Tag: 2026

PRESS RELEASE : 450,000 disadvantaged pupils could benefit from AI tutoring tools [January 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Education on 26 January 2026.

Safe AI tutoring tools co-created with teachers to be available to schools by the end of 2027, helping to close the attainment gap.

Up to 450,000 children from disadvantaged backgrounds could benefit from safe AI powered tutoring tools providing personalised, one-to-one learning support – levelling the playing field for those who cannot afford private tutors.

The government’s mission is to break down barriers to opportunity so every child, regardless of background, can achieve and thrive. Currently, too many disadvantaged children are lagging behind their peers with just one in four achieving a pass in English and maths at GCSE at grade 5 or above, compared to over half of their peers.

Evidence shows that one to one tutoring can accelerate a pupil’s learning by around five months, but access to tutoring is deeply unequal, with children from wealthier families far more likely to benefit. The government is running a tender for industry to co-create AI tutoring tools with teachers, with the goal of bringing these tools to a similar level of quality, so that we can offer, at scale, the kind of personalised one to one support often only available to a privileged few.

By adapting to individual pupils’ needs, the tools could provide extra help when they get stuck and identify where they need more practice to master their lessons, with the potential to help them catch up with their peers.

From Summer term this year, there will be teacher-led co-creation of AI tutoring tools with industry. The tools will then be available to schools by the end of 2027. From years 9 – 11 alone this means the tools could support up to 450,000 children a year on free school meals to access one to one tutoring.

Under the plans the government will work alongside teachers, AI labs and leading tech companies to robustly test AI tutoring tools, so they are safe and work for pupils, including the most disadvantaged, and school staff. This includes ensuring they work in tandem with the National Curriculum to build on children’s learning in class.

The tools will help drive up standards by complementing high-quality face-to-face teaching – not replacing it – offering targeted support to students who need it most while also pushing the most able pupils to go further, so every child can achieve and thrive.

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said:

Our mission is to break the link between background and destiny, and we’re working hand-in-hand with teachers to make that a reality. AI tutoring tools have the potential to transform access to tailored support for young people, taking tutoring from a privilege of the lucky few, to every child who needs it – so all children can achieve and thrive.

But AI tools are only helpful in education if they are safe and support learning – and that is a non-negotiable. We will ensure tutoring tools are designed with teachers and rigorously tested, so they enhance pupils’ learning and keep our children safe online, never replacing the human connection that only great teachers can provide.

Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall, said:

Every child should have an equal shot at success, no matter their background – but in reality, too many disadvantaged children are falling behind their peers in school.

We’re determined to close that gap. That’s why we are going to work with teachers and tech experts to make safe, smart AI tutoring tools available to schools by the end of 2027 – providing extra help for kids who couldn’t otherwise afford it.

Alongside the high quality, face-to-face teaching of our brilliant educators, this will help level the playing field for hundreds of thousands of children from disadvantaged backgrounds to make the most of their education by removing the barriers that get in the way.

Trials of the AI tutoring tools will begin later this year with children in secondary schools across the country, drawing on first-hand experience from teachers. Their expertise and feedback will ensure the tools are at their most effective, with evidence gathered from trials then informing their wider use.

Robust benchmarks will also be developed so parents and teachers can be confident that AI tools for use by pupils are high quality, reliable and most importantly safe.

Teachers and school staff will be supported with clear, practical training developed with the education sector, so they have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to use AI safely and effectively.

The announcement today builds on the measures announced last week to ensure opportunities to harness the benefits of AI and technology in education can be maximised and protect young people from online harms including:
- Launching a consultation on children’s social media use and banning phones in schools to protect young people’s wellbeing and ensure safer online experiences.
- Developing the first-ever guidance on screen use for under-fives to offer parents practical support on balancing screens with play, speaking and reading.
- A £23 million investment to expand the government’s EdTech Testbeds pilot programme – enabling more than 1,000 schools and colleges to test AI tools and assistive technology, supporting teachers from primary school onwards by saving them time and reducing workloads.
- Updated safety standards that will ensure tech companies meet the high bar the government expects when developing tools for use in education, with a focus on tackling emerging risks like AI affecting learning, emotional and social development.
January 28, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Heat network customers to be shielded from unfair price hikes [January 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 26 January 2026.

Greater consumer protections introduced for heat network customers across Great Britain for the first time, supporting half a million consumers.
- New protections for homes and businesses on heat networks in England, Scotland, and Wales introduced for first time
- Ofgem appointed regulator and will be able to act on unfair price hikes and poor service
- Clearer, itemised billing and greater support for vulnerable customers
- More than £47 million for four new heat networks across the country
More than 500,000 heat network customers will be shielded from unfair energy price spikes as greater consumer protections are introduced for the first time across Great Britain.

The previously unregulated industry will come under new rules to finally bring heat network customers across England, Scotland and Wales closer in line with people living on traditional gas and electricity connections, with Ofgem installed as regulator.

Ofgem will have powers to act if a heat network operator puts up prices unfairly, and if an operator delivers a poor level of service, with compensation awarded to customers who suffer a service outage through the Energy Ombudsman.

Homes and businesses on heat networks will receive clearer, itemised billing – with previous cases of customers being issued with an unexplained monthly charge – and there will be greater support for vulnerable customers.

