It is critical that momentum is maintained, and full integration of SDF military and civilian structures into the Syrian state is carried out in a timely and equitable manner.

Second, we remain concerned about the humanitarian situation in the region, with significant displacement and disruption of services and humanitarian provision, including in Kobane and Al Hol camp.

Now that an agreement has been reached, we call for sustained, unimpeded humanitarian access across the country.

The UK continues to provide humanitarian support in IDP camps through our implementing partners.

We remain concerned by conditions in these facilities, and reports of escaped Daesh detainees.

We encourage the Syrian Government to develop a robust transition plan for securing and managing the camps, in coordination with the UN and international partners, to mitigate security risks.

Third, Ms Dureid, you gave us a powerful testimony on the importance of the inclusion of women in political processes.

We must seize this opportunity to advance women’s full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation and their leadership in all political and decision-making processes in Syria.

The UN has an important role to play in supporting this and other elements of Syria’s transition, and we look forward to the swift establishment of the Special Envoy’s Office in Damascus.

February 16, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Funding boost for young people’s mental health services [February 2026]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 13 February 2026.

Early Support Hubs across England to receive a £7 million funding boost to bolster services for young people.
- 10,000 extra interventions to help young people facing mental health challenges.
- Delivers on 10 Year Health Plan commitment to extend mental health support for children and young people.
- Comes as nation marks Children and Young People’s Mental Health Week.
Thousands more young people will get the mental health support they need thanks to a £7 million funding boost for Early Support Hubs across England.

Early Support Hubs are community-based services, which provide drop-in mental health support for young people aged 11-25 with a range of issues, helping to prevent more severe mental illness without the need for a referral or doctor’s appointment. 

The investment will allow the 24 existing hubs to expand services in local communities, delivering 10,000 additional mental health and wellbeing interventions over the next twelve months. This could include counselling, group work, therapeutic support and specialist advice.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting said:

No young person should suffer in silence with their mental health. We’re investing in the wellbeing of the next generation, making sure every young person has the best start in life and the support they need to grow, to flourish, and to thrive.

Early Support Hubs are already making a real difference and this funding boost will expand services to support more young people in communities across the country.

Alongside this, we’re investing an extra £688 million in mental health services this year and are well on our way to recruiting 8,500 additional mental health workers across children’s and adult services.

Findings from the Early Support Hubs programme will shape the government’s plans for the rollout Young Futures Hubs, informing how open-access mental health care is delivered in the future. 

There is a high demand for mental health services within communities. In 2023, approximately 1 in 5 people aged 8 to 25 years had a mental disorder.

Early Support Hubs are a step towards meeting that demand. Research also indicates the hubs attract groups that are less likely to engage with traditional NHS or school-based services, including older teenagers and those from an ethnic minority background. 

Minister for Early Education, Olivia Bailey said:

Every young person deserves access to mental health support when they need it, without barriers or long waits.

Early Support Hubs are making a real difference in communities, complementing the rollout of mental health support teams in all schools in England which has already reached six in ten children.

These services are vital so that every young person can achieve and thrive, getting timely support in their local areas, whether that’s group sessions, or simply a safe space to talk.

Des Fletcher, a young person who has received support from the Early Support Hub, Young Devon said: 

I have struggled with anxiety and low mood which has had a big impact on my life. Young Devon is the only service that actually gives that time, effort and non-judgemental space for me to be me. 

Support like this is so important for young people that might be struggling. I hope that young people in every community can have a place like this to turn to for their mental health and wellbeing.

Funding for Early Support Hubs is just one of the many ways this government is supporting young people’s mental health, including investing an extra £688 million in mental health services this year, hiring 7,000 additional mental health workers, as well as accelerating the rollout of Mental Health Support Teams in schools and colleges.

Landmark legislation to reform the Mental Health Act has also strengthened the rights of children and young people around their care and treatment. 

