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The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 21 April 2025.
It is with great regret that we learn of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis,
Flags will be flown at half mast on UK Government Buildings today until 20.00hrs on Tuesday 22nd of April 2025.
Other organisations and local authorities may follow suit.
The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 16 April 2025.
Temporary export bars have been placed on two paintings by 18th century Italian artist Agostino Brunias.
Export bars have been placed on two paintings of the island of St Vincent by 18th century artist Agostino Brunias.
Both paintings depict the island through the lens of the British Empire, with one showing the signing of a treaty and the other a representation of Indigenous life.
The Minister’s decision follows the advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest.
The Committee found that ‘Sir William Young Conducting a Treaty with the Black Caribs on the Island of St Vincent’ met the first and third Waverley criteria for its connection with our history and national life. In addition, the Committee found that ‘A family of Charaibes in the Island of St Vincent’ met the third Waverley criterion for its significance to the study of the history of slavery and colonialism.
The decision on the export licence applications for both paintings will be deferred for a period ending on 15 July 2025 inclusive. At the end of the first deferral period owners will have a consideration period of 15 Business Days to consider any offer(s) to purchase one or both the paintings.
Sir William Young Conducting a Treaty with the Black Caribs on the Island of St Vincent is set at the recommended price of £240,000 (plus VAT of £8,000). The second deferral period will commence following the signing of an Option Agreement and will last for three months.
A family of Charaibes in the Island of St Vincent is set at the recommended price of £180,000 (plus VAT of £6,000). The second deferral period will commence following the signing of an Option Agreement and will last for three months.
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 16 April 2025.
Delyth Evans is the Government’s preferred candidate for the S4C Chair, the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy announced today.
Delyth started her career as a journalist at HTV Wales, working on the flagship current affairs programme ‘Y Byd ar Bedwar’ for S4C. She subsequently worked as a reporter on BBC Radio Four’s ‘World at One’ and ‘PM’ programmes. Delyth became a Labour Member of the Welsh Assembly (now the Senedd) in 2000, representing the Mid and West Wales constituency, and was a deputy minister for Culture, Environment and Rural Affairs. After stepping down from politics Delyth worked in the charity sector as Chief Executive of Smart Works, a women’s employment charity. Delyth is currently a Board member at Sport Wales, a Governor at Coleg Gwent, and a trustee of the Alacrity Foundation and the Urdd.
Delyth will now appear on 23 April before MPs on the Welsh Affairs Committee for pre-appointment scrutiny.
This process for appointing the Chair of S4C is set out in the Broadcasting Act 1990.
Ministers were assisted in their decision-making by an Advisory Assessment Panel which included a departmental official and a senior independent panel member approved by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The Welsh Government and UK Government Wales office were also represented on the Panel.
“Delyth began her career as a broadcast journalist, and her vision for S4C’s future reflects a deep understanding of the Welsh cultural and media landscape, as well as an enduring commitment to public service.
“I’m pleased to recommend her for the role of Chair, in which she will no doubt be a proud champion of Welsh-language broadcasting. This marks an exciting chapter for S4C as we develop plans to boost the job opportunities and growth potential of the creative industries in Wales and the rest of the UK.”
“Delyth has a great track record in broadcasting and wealth of experience in public service to bring to the role of S4C Chair.
“S4C plays a pivotal role in Wales, sustaining and promoting the Welsh language and strengthening our unique identity and culture. The channel is a cornerstone of the strong creative sector in Wales which is vital for economic growth.”
The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 10 April 2025.
The Prime Minister has appointed Robert Suss as Trustee of The National Portrait Gallery for a term of 4 years.
Robert Suss will commence a 4 year term as Trustee of the National Portrait Gallery from 10 February 2025 to 09 February 2029.
He is an Equity Partner and CEO of Pictet Wealth Management in the UK and joined Pictet with nearly 30 years of experience in private banking and business. Robert spent 18 years at Goldman Sachs, most recently as Managing Director and Head of Private Wealth Management in London. Following a career in private banking, he built several businesses in finance, technology, and renewable energy before joining Pictet.
Robert is Chair of The Contemporary Art Society, Trustee at the National Portrait Gallery and an Emeritus Trustee of the Royal Academy of the Arts Trust, where he was previously Deputy Chair of the Trust, Trustee and Chair of the Royal Academy School Dinner and Auction. Robert’s love for art extends beyond his philanthropic efforts; he has supported and promoted emerging artists and has collected contemporary art for over thirty years.
Trustees of the National Portrait Gallery are not remunerated. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments.
The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Robert Suss has not declared any significant political activity.
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 9 April 2025.
Treasured civic museums supported with new £20 million grant to help safeguard access to local culture and secure their futures.
Museums across England can now apply for a share of £20 million to safeguard community access to their collections and invest in upgrading their services.
The new £20 million Museum Renewal Fund, which is now open to applications, is designed to support valued regional museums, with a local authority link. It will improve public access to collections and buildings, as well as community and educational programmes which will help ensure they are fit for the future.
These museums help keep memories alive across generations through their broad, diverse public collections. As well as being a crucial resource for schools, they help communities to connect with their local story by highlighting an area’s distinctive industrial, archaeological, natural and artistic heritage.
