Tag: 2026

PRESS RELEASE : Government invests in young people with more opportunities close to home [July 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 28 July 2026.

Thousands more young people will be able to gain the skills, qualifications and experience they need for future careers, as the government today rolls out a major package to break down barriers stopping access to technical education, training, and apprenticeships.
- New bursary supports young people by removing a key financial barrier to apprenticeships.
- Thousands more college places to expand access to skills and training close to home.
- Free apprenticeship training for all eligible under-25s from August, up to £8,000 in support for SMEs hiring young apprentices, and NICs relief for apprentices under 25 will help deliver 50,000 new youth apprenticeships.
Through new financial support, more college places and greater access to apprenticeships, the package will help more young people develop the skills local employers need, connect to the technical pathways being created in their area, and access the opportunities needed to build successful careers.

The measures form part of the Prime Minister’s wider mission to strengthen the link between education and work, ensuring no young person is left behind because they lack the opportunities, skills, or support to succeed.

Building on today’s wider reforms giving 14-year-olds greater access to technical learning and meaningful work experience, these changes will help more young people aged 16 to 19 continue developing practical skills and real-world experience as they move into the next stage of education and training.

A new bursary, worth up to £4,500 per year per household, will remove a barrier that can otherwise discourage young people from taking up an apprenticeship, helping them build the skills and independence that lead to long-term, well-paid work.

Apprenticeships are widely recognised to deliver skilled workers, higher productivity and stronger growth for the economy, and this bursary ensures more young people can access those benefits.

The bursary targets the small number of Universal Credit families for whom the current system disincentivises apprenticeships. A Social Security Advisory Committee report found single parents with a disabled child could lose up to £340 per week in benefits when a young person started an apprenticeship, exceeding the expected apprenticeship salary of £258 per week. The bursary addresses this shortfall, so that this is no longer a barrier to a young person taking up an apprenticeship.

The bursary, funded through the £1 billion additional investment in the Growth and Skills Levy announced in May, will help stop young people from turning down the chance to earn and learn due to cost.

It is part of a wider package of apprenticeship support, including the government’s decision to fully fund apprenticeship training for all eligible under-25s from 1 August, helping thousands more young people take up an apprenticeship with confidence. Alongside new support for employers taking on apprentices, these reforms will help deliver 50,000 new youth apprenticeships by the end of this Parliament.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said:

Every young person deserves the chance to build a future they can be proud of, and our welfare system should be a springboard to opportunity, not a barrier to it.

By providing bursaries to those who need them most and fully funding apprenticeship training, we are making sure cost is not the reason someone misses out. Coupled with up to £8,000 in financial support for employers, this is a serious investment in the next generation and in the future of our economy.

This builds on wider investment already helping colleges grow where demand is highest – we are investing £9 billion into 16 to 19 education in 26-27, enabling providers to grow high-quality pathways for thousands more learners.

We are now going further, investing a further £287 million to create over 22,000 additional places across colleges and post-16 providers in other areas. Working across 87 projects in England, this includes expanding construction courses, helping more young people train for careers such as bricklaying, plumbing and decorating.

With over one million young people currently NEET – around one in eight young people in England – today’s action is another step towards ensuring more young people can stay connected to education, training, and opportunity as they move into adulthood.

Education Secretary Lucy Powell said:

Too many young people face unnecessary barriers to apprenticeships, college places and training. We’re investing to change that.

This government is determined to help thousands more young people gain the skills, experience, and confidence they need to build successful careers.

The jobs of the future are already being created – and it’s our job to ensure that every young person, wherever they live and whatever their background, has the skills and support they need to succeed.

Boosting the number of college places, alongside much needed additional places in sixth form colleges and 16-19 academies, forms a key part of the government’s push to end the snobbery around hands-on learning. We want technical education to be every bit as valued as the academic route, so that every young person can choose the pathway that is right for them.

By creating clearer routes from school into college, apprenticeships and skilled work, the government is making sure young people can keep building towards a successful career rather than falling out of education at 16.

Today’s announcement is part of the biggest overhaul of support for young people in a generation. Alongside greater technical learning, more work experience, new vocational qualifications, and wider reforms to help young people into work, it will create a clearer journey from the classroom into a skilled career.

Together, these reforms represent a new partnership between government, employers, colleges, and local leaders to ensure every young person can progress from education into skilled work, while giving businesses the workforce they need to grow.