This government is building an NHS fit for the future, giving mental health the attention it deserves, creating the healthiest ever generation of children, and ensuring everyone receives the support they need, closer to home.

Connie Muttock, Head of Policy at the Centre for Young Lives, said: 

Childhood is a crucial window where the right support can be transformational. Early Support Hubs can be a lifeline, providing accessible, youth-friendly community spaces meeting young people’s needs holistically. 

The decision to extend funding for these vital services is welcome, and we very much hope this is the first part of a large and long-term package of support to match the scale of the mental health crisis young people are currently coping with alone.

Gemma Byrne, Policy and Influencing Manager at Mind, said:

We’re delighted to see the extension of funding for 24 early support hubs around the country.

As children, young people and their families navigate long waiting lists, these hubs are a lifeline offering tailored support in the heart of local communities without needing a referral.

We now need to see a national commitment to delivering a hub in every local authority area by 2035, to make sure every young person with a mental health problem can get the care they need before reaching crisis point.

Andy Bell, Chief Executive, Centre for Mental Health, said:

Today’s announcement to extend funding for 24 early support hubs for young people’s mental health is a welcome step and will make a real difference. We have long called for a national rollout of hubs so that all children and young people can access timely, community-based mental health support.

It is vital that insights from this programme shape the Government’s plans for Young Futures Hubs, informing how open-access mental health provision is delivered and sustained. As set out in the Government’s manifesto, this must mean genuinely open access, co-produced with young people, with mental health support available up to the age of 25.

Cassandra Harrison, CEO of Youth Access said: 

We welcome the Government’s decision to extend funding for 24 early support hubs for another year.

These hubs make a real difference to thousands of young people struggling with their mental health and wellbeing, providing vital, community-based support and advice that helps prevent problems from escalating and eases pressure on the NHS.

It is now essential that there is a clear plan for the long-term sustainability and expansion of these hubs, ensuring that community-based support remains at the heart of the national approach to children and young people’s mental health.

Jack O’Neill, Director of Policy, Advocacy and Influencing, The Children’s Society said: 

This will come as a relief to the thousands of young people who rely on early support when problems first surface, before they escalate into crisis or cause lasting harm.

 The extra year of funding provides vital breathing space as demand from young people continues to rise across the country. But this must be more than a stopgap. It is crucial that this work shapes the future of local services young people depend on. There is little sense in redesigning the system without securing and building on what we already know works.
February 16, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : UK spends over £400 million on long-range weapons as cooperation scales up with European allies [February 2026]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 13 February 2026.

UK will spend over £400 million this financial year on hypersonic and long-range weapons including joint projects with France, Germany, and Italy.

The UK is scaling up cooperation with key European allies to develop new long-range precision and hypersonic weapons, with spending on projects set to exceed £400 million this financial year.

Britain is progressing the Stratus joint missile programme with France and Italy – leading the work to develop a next generation stealth replacement to the Storm Shadow missile.

Stratus, which is developing both stealth and high-speed missile variants, already sustains over 1,300 high-skilled jobs in the UK. The new missiles will be able to defeat high-value targets, destroy enemy ships, and suppress enemy air defences.

At the same time, Britian’s new long-range weapon programme with Germany is progressing rapidly with a new joint study phase about to begin, accelerating both future stealth and hypersonic weapons. This follows the landmark UK-Germany Trinity House Agreement signed within the first months of this Government in 2024.

The new system – known as Deep Precision Strike – will have a range of over 2,000 km and be among the most advanced systems ever designed by the UK, coming into service in the 2030s. Long-range weapons are crucial to protecting the UK and our allies and boosting NATO deterrence.

The government has committed to the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War – hitting 2.6% of GDP from 2027 – to ensure that Britain and our allies are safe.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

To meet this new era of rising threats, we need hard power, strong alliances and sure diplomacy.

We can see from the war in Ukraine the decisive impact of long-range precision weapons, so the UK is stepping up, investing more than £400 million for long-range and hypersonic weapons this year.