Some heat network customers have seen energy prices rises of up to 450% following the increase in gas prices.

Other protections to be introduced include:
- suppliers required to meet standards of conduct on how they treat consumers, covering customer service, engagement and being transparent and clear when sharing information
- consumers will in future be provided with a heat supply agreement, similar to a contract, providing clear terms and conditions and advance notification of any changes to these
- vulnerable customers (elderly or those living with health conditions) added to a priority services register so if something goes wrong, they are top of the list to be reconnected
- vulnerable customers will also have new protections shielding them from the forced installation of pre-payment meters
- more transparency about how a customer’s heat network operates and who to contact if they have a complaint or maintenance issue
Minister for Energy Consumers Martin McCluskey said:

For too long customers on heat networks have been unprotected, being hit with unfair price rises and having to manage with hugely inconvenient service outages.

It’s simply not good enough – and that is why from today, we’re giving Ofgem new powers to act and hold heat network suppliers operating a poor-quality service to account.

Support is already available through the Energy Ombudsman, and I would encourage anyone with an ongoing issue with their heat network to get in touch with them and take advantage of these new consumer rights.

Heat networks are a way of heating multiple buildings from a central heating source – such as taking excess heat generated from a data centre or factory – to provide hot water and heating to connected properties through pipes.

The systems provide communities with low-cost and efficient heat and will play a key role in the government’s mission to achieve clean power by 2030.

That is why government is also announcing more than £47 million of funding through the Green Heat Network Fund to support the development of four heat network projects in Waterloo and Hounslow in London, Sunderland, and Media City in Salford.

The project in Waterloo will take heat from the River Thames to supply connected buildings, while the Media City project will take heat from wastewater source heat pumps.

Helena Charlton, Director of Heat Networks at Ofgem, said:

Ofgem is committed to putting consumers first, and the beginning of heat network regulation marks an important step towards better protections.

This change means customers will begin to benefit from stronger protections on billing, complaints, and support for those in vulnerable situations. Heat networks can deliver efficient, cost-effective heating – but there are instances where this is not the case. This framework will set important standards for consumers to rely on, backed up by our oversight.

Gillian Cooper, Director of Energy at Citizens Advice, said:

New protections for people who rely on heat networks are a pivotal moment. For too long, people on heat networks have faced gaps in support and fewer safeguards than households using gas or electricity.

But these changes will start to make a real difference, giving people more accurate billing, better debt support and clearer communication from their provider.

As the official advocate for heat network consumers in England and Wales, Citizens Advice is dedicated to providing tailored support through our specialist advice service. Our priority is clear: heat network consumers must get the same outcomes as other energy consumers, and our advice and representation will work to turn that tide.

Aaron Gould, interim CEO of ADE: Heat Networks, said:

After 15 years of talking about it, the wait is over. Today marks the turning point where consumer protection becomes a reality, derisking the investment we need to build a national clean heat system. Ofgem’s open, collaborative approach shows how far we’ve come. But this is just the start, the real work begins now to turn this framework into affordable, secure and low-carbon heat.
January 28, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : The UK stands firm in our support for the institutions which defend and advance the international rule of law – UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2026]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 January 2026.

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

The United Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to the rule of law is a key part of our national story, beginning over 800 years ago when the Magna Carta was signed, guaranteeing rights to justice and a fair trial.

The rule of law remains fundamental to the international system. It is the bedrock of stable democratic societies and prosperous economies.

As embodied in the UN Charter, it is key to the maintenance of international peace and security. We must never lose sight of why nations first came together in this forum, and the principles that continue to bind us together.

Respect for international law is fundamental to offering a better future to citizens from the Middle East, to Sudan, to Haiti, and beyond. And, of course, in Ukraine, which has been on the receiving end of an egregious breach of the UN Charter.

President, the UK stands firm in our support for the institutions which defend and advance the international rule of law.

The International Court of Justice’s demanding workload is testament to its impartiality, independence, and legal rigour.

We also remain steadfast in our support for the International Criminal Court and its vital work to end impunity for the gravest crimes.

The UK believes that international law delivers real benefits and helps us address contemporary global challenges.

For example, the recent entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement marks a major milestone in safeguarding our shared marine environment.

As we speak, work towards a Convention on Crimes Against Humanity is underway, representing a significant opportunity to strengthen prevention and accountability.

And progress on a draft Convention for the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters reflects the importance of legal frameworks that enhance preparedness and cooperation.

These efforts show what is possible when states work collectively to build and refine the international legal order to address new and emerging challenges.

In this context, the UK was pleased to recently pledge additional voluntary contributions to a range of UN funds supporting participation in these initiatives and the rule of law.

These include the UN Programme of Assistance on international law, the operationalisation of the BBNJ Agreement, participation of developing States at the PPED negotiating conference, and the ICJ Judicial Fellowship.

President, the United Kingdom’s enduring commitment to the rule of law is unwavering, reflecting our firm commitment to peace, international cooperation, accountability, and to the UN Charter.

January 28, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : White paper sets out reforms to policing [January 2026]
The press release issued by the Home Office on 26 January 2026.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced the largest reforms to policing since the police service was founded two centuries ago.

The largest reforms to policing since forces were professionalised 2 centuries ago have been announced today (26 January) by the Home Secretary.