Additional Information
- The bursary and free training for under-25s is being funded through the £1 billion additional investment in the Growth and Skills Levy, announced in May 2026. The final amount of the bursary will be confirmed in due course.
- As Universal Credit policy applies across Great Britain, we will be working closely with the Scottish and Welsh Governments as we develop the detail.
- The full list of colleges that will receive funding is available here: GOV.UK
- The Milburn Review found that of those NEET for less than a year, 65% return to participation the following year; of those NEET for more than a year, only 25% do.
- A recent report from the Social Security Advisory Council found that a single-parent household on Universal Credit could lose out by around £80 a week if a disabled young person took up an apprenticeship earning the apprenticeship minimum wage.
- From October 2026, smaller firms will receive a £2,000 hiring bonus for taking on under-25 apprentices.
Philip Hoare, Group Chief Executive, Balfour Beatty, said:

Apprenticeships change lives. They open doors to skilled careers, help employers build the workforce they need and play a vital role in supporting long-term economic growth.

We’re incredibly supportive of the Government’s commitment to removing barriers that prevent young people from accessing these opportunities and increasing support for employers investing in the next generation. As a long-standing champion of apprenticeships, Balfour Beatty sees first-hand the difference they make to individuals, businesses and communities across the UK.

Abdi Mohamed, Head of Policy, Research and Influencing at disability equality charity Scope, said:

This bursary is a positive step which removes a real financial barrier for some disabled young people.

A million disabled people in the UK want to work but face significant barriers getting into and staying in employment, so it’s encouraging to see the Government taking practical action.

Life costs a lot more if you are disabled. No young disabled person should have to turn down an apprenticeship because their family would be financially worse off.

We welcome this announcement and hope it is the first of many steps the Government takes to work with disabled people to tackle the wider structural barriers they face getting into and staying in work.

Brian Dow, Chief Executive, Mental Health UK:

Recognising the barriers that can prevent young people starting apprenticeships and employment opportunities sends a really positive message. We see in our programmes that young people want to earn and learn, but it’s crucial they have the right support to make this a reality.

Being out of work or education can take a significant toll on young people’s mental health and wellbeing. This is another step up in providing access to apprenticeships and other pathways into employment that will help young people build skills and experience, while providing a sense of purpose, confidence, and hope for the future.

Dominic King-Carter, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers Trust, said:

We know financial barriers are particularly real for young carers juggling care, work and education, especially those who are disabled themselves. This is a positive step towards reducing barriers into important opportunities like apprenticeships for this group.

There are more wins available to Government that would give all young carers the best chance of a fair future. This is another encouraging sign that this Government is willing to act to reduce barriers that young people face. We look forward to continuing to work with the Government to ensure young carers are better supported to access the education or training opportunities they want.

Lizzie Crowley, Senior Policy Advisor ‑ Skills at the CIPD, said:

The new bursary is a welcome and practical step that should remove a significant financial barrier for disabled young people and their families. No young person should have to turn down an apprenticeship because taking one up would leave their household worse off. Making apprenticeships genuinely accessible isn’t just fair to the individual, it’s how we close skills gaps and build the capability the economy needs.

Alongside wider support for youth apprenticeships, this should help more young people access the skills, experience and opportunities they need to build a successful career and help employers build the more inclusive, skilled workforce that drives better performance.

Simon Ashworth, Deputy CEO and Director of Policy, Association of Education and Learning Providers, said:

The new bursary of up to £4,500 a year is a welcome step that removes a significant financial barrier preventing some young people from both taking up and completing apprenticeship. By tackling the household benefit trap, more young people will be able to choose an apprenticeship based on their ambitions rather than their family’s finances.

If we are serious about reducing the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training, we have to make it easier for employers to recruit them. Fully funding apprenticeship training for eligible under-25s is a major step towards that goal and should encourage many more businesses to invest in the next generation of young talent.
30/07/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with President Zelenskyy [July 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 28 July 2026.

The Prime Minister hosted the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, at His Majesty’s Naval Base, Portsmouth.

The Prime Minister began by paying tribute to the Ukrainian people.

Their resilience and perseverance in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression was inspirational, the Prime Minister said.

He hoped his decision to host President Zelenskyy as his first international visitor sent a strong signal to the Ukrainian people of his personal commitment to Ukraine, the Prime Minister added.

The leaders reflected on the situation on the battlefield and agreed Ukraine’s success in the use of rapid innovation to exploit weaknesses in Russia’s offensive operations would also be key to European security in the future.

The leaders also discussed how further collaboration both between the UK and Ukraine diplomatically and militarily could bolster Ukraine’s defences even further.