Alongside Germany, France and Italy, we will deliver the cutting-edge weapons that will keep the UK and NATO safe, boost deterrence, and build a new deal for European security.

Hypersonic weapons investment this year also includes funding for developing critical technologies, ground and flight testing, as well as significant funding for academic skills and training including funding post-graduate study.

The Defence Secretary is expected to discuss these projects and deepening industrial cooperation during crucial meetings with European and international allies at the Munich Security Conference.

This ramped up missile cooperation by European allies comes as Russia’s aggression in Ukraine continues. In early February, UK Defence Intelligence confirmed that Russia conducted a major multi-axis and multi-weapon strike on Ukraine, using long range bombers, hypersonic missiles, over 60 ballistic and cruise missiles, and 450 one-way attack drones.

The Defence Secretary is expected to talk to allies during a series of bilateral meetings at the Munich Security Conference about boosting support for Ukraine, defending Europe against growing Russian threats, and enhancing industrial partnerships with key allies and partners.

February 16, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : New Chief Economic Advisor to the Treasury appointed [February 2026]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 13 February 2026.

Professor Brian Bell has been appointed as the new Chief Economic Advisor to the Treasury and Head of the Government Economic Service, replacing Sam Beckett.

Professor Bell will be the principal advisor to the Chancellor and the Prime Minister on the macroeconomy and fiscal policy, leading the Treasury’s economics function and its work to deliver the government’s economic objectives. He will commence the role on Monday 9th March.

He replaces Sam Beckett, who held the role from 2023 until her retirement earlier this year.

Professor Bell is currently Chair of the Migration Advisory Committee and a Professor of Economics at King’s Business School, King’s College London. He has previously held roles at the Bank of England and the International Monetary Fund, as well as positions in the private sector, working as an economist and proprietary trader for hedge funds and investment banks in London.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

“Thanks to the choices we’ve made we have had six interest rate cuts since the election, inflation is falling faster than expected and we have beaten the OBR’s growth forecasts. Through stability, investment and reform, this government has the right plan for our economy and the appointment of Professor Brian Bell will strengthen our economic leadership as we deliver for working people.”

James Bowler, Permanent Secretary to the Treasury, said:

“I am very pleased to welcome Brian to HM Treasury as Director General Economics and Fiscal, and Chief Economic Advisor. His extensive experience in economic research and policymaking, at leading financial institutions, and the financial services sector will be invaluable as we work to deliver the government’s economic agenda.

“I look forward to working with him as he leads the department’s economic analysis, advice to ministers, and Government Economic Service.”

Professor Brian Bell said:

“This is a pivotal moment for the UK economy, with an ambitious plan to deliver growth, reduce the cost of living and improve economic security for households and businesses across the country.

“I look forward to working with colleagues across the Treasury, the wider civil service and our partners to provide rigorous economic advice to the Chancellor and the Prime Minister, and to help ensure policy decisions deliver real benefits for people and communities in every part of the UK.”

February 16, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Hypersonic missiles development accelerated by new contract [February 2026]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 13 February 2026.

The development of the new hypersonic missiles will speed up thanks to a £12 million contract which will benefit British-based businesses.

A £12 million investment in hypersonic missiles and systems has been made with Warrington-based engineering contractor, Amentum UK.

Supported by Ebeni and Synthetik, based in Wiltshire and London respectively, they will deliver engineering expertise to develop the design for the hypersonic system, which will be demonstrated through flight testing before being adapted into prototype missiles able to operate at extreme speeds and temperatures required for hypersonic flight.

These efforts will build the UK’s sovereign hypersonic missile capability, strengthening our national security and our industrial partnership with NATO allies.

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) highlighted the importance of hypersonic missiles to modern warfighting and the advances announced today will help deliver on the SDR conclusions. Building sovereign capability of these long-range, high-speed precision weapons will help protect the UK and our allies, and boost NATO deterrence.