The money will boost community programmes, support and grow schools activities, driving more visitors to museums. It will also enhance revenue generation, investing in organisational change and IT upgrades, whilst also supporting jobs in the local community.
This follows the announcement from the Culture Secretary last month of the £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund, delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change to boost economic growth and increase opportunities for people across the country.
Our local and civic museums are the storytellers of our nation’s history, with a shared mission to educate, inspire and entertain.
They are key to preserving our national heritage at a local level through their collections and creative programmes, which draw in thousands of people from across the country, driving the growth and opportunity central to our Plan for Change. I am delighted that we have been able to provide this support, helping them to continue to flourish.
The programme will be delivered by Arts Council England and will run from April 2025 until March 2026. It will be open to regional and local museums, with a funding or governance link to a local authority, across England to support them to safeguard access and services and invest in resilience measures.
The government is committed to working in partnership with local councils and leaders, as co-investors in culture.
Regional museums make a vitally important contribution to the way people engage with culture where they live and gain a deeper understanding of their communities and place. It is therefore vital that access to their collections is protected for generations to come. The Museum Renewal Fund will help these cherished institutions address immediate pressures and enable them to look ahead and plan a sustainable future serving their communities.
The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 8 April 2025.
Julian Glover, Siân Phillips, and Joseph Mydell will appear in the National Theatre’s ‘The Next Morning’ to mark VE Day 80.
Stars of the stage and screen taking part in plans to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War have been announced today, as we reach one month to go until an unforgettable national event.
The National Theatre’s new film ‘The Next Morning’, written by stage and screen writer James Graham for the occasion, will feature award-winning actors Julian Glover, Siân Phillips, and Joseph Mydell.
Released online on 8 May, the short film will take viewers through a series of intimate, interconnected stories, exploring intergenerational perspectives on the end of the Second World War.
It will connect young people today with the experiences of an older generation, all of whom carry different memories of the war, helping them to understand the resilience of those that came before them, and uncover deeply personal histories that challenge their perceptions of the past. The film will also be made available alongside resources for schools.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:
It is absolutely right that we ensure that the stories of those who lived through and fought in the Second World War are remembered by generations to come.
Through the National Theatre, the VE Day 80 concert and our UK wide exhibition, we will bring to life the stories of those no longer with us so that the next generation are able to honour their sacrifice and recognise the legacy of peace that they fought to secure.
Elsewhere, stars of stage and screen will take part in a major VE Day 80 concert on Thursday 8 May. The concert will be broadcast live on BBC One at 8pm and will include performances, readings and poignant moments that will tell the story of VE Day and the nation’s reaction to the end of the Second World War 80 years ago.
More than 12,500 people are expected to be be in attendance, including a number of Second World War veterans.Tickets for the VE Day 80 concert are being allocated to people across the country from the networks of organisations connected to VE Day including the Royal British Legion, British Evacuees Association and Commonwealth War Graves Commission. More than 2,500 young people including all 12 Uniformed Youth groups, Duke of Edinburgh ambassadors, #iwill ambassadors and Commonwealth Scholars will also watch the concert live on Horse Guards Parade to ensure that the legacy of the stories of our veterans are saved for the next generation.
To bring the commemorations to communities across the country, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) will kick off the ‘For Evermore Tour’ that will see a UK interactive mobile exhibition bring to life Second World War histories and stories. The tour will begin in Coventry, the city that suffered the single most concentrated air attack on a British city during the Second World War and then travel to iconic locations and landmarks across the UK. Events will be held internationally at several commemorative sites in Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand, highlighting the global stories of all those who fought for the UK and Commonwealth in the Second World War.
At the heart of the tour is the Commonwealth War Graves’ Torch for Peace, an enduring symbol, honouring the contributions made by individuals, which will act as a baton to pass and share stories to future generations.
The events and exhibitions will run alongside the government’s national programme to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day which includes a Military procession and flypast of current and historic military aircraft, the return of the poppies to the Tower of London and a nationwide call for families to delve into their lofts and discover their own Second World War stories.
Director General of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Claire Horton CBE said:
Stories of individual people whose lives were cut short by conflict must be told and shared, their contribution provides the human connection to an important aspect of our global history.
For us, the VE and VJ 80th commemorations are a pivotal moment to come together and remember the immense loss of life during the Second World War – a devastating and deadly conflict that impacted people of all ages and from all corners of the world.
At the heart of the tour – and joining many of the national ceremonial events – is the Commonwealth War Graves Torch for Peace. The lit torch is an enduring symbol, honouring the contributions made by individuals, yet it is also a baton to pass the responsibility of commemoration to future generations – helping us acknowledge our shared histories and complex pasts.
As the world wars fade from living memory, we urge everyone to take time to take part in these important commemorations.
Visit the dedicated interactive website ve-vjday80.gov.uk for latest information and ways to get involved.
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 2 April 2025.
Support to boost people’s access to local heritage, delivering government’s Plan for Change to increase opportunities for all.
Communities across England can now apply for a share of almost £20 million to help care for historic buildings and heritage sites in their local area, ensuring that everyone, everywhere feels proud of where they live.