A white paper titled ‘From local to national: a new model for policing’, outlines a radical blueprint for reform, so local forces protect their community and national policing protects us all.

Force mergers

The government will launch a review into dramatically reducing the number of police forces in England and Wales.

Consolidating the current model will make the police more cost-efficient, giving the taxpayer more value for money, while also ensuring a less fragmented system that will better serve the public and make them safer.

This is a moment to reset policing’s focus and return to its core principles – restoring neighbourhood policing and tackling local crime by delivering a structural overhaul to meet the demands of the modern world.

National Police Service

A new nationwide police force will be established to fight the most complex and serious crimes.

The new National Police Service will attract world-class talent and use state of the art technology to fight complex and serious crimes, lifting the burden on overstretched local forces and allowing them to focus on catching local criminals.

The service will bring the capabilities of the National Crime Agency, Counter Terrorism Policing, regional organised crime units, police helicopters and national roads policing under a single organisation.

As one force, it will be better equipped to share technology, intelligence and resources to stop the growing threat from crime that has become increasingly complex, digital, online and with no respect for constabulary borders.

A national police commissioner will be appointed to lead the force and will serve as the most senior police officer in the country.

It will enable local officers to spend more time supporting victims of crime and delivering neighbourhood policing, rather than navigating the forensics system.

This will give victims confidence as their case will be supported by world‑class specialist expertise, and the latest technology, no matter where they live.

Part of the new National Police Service’s remit will be to take on responsibility for forensics from the 43 local forces with direction set centrally from the new organisation.

Demand for specialist digital forensics means there are 20,000 devices awaiting analysis at any time. The service will deal with these backlogs and help the police keep up with the ever-increasing pace of change in technology.

Frontline policing will save £350 million by scrapping outdated procurement approaches, which will instead be used to fight crime.

Under the current localised model, each of the 43 forces often procure technology, equipment and clothing themselves, meaning 43 different teams undertaking the same work.

The new National Police Service will end this inefficiency, taking on the responsibility for shared services, equipment and IT.

The National Police Service will buy equipment once on behalf of all, saving money through economies of scale and reinvesting the savings back into frontline policing to go after criminals.

Accountability and standards

Ministers will be handed new powers to intervene directly in failing forces, sending in specialist teams to turn them around so they fight crime more effectively.

If crime solving rates or police response times are poor, the Home Secretary will be able to send in experts from the best performing forces to improve their performance, so they catch more criminals.

The Home Secretary will restore the power to sack failing chief constables. New laws will hand ministers statutory powers to force the retirement, resignation or suspension of chief constables if they are poorly performing.

The forces will also be directly accountable to the public, with new targets on 999 response times, victim satisfaction, public trust and confidence. These results will be published and forces graded so communities can compare.

To further reinforce accountability, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary Fire & Rescue Services will gain statutory powers to issue directions when forces fail to act on its recommendations. 

Alongside these force-wide measures, the government will also ensure the highest standards from individual officers. To strengthen safeguards and ensure those unfit for policing are kept out of the profession, the government will introduce laws to impose robust, mandatory vetting standards for all police forces, ensuring the public is protected.

These new standards will enable forces to exclude those with a caution or conviction for violence against women and girls offences from policing.

Stronger requirements on forces to suspend officers who are under investigation for these crimes will also be introduced.

Police officers will be required to hold and renew a licence throughout their career so they learn new skills as criminal techniques evolve.

The Licence to Practise will ensure officers are best equipped with problem solving and technological skills they need to catch more criminals.

Drawn from other professions such as lawyers and doctors, officers will have to demonstrate that they have the skills needed to fight crime. Those who fail to reach the required standard, following opportunities to try again, will be removed from the profession.

Neighbourhood policing

Under new reforms, response officers will be expected to reach the scene of the most serious incidents within 15 minutes in cities and 20 minutes in rural areas, and forces will be expected to answer 999 phone calls within 10 seconds.

These new targets will ensure that all forces provide the same level of police response to crimes.

Currently, data on response times is collected differently across forces, and police are not held accountable if targets are not met. Reforming the system will create more transparency and consistency across the country.

Where forces fail to deliver, the Home Secretary will send in experts from the best performing forces to improve their performance, including when unmet response‑time targets are part of broader systemic failing.

To fight everyday crime, the government will ramp up its pledge to restore visible neighbourhood policing and patrols in communities through an extension of its Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.

This has already placed named, contactable officers in each neighbourhood. Under the extension, every council ward in England and Wales will have its own named, contactable officers, creating more local points of contact and giving officers a deeper understanding of the issues in their area.

Police forces will also recruit the brightest and best from universities in a new recruitment drive to cut crime and catch more criminals.

Modelled on Teach First, the government is investing up to £7 million into the Police Now programme to attract top students from universities into specially trained graduate neighbourhood police officer roles in England and Wales.

Retailers across the country will see a major crackdown on organised crime gangs thanks to £7 million in new government investment aimed at dismantling criminal networks from the ground up.

This funding will supercharge intelligence-led policing to identify offenders, disrupt the tactics used to target shops, and bring more criminals to justice.

Technology

The government is making the largest investment into state-of-the-art police technology in history, with over £140 million to be invested to roll out technologies to catch more criminals and keep our communities safe

The number of live facial recognition vans will increase five-fold, with 50 vans available to every police force in England and Wales to catch violent and sexual offenders.