The Government is delivering the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, hitting 2.6% of GDP from 2027.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said:

In this new era of threat, we need a new era for defence. This means moving quicker to develop and buy the cutting-edge technologies our Armed Forces need for modern warfighting.

We are making defence an engine for growth. This contract will accelerate the UK’s development of sovereign hypersonic missile capability, strengthen our national security and back British workers.

This award builds on significant momentum within the hypersonics programme since July 2024. 124 suppliers, of which over 50% are small and medium enterprises (SMEs), have been awarded 22 contracts across a range of different technology and capability areas to progress our hypersonics capability. The total estimated value of contracts awarded since July 2024 is £48 million, with a notable proportion of funds flowing to SMEs.

A proportion of the contract will flow directly to SME partners Ebeni and Synthetik, who have been integral to developing the solution from the outset. The partnership includes reverse mentoring arrangements which will reduce barriers to entry for smaller businesses and promote collaborative working across the supply chain.

Awarding of the contract took only 31 days after the invitation to tender, delivering against the Government’s pledge to speed up lengthy procurement processes. The MOD’s Commercial X team is fulfilling its mission to deliver ground-breaking technology and innovation quickly, by modernising Defence’s approach to acquisition while cutting bureaucracy.

Rupert Pearce, National Armaments Director, said:

This contract represents exactly the kind of innovative partnership approach that the Defence Industrial Strategy demands, bringing together expertise from across Defence, large companies, SMEs, and academia to deliver at pace.

This Industry Mission Partner model breaks down traditional organisational boundaries and creates the collaborative environment we need to deliver this critical sovereign capability. We are not only advancing our hypersonic ambitions but also strengthening our defence industrial base and supporting jobs across the UK.

Cdr Paul Greason, Team Hypersonics (UK) Programme Director, said:

Successfully launching the Industry Mission Partner contract is a significant achievement for Team Hypersonics (UK). It follows extensive industry engagement across the Hypersonics Technologies & Capability Development Framework (HTCDF) suppliers to prepare for swift commercial activity to maintain challenging timelines.

Delivering against our stated intent was as important for MOD as it is for Industry and I am grateful to my team for meeting this challenge which was fundamental to establishing a successful partnership.

Armentum and its subcontractors Ebeni Limited and Synthetik Applied Technologies UK Ltd will work as part of a fully integrated Team Hypersonics, established to deliver MOD’s ambition to field a Hypersonic Strike Capability, developing a weapons system demonstrator by the end of the decade.

February 16, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : 7 new Trustees appointed to the National Museums Liverpool Board [February 2026]

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 13 February 2026.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has appointed 7 new Trustees to the National Museums Liverpool Board, for 4 years terms.

Peter Duffy

Appointed from 19 January 2026 to 18 January 2030.

Peter is CEO of the FTSE 250 listed Mony Group PLC which operates under three consumer brands in the UK – MoneySuperMarket, MoneySavingExpert and Quidco. He has extensive experience of digital businesses as well as banks, airlines, automotive and consumer delivery. Previously, Peter was global CEO of Just Eat, CCO at easyJet, Marketing Director at Audi UK & Group Marketing Services Director at Barclays. He has also served as a non-executive director of the merchant banking group Close Brothers and was President of the ISBA.

Lord John Grantchester

Appointed from 19 January 2026 to 18 January 2030.

Lord Grantchester has held various prominent roles throughout his career, including serving as a member of the House of Lords since 1995. His non-executive experience has involved serving as an NED with Littlewoods in the 1990s and a number of roles in farming and rural economy. He was Director of Dairy Farmers of Britain from 2003-2008 and Director of Everton Football Club Company Ltd from 1994 to 2000. He has also served on the council of the Liverpool County FA.

Sue Harris

Appointed from 19 January 2026 to 18 January 2030.