The Prime Minister said he hoped to visit Ukraine soon.

30/07/2026
Andy Burnham – 2026 Speech on Education

The speech made by Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister, on 27 July 2026.

For too long in this country, students have been told that you must take the academic path to do well and to be respected. The whole school system has been built around it and that has let down young people seeking technical qualifications.

I want an education system based on parity between academic and technical which gives all young people a clear path in life. From today, Britain will value the hard hat every bit as much as the graduation cap.

In a fundamental change to the education system, we will introduce new technical education pathways from 14 – prestigious routes that will give students the chance to combine the core academic subjects with the skills, technical knowledge and experience they need to get quality, well-paid jobs where they live. My message to young people is this – whether you choose construction, coding or classics, or maths, manufacturing or mechanics, you’ll get the skills you need and be given the respect you deserve.

Fixing the youth unemployment crisis in Britain will require a major shake-up in how we do things – and that’s what this government will do. I want to ensure that our education system leaves no dead ends for our young people. The changes we’re announcing today will just be the start of our work to restore opportunity and hope across the country.

30/07/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Unbreakable bond between UK and Ukraine will continue under my government [July 2026]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 July 2026.

The Prime Minister will host the President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the UK today [Monday 27 July], welcoming the Ukrainian leader to the UK as his first international visitor since taking office.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham hosts President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as his first international visitor
- New British innovation set to bolster Ukrainian defences on the front line before being rolled out to UK long range missiles
- Prime Minister vows to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine for as long as it takes
The Prime Minister will host the President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the UK today [Monday 27 July], welcoming the Ukrainian leader to the UK as his first international visitor since taking office.

The Prime Minister will use the visit to underline to President Zelenskyy the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine, both through the war and beyond.

The visit coming just a week after the Prime Minister took office illustrates the strength of the relationship between the UK and Ukraine, and the Prime Minister will vow this morning during a military visit to continue the unbreakable beyond between the two nations.

The leaders are expected to meet at a naval base before hearing first-hand from Ukrainian and British personnel how the training Ukraine’s armed forces are receiving in the UK is making a real difference on the front line.

The visit comes as the UK announces the sharing of intellectual property with Ukraine for a new British capability dubbed Stone Cloak.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:

Britain stands with Ukraine, shoulder to shoulder, and our support remains unwavering.

Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve, and we will not backdown until we achieve long lasting and just peace for Ukraine.

Stone Cloak is the best of homegrown British innovation and proven on the frontline, and it will be vital to protecting our security in both our countries.

The electronic jammers are the size of a tablet computer and hinder Russian air defence systems from tracking and targeting the drones they are fitted to.

The device illustrates the ongoing rapid innovation being developed between the UK and Ukraine under the 100 Year Partnership.

Following the roll out in Ukraine, it is expected Stone Cloak will be built into the next generation of UK deep-strike capabilities, boosting national security and providing vital enhancements to UK capability, including Project Brakestop the UK’s new low-cost cruise missile.

By sharing the intellectual property, Ukraine can now mass produce Stone Cloak themselves, strengthening front line defences and European defence.

Thousands of these electronic jammers have already been gifted to Ukraine by the MOD helping its armed forces maintain drone operations and knocking Russia a step back in their illegal invasion on Ukraine.

During the visit today, the leaders will meet more than 200 Ukrainian military personnel and sailors who have been in the UK for the past three weeks to take part in Exercise Sea Breeze, a maritime security and counter-mine exercise to prepare for future missions in the Black Sea.

The exercise builds on the full spectrum of support the UK provides Ukraine, including £3 billion a year to Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, the UK’s total support for Ukraine has reached £25 billion, including £16 billion in military assistance and £5.6 billion in non-military support.

Through investing in defence, the government is committed to driving economic growth and opportunity in every postcode.
30/07/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with the Amir of Qatar [July 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 July 2026.

The Prime Minister spoke to the Amir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday (26 July 2026).

The Prime Minister began by offering his heartfelt condolences to His Highness after the passing of his father, Sheikh Hamad. He spoke of his father’s respected leadership and all he did to strengthen relationships between the UK and Qatar.

Turning to the ongoing conflict in the region, the Prime Minister thanked His Highness for his continued efforts to mediate between sides and restore peace to the region.

The two leaders shared their deep concerns about the crisis in Gaza and agreed their teams would work together to help achieve long lasting peace between Palestine and Israel through a two-state solution.