The government will also roll out new artificial intelligence (AI) tools which will help forces identify suspects from CCTV, doorbell and mobile phone footage that has been submitted as evidence by the public.

A new national centre on AI – Police.AI – will be set up to roll out AI to all forces to free officers from paperwork, delivering up to 6 million hours back to the frontline every year – the equivalent of 3,000 police officers. This means more police on the streets fighting crime and catching criminals.

More tech specialists will work in police forces to outsmart modern criminals and put more fraudsters and organised crime bosses behind bars.

The move will enable police forces to uncover more vital hidden evidence on phones and laptops to secure more convictions of professional criminals and keep people safer from crimes such as child sexual abuse.

Public order

A new senior policing role will be introduced to lead the police’s nationwide response to public disorder, and galvanise and co-ordinate responses to major incidents.

The senior national co-ordinator role for public order policing will sit within the new National Police Service. They will not be responsible for local public order responses, which remain within the remit of chief constables, and instead sit at a higher strategic level of oversight, with responsibility for decision-making over the most significant national public disorder, such as the widespread disorder seen in the summer of 2024 and the riots that started in London in 2011.

While local policing responses will stay the responsibility of chief constables, the new role will provide national oversight and decision-making on mobilisation and resourcing, with enhanced powers to:
- direct resources under mutual aid arrangements and require forces to contribute during major disorder
- ensure mandatory data sharing between forces
- set a national strategy for public order policing
- monitor and implement relevant recommendations from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services
Officer wellbeing

The government will expand the roll out of the dedicated Mental Health Crisis Line so all officers and staff can access mental health support, and have committed to its funding long term.

Officers and staff in front-facing and high-risk roles will also be offered psychological risk screenings each year so officers suffering can be signposted to the best support when they need it most.

Trauma tracker software will be made available to every force and ensure senior leaders can identify and support staff at the highest risk and intervene at an earlier stage.

Mandatory training around resilience and mental health for new recruits and supervisors will be introduced and treated as protected learning time.

Special constables

Experts in cybersecurity and technology are being encouraged to join the Special Constabulary, as police forces across England and Wales ramp up their efforts to tackle modern crime.

Since 2012, the number of special constables in England and Wales has fallen year-on-year to just 5,534 as of March 2025. This is down 73% from 20,343 in 2012.

To reverse this decline, the Home Office will work with policing to streamline the recruitment process for Specials, making it easier for people to volunteer, while maintaining consistent high standards of vetting and training. Steps will also be taken to ensure existing Specials are incentivised to remain in the role, by better integrating them into the wider police force.
January 28, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : UPR51 – UK Statement on Georgia [January 2026]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 January 2026.

Thank you, Madam President,

The United Kingdom welcomes Georgia’s engagement with the Universal Periodic Review process. However, we remain concerned about the serious deterioration in the human rights situation. Since 2024, there has been excessive use of force by police against peaceful protesters, politically motivated arrests, restrictions on freedom of assembly, intimidation of journalists, and legislative measures that undermine civil society and political pluralism.

We recommend that Georgia:
- Ensure independent, impartial investigations into allegations of police violence and ill-treatment during protests, and hold perpetrators accountable.
- Guarantee the safety and independence of journalists, civil society and human rights defenders, and repeal or amend legislation that restricts their ability to operate.
- Release all those unjustly detained on politically motivated charges, and take urgent steps to uphold the independence of the judiciary and right to a fair trial.
We urge the Government of Georgia to ensure accountability for human rights violations and to uphold its international obligations on freedom of expression, assembly, and association.

Thank you, Madam President.
January 28, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : UK lenders step up with £11 billion push to back British businesses [January 2026]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 26 January 2026.

UK banks agree £11 billion lending packages to support small business growth, particularly for small and mid-sized enterprises.
- Money will help firms invest, hire and expand into new international markets, taking advantage of major new trade deals 
- Agreement reached at a roundtable convened by Business Secretary Peter Kyle
UK businesses to benefit from a landmark £11 billion lending package to help them invest and expand abroad, to grow their businesses and the economy.  

The lending commitment, from the UK’s five leading banks, is one of the largest collective moves by the banking sector in over a decade, representing an historic show of confidence in the UK economy. 

Senior executives from NatWest, HSBC UK, Barclays, Lloyds and Santander finalised an agreement with the Government today (26 January) at a roundtable in Westminster convened by the Business Secretary and the CEO of UKEF Tim Reid. 

Together, the banks serve half of all British businesses across all corners of the country.  

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said:

Strengthening Britain’s export potential relies on British businesses having the means, motive, and opportunity to succeed in new overseas markets.

The £11 billion these banks are making available will help meet the ambitions of smaller British businesses to fully export, expand and exploit these international market opportunities. It is positive proof of UK lenders’ confidence in the growth prospects of British enterprise.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

Britain’s small businesses are ready to take on the world – and this £11 billion commitment gives them the firepower to do it.

We’re turning the power of the City into rocket fuel for UK exporters – backing ambitious firms in every part of the country to break into new markets, create good jobs and drive the next decade of British growth.

The lending will be drawn entirely from the banks’ own balance sheets and will give small and mid-sized enterprises a powerful route to access the finance and expert advice they need to compete on the world stage.