After graduating with a degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University, Sue embarked on a career in accountancy, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with Ernst & Young in Liverpool where she specialised in audit in the financial services sector. Following a move to RSM, Sue’s involvement in the charity and not-for-profit sectors began. During her career Sue has worked with national charities such as the Royal Horticultural Society and with local non departmental public bodies such as the Northwest Development Agency, advising on financial control, governance and risk management.

She is currently an audit partner with Champion Accountants, based in their Chester office, where her work with local charities continues. Sue is also a trustee and treasurer of Chester Civic Trust whose purpose is to preserve and enhance Chester’s architectural and cultural heritage and to foster civic pride and public interest. She is a great lover of art, taking every opportunity to visit art galleries and museums across the UK and Europe, and is passionate about the importance of cultural heritage to our human identity and of being part of the team at NML working to protect and preserve that heritage for future generations.

Nigel Lowe

Appointed from 19 January 2026 to 18 January 2030.

Nigel Lowe was born and raised on Merseyside and has maintained a lifelong connection to the region’s industrial, cultural and maritime heritage. He went on to study at the University of Liverpool, graduating with an engineering degree that laid the foundation for a career spanning several decades. A Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institute of Engineering Technology, Nigel built his professional life across a range of technically demanding sectors, including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and the nuclear industry.

His work took him throughout the United Kingdom and overseas, giving him experience of complex operational environments and the opportunity to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. He worked in senior engineering and programme management roles where experience in highly regulated environments has given him a deep understanding of governance, risk management and organisational accountability.

Now retired, Nigel remains active in the community. He is a keen gardener and DIY enthusiast. He is committed to supporting institutions that preserve the region’s history, broaden access to culture and inspire future generations. Nigel brings to the museum sector a long‑standing interest in Merseyside’s industrial and scientific heritage, together with a clear commitment to supporting institutions that preserve and interpret the region’s history for diverse audiences.

Michelle Cox

Appointed from 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2030.

Michelle Cox MBE is a registered nurse with extensive experience across the UK health system and a strong track record in advancing equality, diversity and inclusion. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Nursing and a Fellow of the Queen’s Nursing Institute, reflecting her contribution to professional leadership, community nursing, and service improvement.

Kathryn Luke

Appointed from 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2030.

Kathryn graduated Nottingham Trent University in 2004 with a BA Hons degree in Business Studies specialising in Marketing. Following university, she worked in marketing for commercial radio stations before moving into destination and events marketing. Relocating to Liverpool to work for Liverpool Culture Company to promote Liverpool leading up to and during its European Capital of Culture year in 2008.

Following the conclusion of the Capital of Culture year Kathryn returned to her native North East England to take up a position as Brand Manager for the Regional Development Agency, One North East, to promote North East England as a tourism destination, alongside key commercial travel partners, in key international markets.

However, having fallen in love with Liverpool she took the opportunity to return to the city to work for one of the UK’s largest Pureplay Online Retailers, Very. Kathryn has worked in online retail since 2011, spending 10 years at Very followed by 3 years at SimplyBe. Kathryn is a customer focused Ecommerce leader, supporting digital transformation and leading teams to deliver commercial revenue targets and is currently Director of Ecommerce Trading at Liverpool Football Club.

Clare Milsom

Appointed from 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2030.

Professor Clare Milsom is a senior higher education leader and academic palaeontologist with extensive experience in governance, institutional transformation, and strategic leadership. As Registrar and Chief Operating Officer at Liverpool John Moores University, she has led major initiatives including the Estates Masterplan and the creation of a digital architecture delivering class-leading technology solutions across virtual and physical campuses. Her leadership has strengthened operational efficiency, enhanced the student experience, and advanced the university’s strategic growth and reputation.

Alongside her leadership roles, Clare has over two decades of academic experience in palaeontology, with research spanning palaeobiology, taphonomy, and macroevolution. She has published extensively, including internationally recognised books such as Fossils at a Glance and multiple edited volumes on higher education policy. Awarded a National Teaching Fellowship and a Professorship of Academic Practice, she contributes widely to sector development through board memberships and collaborations in research, education, and governance.