Following the successful deployment of the Joint Typhoon Squadron in supporting Qatar’s defence during the conflict, the Prime Minister underlined his interest in strengthening the two nations’ defence partnership.

On Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the Prime Minister reiterated the need to secure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

Both leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

29/07/2026
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with President of the UAE [July 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 July 2026.

The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan yesterday (26 July 2026).

The Prime Minister began by thanking His Highness for his country’s investment into Manchester and the incredible impact it has had on the city.

The two leaders discussed their ambitions to step up collaboration on technology and AI. The Prime Minister underlined the importance of harnessing the latest technology to drive growth and opportunity, adding that was why he had appointed a Minister for AI in his cabinet.

Turning to the conflict in the Middle East, the Prime Minister shared his deep concern about the ongoing Iranian attacks on the Gulf and thanked His Highness for his country’s protection of British nationals living in the UAE. He also welcomed His Highness’s continued efforts to support negotiations between the US and Iran.

Moving on to trade, the Prime Minister shared his desire to strengthen trade between the two nations to drive growth and create jobs in every postcode in the UK.

The two leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

29/07/2026
PRESS RELEASE : The United Kingdom remains resolute and unwavering in its commitment to Ukraine – UK statement at the UN Security Council [July 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 July 2026.

Statement by Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

As we have heard today, Russia continues to escalate in its violence against Ukraine.

Russia is on track to fire well over 300 missiles at Ukraine in July, a grim war record.

Around half have been directed at Kyiv alone.

And the consequences are clear in the rising civilian casualty figures, but also in Russia’s continued attacks on civilian and commercial infrastructure.

On 19 July, three cruise missiles struck a cargo ship carrying grain from Odesa, killing ten civilians.

On 24 July, further attacks killed and injured civilians in Kyiv and damaged the Latvian Honorary Consulate in Sloviansk.

And Russia’s reckless actions have also resulted in repeated drone incursions into Romania over the past four days.

The United Kingdom stands in full solidarity with Ukraine, as well as with Latvia and Romania.

Russia seeks to draw a parallel between its sustained bombardment of Ukrainian cities, its illegal and brutal occupation of Ukrainian territory, and Ukraine’s efforts to defend itself.

But there is no equivalence.

Ukraine is exercising its Article 51 right to self-defence under the UN Charter.

And we welcome the announcement on 13 July of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition, which will help Ukraine better protect civilians from Russian attacks.

As the General Assembly has declared repeatedly, Russia’s invasion is a violation of international law.

And for what benefit?

Russia now spends more on compensation for the families of dead soldiers than it does on salaries for the living.

Civilians are queuing for fuel across Russia.

Forty-two per cent of refining capacity has been disabled, and a country with some of the largest oil reserves in the world is now importing fuel.

Growth has fallen. The deficit has doubled. And the real incomes of ordinary Russians continue to decline.

I urge Russia to heed global calls for an immediate, unconditional and comprehensive ceasefire.

We all want a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, one that upholds the core principles of the UN Charter and is backed by security guarantees to prevent renewed aggression.

Colleagues, as my Prime Minister has made clear ahead of his meeting today with President Zelenskyy, the United Kingdom remains resolute and unwavering in its commitment to Ukraine.

29/07/2026
PRESS RELEASE : UK pension giants join forces to unlock £1bn to back Britain’s innovators [July 2026]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 July 2026.

Pension fund could be used to back the next generation of high-growth British science and technology companies.
- Major UK pension providers are exploring establishment of a new UK Scale-up Fund of over £1billion to back the next generation of high-growth British science and technology companies.
- The fund aims to increase UK growth capital and give pension savers greater access to returns from successful UK companies.
- The fund would help the UK’s most promising innovators to scale faster, commercialise breakthrough technologies and create skilled jobs across the country.
A consortium of some of the UK’s largest pension providers, today (Monday 27 July) announce their commitment to explore the establishment of a first-of-its-kind vehicle dedicated to investing in scaling UK businesses. The ambition is a fund of sufficient scale to target the best opportunities born out of UK innovation in science and technology.

The fund would seek to deliver strong long-term returns for pension providers and their members by investing in successful UK companies. By helping innovative businesses scale up, commercialise new technologies and create skilled jobs, it would support economic growth while helping pension savers benefit from larger retirement pots and stronger local economies.

By bringing together major pension investors, the UK Scale-up Fund would help connect institutional capital with the companies, founders and venture managers driving the next wave of British innovation.