UK Export Finance (UKEF), the government’s export credit agency, will guarantee up to 80% of eligible loans issued by each bank. Banks can apply UKEF’s guarantee automatically for working capital loans of up to £10 million.

Alongside funding, businesses will also benefit from advisory support through banks’ relationship managers and UKEF’s regional Export Finance Managers, helping them navigate global markets and seize new opportunities. 

UKEF Chief Executive Tim Reid said:

British exporters are at the heart of economic growth. This partnership unlocks billions of pounds to help UK businesses compete to win overseas contracts, showing how UKEF stands behind companies with global ambitions.

Economic growth is the government’s number one mission, and backing British exporters is central to delivering it. This partnership puts billions of pounds within reach of ambitious small businesses across the UK, reinforcing UKEF’s role as one of government’s most powerful levers for growth. It builds on the government’s wider commitment to backing small businesses as engines of the economy, including measures to tackle late payments, cut red tape and create the right conditions for investment.

Together, these form a joined-up approach to removing barriers and helping smaller firms scale up. Working in partnership with business is central to the government’s growth mission. Alongside the trade and modern Industrial Strategies, the government is building on the UK’s unique strengths in high-growth sectors, boosting exports abroad and ensuring the benefits of growth are felt across every part of the country.

Stephanie Betant, Head of Global Trade Solutions for HSBC, said:

Amid geopolitical volatility, UK businesses continue to reap the benefits of global trade. Recent HSBC UK research found that 82% of businesses that trade overseas expect to grow over the next two years.

As a UK bank providing market leading international services, we help companies to invest, innovate, and export with confidence. We look forward to continuing this work, using our international connections to help leaders navigate complexities and unlock sustainable growth overseas.

Robert Begbie, CEO, Commercial & Institutional Banking, NatWest Group said:

As the UK’s biggest bank for business, NatWest is committed to supporting companies across the UK to innovate, expand into international markets and play a bigger role in driving longterm economic growth. By improving access to the right finance, we’re helping those businesses to grow with confidence.

John Baldwin, CEO of Santander Corporate and Commercial Banking, said:

Our recent Trade Barometer showed UK businesses have an ever-growing interest in international expansion – despite the various geopolitical challenges they face. I’m proud to have worked with UKEF on the lending packages announced today, which will help power the overseas growth ambitions of businesses across the UK – and in turn boost the UK economy.

In addition to our partnership with UKEF, Santander helps businesses expand into new markets with our sector and country expertise, and our new digital Navigator Global platform.

Matt Hammerstein, CEO of Barclays UK Corporate Bank, said:

Small and medium-sized businesses are the heart of the UK economy. We welcome the support this brings to UK exporters and those looking to export. By working closely with Government and with UKEF, we can help ambitious firms access the finance, expertise and international networks they need to export, scale and compete at global scale.

As a globally connected bank, Barclays stands ready to deploy capital for growth and provide the trade support to help reduce barriers to new markets, manage risk and unlock opportunity. We are excited to join the Government and our fellow lenders in supporting British businesses to invest, innovate and win new customers around the world.

Paul Kempster, Managing Director, Commercial Banking Coverage, Lloyds Banking Group, said:

Working alongside UKEF demonstrates how banks and government can come together to unlock the full potential of UK businesses to help them compete and win on the global stage. This dedicated trade finance support will enable more firms to seek new export opportunities, scale internationally and drive investment and jobs back into the UK.

Through its Plan for Small Business, the UK Government is delivering the most comprehensive package of support for small and medium sized business in a generation. This includes the most significant legislation in over 25 years to end the scourge of late payments, which closes 38 business daily, a massive £4 billion finance boost to increase access to finance for entrepreneurs, and the launch of the new Business Growth Service, which is bringing together government support and advice in a single place for the first time.
January 28, 2026
Yvette Cooper – 2026 Holocaust Memorial Day Speech

The speech made by Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, on 26 January 2026.

I am pleased to gather with you here on such a significant and important day.

As we remember the 6 million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered by the Nazis. And as we remember all victims of Nazi persecution – from Roma communities to gay and disabled people.

Alongside all victims of genocide across history. An occasion for us to commemorate and to learn. And also, to combine remembrance with resolve.

To spur us to work even harder to tackle the scourge of antisemitism. And to relentlessly confront prejudice, persecution and hate.

The violent and corrosive effects of which are all too present in our own society today. And so tragically evident across the world.

Thank you to Daniela for co-hosting today’s event – a joint initiative with the FCDO that goes back over a decade.

And thank you to the Holocaust Educational Trust, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, and to the Association of Jewish Refugees. For their essential, longstanding work and their contributions to this event, and for creating such powerful exhibitions that I encourage you all to view today.

The theme of this year’s Memorial Day is ‘bridging generations’. Reminding us that responsibility for remembrance does not end with the survivors.

Instead, it must reverberate through those that follow. Through all of us. A bridge across years. But also a bridge to join memory and action. A bridge across generations. So that our engagement with horrors past animates our engagement with horrors present.

Something that I discussed earlier with Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich who I am honoured is with us today. Huge thank you for being with us today. She has now spoken at countless national events and, perhaps most importantly, to tens of thousands of students across the country.

Mala, who for many years found it too painful to talk about her experiences and who has shown such strength and bravery speaking out, and will kindly speak shortly to share her story.