Remuneration and Governance Code

Trustees of National Museums Liverpool are not remunerated.

This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election.

Lord Grantchester is a member of the House of Lords and has previously held Shadow Parliamentary roles for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, International Trade, and Environment, Food and Rural affairs.

Michelle Cox, Peter Duffy, Kathryn Luke, Nigel Lowe, Clare Milsom and Sue Harris have declared no political activity.

February 16, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Communities set to benefit from 13 new bathing spots proposed across England [February 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 12 February 2026.

Proposed sites include the first ever on the River Thames in London.

Communities across the country could soon benefit from thirteen new designated bathing spots, giving local people greater confidence to enjoy the rivers and beaches they cherish, Water Minister Emma Hardy announced today.

The proposals include the first ever designated bathing spot on the River Thames in London, which marks a vast transformation in water quality across the river. From it being declared “biologically dead” in the 1950s – to now being a place of national pride.

New sites will see the nation’s total bathing spots increase to 464, helping more people benefit from safer local places to swim, spend time with family and connect with nature. It comes as the Government focuses on delivering improved water quality for swimmers across the country.

After years of indifference towards bathing waters and very few sites designated throughout the 2010s, this Government has taken swift action to expand the number of bathing sites across the country and support water quality, with four in five bathing sites being rated as either ‘excellent’ or ‘good’.

Local communities are being invited to have their say on proposals to designate 13 new bathing water sites, as part of a six-week public consultation. They include new rivers and coastal waters that are already popular with swimmers, reflecting growing public interest in outdoor swimming and connecting with local blue spaces.

Being designated can also bring wider benefits for local areas – from boosting tourism to strengthening community pride in much-loved rivers and beaches.

Water Minister Emma Hardy said:

Rivers and beaches are at the heart of so many communities – where people come together, families make memories and swimmers of all ages feel the benefits of being outdoors safely.

Our plans to designate new bathing water sites show how we are backing local ambition and recognising the pride in places that matter most to people.

This comes alongside this government’s generational reform of the water system, that will cut water pollution and clean up our rivers lakes and seas for good.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said:

I am committed to improving water quality across the Thames and all of the capital’s waterways. Londoners from all backgrounds should be able to swim safely in the city and my upcoming Clean and Healthy Waterways Plan will create safe, welcoming spaces for all Londoners to enjoy.

It is great to see plans for the first ever designated bathing spot in the River Thames in London and progress being made in creating more sites for open water swimming, as we build a better, greener London for everyone.

Claire Robertson, Catchment Manager at environmental charity Thames21, said:

This is fantastic news not only for the many swimmers who enjoy these sites, but also for the wider community of river users and the wildlife that depend on a healthy river. Healthy rivers benefit everyone, and these designations mark important steps towards improving water quality and protecting precious stretches of the Thames.

The efforts of Thames21, its volunteers and partners made the proposal for Pangbourne Meadows possible. We are incredibly grateful to the dedicated citizen scientists for their hard work and commitment – we simply couldn’t have achieved it without them. We also extend our sincere thanks to all the individuals, councils and organisations who supported our application.

Other proposed sites would represent the first designated bathing waters in counties including Berkshire – in the area which inspired the Wind in the Willows; and Cheshire – where bathing traditions date back to the Romans.

The consultation follows applications submitted in 2025 and forms part of the government’s wider commitment to empower communities to shape how their local environment is protected and enjoyed. It comes alongside planned reforms to modernise the bathing water system, ensuring it is fit for today and reflects how people use rivers and beaches.

Following the consultation, the government will consider responses before confirming which sites will be designated ahead of the 2026 bathing water season.

Last year, 93% of England’s bathing waters met acceptable standards for swimming. The government’s new Bathing Water Regulation reforms came into force on 21 November 2025, designed to change the ‘one size fits all’ approach and more closely reflect how people use our beaches, lakes and rivers.