As part of this initiative the British Business Bank is working alongside the pension providers to support the launch of the fund and with the intention of investing in partnership with the group. The Office for Investment is also supporting the consortium as it explores the development of the fund.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:

Today sends a clear message: this is a vote of confidence in British business, British talent and British ambition.

This new fund would help unlock good growth in every postcode, connecting pension investment with the entrepreneurs and technologies that will reindustrialise Britain and create the jobs of the future.

That means more opportunities for working people, stronger returns for savers, and more businesses choosing to start, grow and stay in Britain.

Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

Britain leads the way in science, technology and innovation, and we want to ensure more of our most promising businesses can start, scale and succeed here in the UK.

The ambition of major pension providers to back the next generation of British success stories is an important vote of confidence in UK innovation. By investing in innovative UK companies, they can help drive long-term growth while helping pension savers share in their success.

Our message is clear. Britain is open for business, open to investment and determined to put science, technology and innovation at the heart of our economic future.

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey said:

We create great companies in Britain but don’t do enough to grow them with British capital and keep profits in the UK. I want the UK to become the best place in the world both to start and scale a business, with investment, jobs and skills in every region.

We have the third largest Venture Capital market in the world and this new £1 billion fund will mean more British money to back British scale-ups and better returns for pension savers.

Andy Bord, Railpen’s Chief Executive Officer, said:

Our priority is always to deliver strong long-term outcomes for our members. The UK is a dynamic powerhouse of innovation. The UK Scale-up Fund represents a compelling investment opportunity where disciplined, patient capital can help growing companies scale, provide attractive returns for pension savers and generate lasting economic growth. We are pleased to have helped shape this initiative, which will play a vital role in supporting ambitious companies with global reach to build their future here in the UK, creating a stronger economy for our members to retire into.

Ian Cornelius, Nest’s Chief Executive Officer, said:

The UK is home to many innovative, high-growth businesses and has a strong track record of nurturing world-leading science and technology companies, with many of today’s global success stories founded here.

As a long-term investor on behalf of more than 14 million members, Nest sees an important role for pension capital in helping successful UK businesses access the funding they need to grow. We believe there can be a strong alignment between delivering attractive long-term outcomes for members and supporting innovation, job creation and economic growth across the UK.

Chris Rule, Chief Executive Officer at LPPI, added:

The UK is a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, but it’s clear that many scaling businesses struggle to access the capital they need to reach their full potential. This cross-industry initiative will give pension funds the opportunity to generate sustainable, long-term returns whilst supporting the next generation of British success stories.

Collaboration will be central to the fund’s success. The evolution of the LGPS has shown the value of institutions working together to build scale and deliver better outcomes. We’re looking forward to bringing that experience to this initiative, alongside other leading investors, to strengthen the UK’s scale-up funding ecosystem.

Richard Law-Deeks, Chief Executive Officer, LGPS Central said:

The UK is home to some outstanding businesses and entrepreneurs. We welcome the opportunity to explore whether the UK Scale-Up Fund can provide a practical route for long-term LGPS capital to support their growth whilst delivering attractive risk-adjusted returns for Partner Funds and members.

We invest on behalf of millions of scheme members, and every investment decision starts with our responsibility to deliver strong long-term outcomes for them. The proposed fund could help bring together institutional investors at scale and improve access to opportunities that may otherwise be difficult to achieve individually.

Rachel Elwell, Chief Executive Officer at Border to Coast, said:

We’re proud to be part of this collaboration to support and scale more of our brilliant home-grown innovative businesses. Through our own UK Opportunities strategy we see the role pension capital can play in backing high-quality UK investment opportunities. By combining scale, collaboration, investment discipline, and a strong pipeline of high-quality opportunities, this initiative can help deliver attractive long-term outcomes for pension savers while enabling more innovative UK businesses to grow and compete.

Leandros Kalisperas, Chief Investment Officer, British Business Bank, said:

Today’s announcement is an important milestone in strengthening the UK’s capital formation ecosystem. By bringing together long-term pension capital with the UK’s most ambitious growth businesses, we have the opportunity to create a virtuous cycle—supporting innovation, attracting further private investment, and delivering strong long-term outcomes for pension savers.