For decades, Holocaust survivors have carried the truth across time. Sharing achingly distressing experiences with extraordinary courage, so future generations would know what happened – and would never forget.

Each personal testimony an act of generosity to humanity. Bestowing the gift of truth, of wisdom so that we may honour their suffering. By reckoning with the meaning of their experiences. And by taking action in our own lives to make real the all too easy phrase of ‘never again’. To make that real.

Each year, fewer survivors remain. Each time a survivor’s voice falls silent, we are reminded that soon there will be no first‑hand witnesses. Their absence does not bring an end to remembrance. It simply places it firmly in our hands. So that we carry and reinforce it through education, dialogue and action.

I’d want to say how pleased we are to have the presence today of Meg Davis – Young Ambassador of the Holocaust Educational Trust – who has contributed so much to this cause.

And because education remains our strongest defence. Lest the passage of time dulls the urgency of the lessons. Or is exploited for the distortion of truth, the manipulation of facts, or – even more shockingly – the antisemitic denial of Holocaust altogether.

Because truth does not endure on its own. It endures because people chose to humanise it, to share it and to defend it.

That is why I’m so pleased that Parliament has now, finally, passed the Holocaust Memorial Act, which received its Royal Assent late last week and passed through Parliament.

A vital step towards establishing the national Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre that this government has so long championed. And that we want to see built just a few hundred metres from where we stand today, at Victoria Tower Gardens. A location so close to Parliament is fitting because we must never forget that the road to the Holocaust began in a democracy.

I am also pleased to announce that Jon Pearce will be appointed as UK Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust issues. To give advice and push forward UK policy – including promoting Holocaust education, remembrance and research here and around the world.

Jon who brings his deep personal commitment, having spoken movingly in the House exactly a year ago of his trip to Yad Vashem and of standing in the Hall of Names, overwhelmed by Pages of Testimony detailing the individual lives so brutally cut short.

We mark Holocaust Memorial Day at a time of successive repugnant attacks on Jews here in the UK and overseas. Jews killed for being Jews, in the twenty first century.

The appalling Manchester synagogue attack of 2 October during the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.

The terrorist murders in December as Australian families gathered at Bondi Beach to celebrate the joyful time of Chanukah.

Instead facing an unimaginable ordeal and loss of life. And the ever-present, horrific October 7 Hamas attacks – the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust.

All the grieving families and friends are in our thoughts today.

The loved ones of Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz and all the congregants of Heaton Park Synagogue.

The parents of Ran Gvili in such anguish and pain as the wait continues for the return of his remains. And all communities mourning victims and facing hate today.

Here in the UK, I want to pay tribute to the light of the Jewish community that shines so brightly in our country, enhancing in so many areas our communal life.

The volunteers from Community Security Trust guarding against attacks and protecting communal events. The fantastic, life-saving work of Jewish Women’s Aid, who support victims of domestic abuse.

The brilliance of Mitzvah Day – with thousands of people volunteering in their communities up and down the country.

The humanitarian work of World Jewish Relief, helping keep Ukrainian families warm this winter in the face of Russian aggression.

And I want to say clearly on behalf of this Government. That we stand with the Jewish community today and every day. Unresolving in our resolve to tackle those who spread the poison of antisemitism online and on our streets. Unrelenting in our determination to stand against antisemitism.

Hence further allocations to the CST through the Jewish Community Protective Security Grant. Including for additional security staff and equipment following the Manchester attacks.

The Home Office’s independent review of public order and hate crime legislation. Steps in the education sector to tackle antisemitism in schools, universities and colleges.

In the NHS through Lord Mann’s review of the regulatory system for healthcare professionals.

And in my role as Foreign Secretary, I will continue to work with counterparts around the world to tackle the global of rise of antisemitism. Including close collaboration with Canada and Australia in the wake of recent attacks.

Just as I am committed to preventing atrocities and pushing for accountability wherever they occur – from Sudan to Iran.

We cannot only be witnesses to memory. We are its custodians. How we remember shapes how we act for the future. And how we act shapes the world we pass on.

By bridging generations, we honour those who were lost. We defend those who remain. And we protect those yet to come.

Thank you.

January 28, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Kier Pritchard announced as Ministry of Defence Police Chief Constable [January 2026]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 26 January 2026.

Lucy Bogue, Director SJC GUARDIAN, has announced the appointment of Kier Pritchard as Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) Chief Constable following an open selection process.

Kier joined the MDP in September 2023 as Deputy Chief Constable, following an exemplary career with Wiltshire Police, and in September 2025 he stepped into the role of Interim Chief Constable. He has already made a significant impact, emphasising the critical importance of the MDP amid an increasingly unpredictable global landscape and is committed to ensuring the force is recognised as the vital national asset it truly is.

With the force continuing its programme of modernisation and improvement, it is vital to maintain continuity of force command and leadership and therefore several temporary promotions have been granted, until substantive selection processes are finalised: Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dobinson has stepped up to Interim Deputy Chief Constable, and Chief Superintendent Sarah Johnson has stepped up to Interim Assistant Chief Constable. They will continue to support CC Pritchard and the MDP in the collective mission to protect the nation’s defences and national infrastructure.