Notes to editors:

Designated Bathing Waters are regularly tested for water quality throughout the bathing season (15 May – 30 September).

The sites under consultation are:
1. Little Shore, Amble, Northumberland, a crescent of sand between the River Coquet and the North Sea popular with locals
2. Newton and Noss Creeks, Devon, a narrow tidal inlet just off the River Yealm in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
3. Canvey Island Foreshore, Essex, a unique family favourite sandy beach.
4. Sandgate Granville Parade Beach, Kent, shingle beach enjoyed by swimmers, and kayakers.
5. Queen Elizabeth Gardens Salisbury, Wiltshire, one of Salisbury’s most cherished parks opened in the early 1960s to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II
6. East Beach at West Bay, Bridport, Dorset, filming location for the iconic ITV drama Broadchurch.
7. Pangbourne Meadow, Berkshire, a meadow and river in the area that inspired The Wind in the Willows
8. River Fowey in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, a scenic tidal river, flowing through the heart of the town
9. River Swale in Richmond, Yorkshire, with dramatic waterfalls over limestone steps
10. Falcon Meadow, Bungay, Suffolk, a riverside community space on the River Waveney
11. River Thames at Ham and Kingston, Greater London, which could become London’s first river bathing site on the Thames
12. New Brighton Beach (East), Merseyside, a sandy seaside resort at the mouth of the Mersey Estuary
13. River Dee at Sandy Lane, Chester, Cheshire, a popular spot for families and water sports
Building on action already taken to ban bonuses, secure record levels of investment and introduce tougher laws, the government is introducing generational reform in the water sector, aimed at tackling problems like sewage pollution before they occur.

On water, the government has:
- Passed the landmark Water (Special Measures) Act, introducing the toughest enforcement powers in a decade, including criminal liability for water bosses who cover up illegal sewage spills and the power to ban unfair bonuses, which in 2025 blocked £4 million pounds in bonuses across six water companies.
- Ringfenced water company investment, ensuring customers’ money is spent on fixing pipes, reducing sewage spills and improving water quality, not dividends or bonuses.
- Given the Environment Agency teeth, allowing the regulator to recover enforcement costs from polluters, significantly boost inspections, and issue penalties more quickly without having to direct resources to lengthy investigations.
- Improved transparency, requiring real-time monitoring at every emergency overflow so the public can see what is happening in their local waters.
- Boosted protections for customers, doubling compensation when basic water services fail and making it easier for vulnerable households to access bill support.
- Signed into law a ban on the sale of plastic wet wipes, marking a major step forward in tackling plastic pollution which devastates our waterways.
- Set out once-in-a-generation reforms in the White Paper, including plans for:
- a new single water regulator, delivering tougher oversight and stronger accountability for water companies.
- a new Chief Engineer role which will bring back the hands-on checks of water infrastructure.
- an ‘MOT’ approach for water company infrastructure, requiring health checks on pipes, pumps and more
- a roll-out of smart metering and mandatory efficiency labels on items like dishwashers and washing machines will help households monitor their water use and cut costs
- Dedicated supervisory teams for each water company
- Stronger inspection powers, including the new regulator able to conduct ‘no notice’ inspections
- Stronger inspection powers, including the new regulator able to conduct ‘no notice’ inspections
- These measures are underpinned by over £104 billion in private investment, to upgrade water infrastructure over the next five years – the largest programme since privatisation – creating jobs, supporting new homes and cutting pollution.
Reforms to bathing waters include:
- We’ve ended the old rule that automatically removed a bathing water’s status after five years of ‘Poor’ ratings in a row. Now, when a site is struggling regulators will look at the issues affecting the water quality and, where possible, work towards finding realistic options for improving it.
- We’re bringing in more flexibility to monitoring dates – so that testing can be adapted to suit individual sites and better match when people actually use the water.
- A third reform, which will look at new criteria for bathing waters, will come into force in May 2026 to allow guidance to be fully developed.
February 16, 2026