Notes to Editors:
- The pension providers represent defined contribution, defined benefit and Local Government Pension Scheme funds.
- A process of market engagement to explore appointment of a manager for the proposed vehicle will begin shortly.
29/07/2026
PRESS RELEASE : UK strengthens commitment to global development as Foreign Secretary becomes UK Governor to the World Bank [July 2026]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 July 2026.
- Ed Miliband to act as UK Governor to the World Bank, taking personal leadership of the UK’s engagement on development and climate finance.
- International development and tackling the climate and nature crisis to remain departmental priority for the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office under Miliband.
- Kirsty McNeill appointed as Minister for Development, driving forward day-to-day delivery of the UK’s modern approach to international development.
The UK has today announced that the Foreign Secretary will take on the role of UK Governor to the World Bank, taking personal leadership of the UK’s engagement on international development and climate finance.

As part of the role, Ed Miliband will attend the World Bank’s Annual and Spring Meetings — the largest global gatherings of finance ministers, central bank governors and development leaders — including the Annual Meetings in Bangkok this October.

UK leadership at the World Bank will help drive international action on poverty, climate change and economic stability, and tackle global issues, like food insecurity and energy price shocks, helping make food and energy more affordable for people in the UK.

The Foreign Secretary also confirmed that international development and tackling the climate and nature crisis will both remain priorities for his department, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, recognising that extreme poverty and climate change are shared global challenges that affect security and prosperity in the UK and communities around the world.

The announcement comes after the Prime Minister appointed Kirsty McNeill as the new Minister for Development. She will take up the role of UK Governor of four Regional Development Banks and drive forward day-to-day delivery of the UK’s modern approach to international development. The Foreign Secretary will provide senior representation for development issues at Cabinet meetings.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said:

International development is not an add-on to British foreign policy — it is central to it. By taking on the role of UK Governor to the World Bank, I want to send an unambiguous signal that this Government is serious about its global leadership on development and climate.

Kirsty McNeill brings outstanding experience and deep personal commitment to this agenda, and together we will ensure the UK punches its full weight in tackling the defining challenges of our time.

The World Bank is the UK’s most important multilateral development partner, providing around $100 billion in finance per year. It serves as the largest provider of finance to tackle the climate and nature crisis and adapt to the impacts for the world’s poorest countries.

The UK has used its position as a shareholder at the World Bank in recent years to drive efforts to make the Bank faster and more responsive for countries in need. The Foreign Secretary’s appointment as Governor builds on this.

Minister for Development Kirsty McNeill said:

I am proud to take on this role at such a crucial moment. From helping lead Save the Children, to campaigning to make poverty history at Gleneagles, I have spent my career working on these issues. I look forward to working with partners across civil society and the international community to deliver the UK’s modern approach to development and tackle our most pressing global challenges.

I am delighted the Foreign Secretary is taking such a strong leadership role on development, including through the World Bank – this is great news for the UK and our partners.

World Bank President Ajay Banga said:

The United Kingdom is a valued partner of the World Bank Group and a longstanding champion of development. I look forward to working closely with the Foreign Secretary to help countries create jobs, mobilize more private capital, and deliver opportunity for people. Together, we can help turn ambition into results where they matter most.

The UK’s modern approach to development is based on partnership not paternalism. This includes shifting focus from being a donor to an investor, with a new emphasis on providing the expertise which enables countries to build up their own capability, provide for their own communities and thrive without aid.

It also prioritises funding through international organisations that deliver the greatest impact, such as the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA). Every £1 the UK invests in IDA unlocks £4, ensuring the maximum impact for the UK taxpayer.

Notes to editors
- The World Bank is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. The UK is one of six countries with its own seat at the World Bank Board.
- The Governors at the World Bank set strategic direction for the Bank and are its most senior shareholder representative.
- The World Bank Annual Meetings will take place in Bangkok, 12–18 October.
- Kirsty McNeill has been appointed as Minister for Development. She previously held a role at Save the Children UK and was a leading campaigner during the 2005 Gleneagles G8 Summit, which resulted in historic commitments on debt relief and aid to Africa.
- The Minister for Development will also become UK Governor to four Regional Development Banks, with the relevant geographic Minister serving as Alternate Governor, ensuring strong UK representation and influence across the full range of multilateral development institutions.
29/07/2026
Andy Burnham – 2026 Comments on World Cup Changes

The comments made by Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister, on 28 July 2026.

Let me say this very directly.

Football does not belong to investors. It belongs to the people who fill the stands and who stand on the touchline week in, week out, rain or shine.

The World Cup is not a product. It is the greatest competition in world sport, and it was never anyone’s to sell. Dress the deal up however you like. Once you have sold a piece of it, you have sold out.

Football belongs to the fans. It always has, and it always will.

29/07/2026