Commenting on the appointments, Lucy Bogue, Director SJC GUARDIAN, said:

I am delighted that Kier has been appointed to the position of Chief Constable. Kier is well placed to lead the Force, who provide unique specialist policing, and support Defence to mitigate the complex and evolving threats that we, and the UK face. I look forward to working with him as Chief Constable.

Kier Pritchard said:

I am incredibly honoured to step into the role of Chief Constable. We are operating at a time of heightened global tension, from hostile acts and insider threats to protestor incursions and community unrest. The spotlight is on us. I have every confidence that MDP will continue to rise to these challenges with professionalism, courage, and unity. I look forward to working with, and leading, our dedicated officers and civilian colleagues through this vital next chapter, where together we will further modernise our force to protect Defence.

January 27, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Baroness Barbara Young of Old Scone appointed as Forestry Commission Chair [January 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 26 January 2026.

The new Chair will continue to drive the Forestry Commission’s efforts to protect and expand England’s trees, woodlands and forests for future generations.

By Royal Warrant, His Majesty King Charles III has today (Monday 26 January) appointed Baroness Barbara Young of Old Scone as the new Chair of the Forestry Commission.

The announcement comes as Sir William Worsley’s tenure as Chair ends after six years in post. Baroness Young has been appointed for a four-year term, commencing on 10 February 2026.

The new Chair will bring extensive leadership experience across environmental protection, land management, regulation and public service to the role. Under her leadership, the Forestry Commission will continue its work to deliver a resilient and sustainable future for England’s trees, woodlands and forests.

Baroness Barbara Young of Old Scone said:

It will be a great privilege to join the Forestry Commission team at a time when the importance of trees, woods and forests for the economy, local communities, resilience and security, climate change, biodiversity, and human health and wellbeing is great and growing.

The Forestry Commission has a huge contribution to make and I look forward to helping take that forward.

Minister for Nature, Mary Creagh said:

Baroness Young brings a wealth of experience in environmental protection and land management to this vital role. She is therefore ideally placed to champion England’s trees, woodlands and forests, and I look forward to working with her to help restore our natural environment.

I’d also like to thank Sir William Worsley for his service and dedication throughout his tenure.

Richard Stanford, Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, said:

I’m pleased to welcome our new Chair, Baroness Barbara Young, who brings a wealth of experience from her distinguished background in the environmental sector. I’m excited to work with Barbara to deliver our strategy of helping to tackle some of society’s biggest challenges with thriving trees, woods and forests.

I would also like to acknowledge the fantastic contribution of our outgoing Chair, Sir William Worsley. William’s leadership has been instrumental in driving the growth of the Commission in recent years and building strong foundations for the future.

Sir William Worsley, outgoing Chair of the Forestry Commission, said:

It has been a great honour to serve as Chair of the Forestry Commission. Together with dedicated colleagues, we have strengthened the organisation and helped lay firm foundations for the future of our nation’s trees, woods and forests.

As I step down, I am delighted to welcome Baroness Young as the new Chair. Her deep experience and commitment to the environment will serve the Commission exceptionally well.

As Chair of the Woodland Trust from 2016 to 2024, Baroness Young led the organisation through a period of significant growth and impact, expanding woodland creation and the protection and restoration of ancient woodland across the UK.

This appointment has been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process, nor is a bar to appointment. Baroness Young has been a Labour Life Peer in the House of Lords since 1997 and has canvassed locally for the Labour Party.

Biography
- Barbara Young, Baroness Young of Old Scone, is one of the UK’s most experienced public service leaders, with a distinguished career as both chief executive and chair of large, complex public and not-for-profit organisations, many operating in regulated, competitive and commercial environments.
- She is currently Chair of the Labour Climate and Environment Forum, an independent organisation working with senior leaders across the Parliamentary Labour Party to strengthen climate and environmental ambition and coherence across the Labour movement. She has particular interests in agriculture, land use, trees, forestry, climate change and regulation.
- She has held numerous senior leadership roles, including Chair of English Nature (1998-2000), Vice Chair of the BBC (1998-2000), Chief Executive of the Environment Agency (2000-2008), Chair of the Care Quality Commission (2008-2009) and Chair of the Royal Veterinary College (2019-2025), She has also served as Chief Executive of Diabetes UK and as Chancellor of Cranfield University.
- She holds an MA (Honours) in Classics from the University of Edinburgh, is a Chartered Environmentalist, and has received numerous honorary degrees and fellowships in recognition of her contribution to public life, environmental protection and education.
- Headshot attached.
The Forestry Commission
- The Forestry Commission is the non-ministerial government department responsible for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woodlands.
- Established a century ago, the Forestry Commission works with two agencies: Forestry England, which manages the Public Forest Estate, and Forest Research, the principal organisation for forestry and tree-related research.
January 27, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : UK and Europe sign historic pact to drive clean energy future [January 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 26 January 2026.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband signs a historic clean energy security pact.
- Energy Secretary signs historic clean energy security pact – the Hamburg Declaration – with European leaders at the North Sea Summit in Hamburg to deliver major offshore wind projects in shared waters
- In an increasingly unstable world, UK and EU allies double down on clean power as route to energy sovereignty and abundance, protecting the British people and strengthening national security
- New partnership signed to secure 100 GW of joint offshore wind projects – powering homes and businesses across the continent – built jointly between UK and EU companies
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has today (Monday 26 January) signed a historic clean energy security pact – the Hamburg Declaration – with European allies to bolster energy security for families and businesses across the UK and Europe, in an era of global instability.

The deal will drive forward an unprecedented fleet of joint offshore wind projects between European countries, including Germany, Norway, France and Denmark, taking advantage of Europe’s shared abundant energy in the North Sea.

The UK and Europe stand together amid global headwinds, to reaffirm their commitment to clean, secure energy as the only route to escape the fossil fuel rollercoaster. The summit comes after the UK delivered a record-breaking offshore wind auction, unlocking 7,000 jobs and driving £22 billion of private sector investment into the UK’s factories and ports.

Three years ago, North Sea countries pledged to build 300 GW of offshore wind in the North Sea by 2050, in response to Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and weaponisation of Europe’s energy supplies.

The deal agreed today means, for the first time, North Sea countries have agreed to deliver 100 GW of this offshore wind power through joint clean‑energy projects. These will include new ‘offshore wind hybrid assets’ — wind farms at sea that are directly connected to more than one country through interconnectors. This joint commitment is set out in the ‘Hamburg Declaration’, agreed today at the Future of the North Seas Summit.

The Energy Secretary met European leaders to push forward plans to transform the North Sea into the world’s largest ‘clean energy reservoir’. The major summit brings together European leaders in Germany, France, Belgium, Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark and Norway.

Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, said:

We are standing up for our national interest by driving for clean energy, which can get the UK off the fossil fuel rollercoaster and give us energy sovereignty and abundance.

After our record renewables auction, we today went further by signing a clean energy security pact with European allies to ensure we maximise the clean energy potential for the North Sea.

Industry are expected to respond to the pledge by unveiling ambitious plans for new projects. Interconnectors are crucial to Europe’s energy security, enabling countries in the North Sea to send clean power to where it’s needed most and end Europe’s reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets controlled by petrostates and dictators.

The UK is leading the way on the pledge, earlier this month the delivery of its record-breaking auction secured 8.4 GW of offshore wind – the biggest ever auction in European history. This includes projects in the North Sea, setting a powerful example to European partners.

Further key outcomes expected from the summit include:
- Interconnected offshore grid – the Energy Secretary signing a statement of intent with Germany, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands to unlock cross-border offshore electricity projects, focusing on joint planning, cost-sharing and market arrangements to speed up delivery
- Offshore Hybrid Assets – The UK agreeing a framework to deepen German and UK collaboration on offshore hybrid assets. These are advanced subsea energy infrastructure that combine offshore wind farm connections with electricity interconnectors. This would put UK firms at forefront of grid technology, unlocking export opportunities and boosting growth
Ben Wilson, President of National Grid Ventures, said:

Today is a step towards a more integrated energy system in the North Seas. LionLink and projects like those being announced today are important for maximising the efficient use of resources, reducing costs, and minimising the impact on coastal communities. Collaboration on projects like these are key to delivering on more secure, affordable energy for British and European consumers.

Dhara Vyas, Chief Executive of Energy UK, said:

The UK’s energy sector is fully behind the landmark efforts to be announced at the Hamburg North Sea Summit to transform the North Sea into a truly regional clean power hub. Delivering the goal of 100 GW of offshore cooperation projects by 2050 will require a relentless focus on maintaining the momentum of UK-EU alignment on electricity market coupling and ETS linkage.

This deeper cooperation on supply chains, standardisation, and shared infrastructure is not just a strategic necessity, it is the most effective way to bring down energy costs for households and businesses while fuelling sustainable economic growth and high-value jobs for years to come.

Jane Cooper, Deputy Chief Executive of RenewableUK, said:

This ambitious announcement to build a vast number of new offshore wind farms jointly with our European partners will increase the energy security of the UK and the whole of the North Sea region significantly. This historic declaration puts offshore wind right at the heart of Europe’s power system, with the UK leading the way.

We are strengthening our security collaboration to ensure the North Sea’s critical energy infrastructure is protected from harm, so that we can continue to generate the huge quantities of clean power needed by the UK and our neighbours reliably at all times.

William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 

It is essential for the UK’s energy security and economic growth that we co-operate more closely with our European allies to realise the full potential of the North Sea. 

The commitments set out in the Hamburg Declaration will deliver on that, allowing our businesses to work on joint projects on renewables, interconnectors and other vital energy infrastructure. The momentum from today’s Summit and Business Conference needs to be kept up.

Enrique Cornejo, Energy Policy Director, Offshore Energies UK, said:

In an increasingly volatile world, this deal sets ambitious targets for UK and European offshore wind collaboration. 100 GW from such joint projects would become a major part of our shared North Sea energy mix, which will include oil, gas and also hydrogen for decades to come. Affordable and secure energy is key to the UK’s future and to those of our European partners. The future of the North Sea is in our hands.

Gus Jaspert, Managing Director, Marine at The Crown Estate, said:

The UK’s offshore wind sector is a national success story and an engine of economic growth. It attracts billions in investment, supports tens of thousands of jobs across the country and each new turbine built boosts our energy security.

As such we welcome opportunities for the UK to utilise its world-leading experience in offshore wind and work closely with international partners in the North Sea to collectively drive clean energy generation and enable greater energy security at a time of geopolitical uncertainty.
January 27, 2026