The new £4.85 million Heritage Revival Fund is currently accepting applications for projects that will help to rescue and repurpose neglected historic buildings, like theatres, department stores and former banks. It will do this by supporting community organisations, charities and social enterprises to take ownership of these sites, transforming them into vibrant spaces that meet local needs.
The programme will be delivered by the Architectural Heritage Fund and will run from 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2026. It will be open to charities and social enterprises in England seeking to take ownership of and adapt historic buildings for community uses.
This is in addition to the £15 million Heritage at Risk Capital Fund opening today for Expressions of Interest from individuals or organisations, focusing on the most deprived areas to rescue their locally cherished, at risk historic sites and buildings. This funding will support projects which seek to repair and enhance a variety of heritage buildings to benefit the local public and community, like shops, pubs, parks, and town halls. This is in addition to Historic England’s current Heritage at Risk Repair Grants, and will be open to a wider range of local heritage sites, celebrating the historic buildings people care most about.
It follows the announcement from the Culture Secretary last month of the £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund as part of the Government’s Plan for Change, which aims to support economic growth and increase opportunities for people across the country.
Heritage Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:
It is so important to communities across the country that we preserve local heritage that helps us to tell our national story.
I am delighted that we have been able to provide this support to save the historic buildings most at risk, whilst simultaneously empowering people all over the country to take over the heritage sites at the beating heart of their communities and bring them back into good use.
These new funds are just another step of our Plan for Change, helping to boost local economies and bring opportunity to everyone, everywhere.
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England said:
Thanks to the £15m additional funding through the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, we will be able to help breathe new life into derelict historic buildings, stimulating economic growth and boosting local pride in some of the country’s most deprived areas. We’re excited to fund projects that will harness the power of heritage to make a difference where it is most needed.
Ros Kerslake, Chair of the Architectural Heritage Fund, said:
We are delighted to announce the new Heritage Revival Fund and our renewed partnership with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Historic England. AHF’s work in recent years has demonstrated the impact that the regeneration of historic buildings can have on our town centres and high streets so we are excited to be able to extend the reach of that work.
Historic buildings aren’t just landmarks—they’re symbols of pride, purpose, and local identity and this funding will unlock the potential of social enterprises and charities to transform neglected heritage into thriving community spaces.
We would also like to say a huge thanks to DCMS and the Culture Secretary, this investment will breathe new life into these vital spaces.
Notes to editors:
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 8 March 2025.
Communities up and down the country are set to come together tomorrow (9 March) to mark the COVID-19 Day of Reflection.
Hundreds of events and spaces for reflection have been organised by communities to remember and commemorate those who lost their lives during the pandemic. They will also be an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made, the impact on our daily lives, and pay tribute to the work of health and social care staff, frontline workers and researchers during what was an unprecedented time.
Events, gatherings and commemorations are taking place across the country, including:
In Belfast, Northern Ireland, Memory Stones of Love, who are a group set up by bereaved families during the pandemic, will be marking the day by holding a remembrance concert with music, poems and readings, as well as displaying their stones with inscriptions of those we lost during the pandemic.
Members of the public can find more information to help them to mark the day if they wish, including an interactive map that displays all the events taking place up and down the country, at gov.uk/day-of-reflection.
The pandemic impacted us all in different ways, with many sadly losing loved ones and others making great sacrifices in their lives. This COVID-19 Day of Reflection will allow people the space and time to reflect and I would encourage everyone to take part in a way that feels right for them.
It is right that, as a country, we take the time to remember the COVID-19 pandemic, to reflect on what happened, remember those whose lives were impacted in so many ways and honour those who tragically lost their lives. Today is an opportunity for communities to come together to reflect and commemorate their loved ones.
The COVID-19 Day of Reflection is one of the ten recommendations set out by the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration.
The government is giving careful consideration to the recommendations made by the Commission and a full response will be published in due course.
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 5 March 2025.
Young voices to be at the heart of policymaking as government breaks down barriers to opportunity through Plan for Change.
Young people across the country will be able to have their say on decisions that affect their lives as the Government launches one of the most ambitious listening exercises in a generation today.
Ahead of the landmark National Youth Strategy, those aged 10-21 years old, and up to 25 years old for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), will be asked to take part in a survey to hear what support services, facilities and opportunities they need outside the school gates to benefit their lives and futures.
Young people will be able to submit their views on a range of topics including what issues matter to them in their local area, what services they think should be available to young people, and how money should be spent in their area – delivering on the government’s Plan for Change to spread opportunity across the country.
Input will be collected by the Government in a range of ways including via an online survey, plus physical events including peer led focus groups known as ‘Democracy Cafes’, and workshop sessions so young people can offer views in their own words. The survey is now open here, and will close on 16 April.
This period of consultation will inform the Government’s new National Youth Strategy, previously announced by the Culture Secretary, designed to prioritise delivering better coordinated youth services and policy at a local, regional and national level. It will make sure decision-making moves away from a one-size-fits all approach, handing power back to young people and their communities, and rebuilding a thriving and sustainable sector. This will help deliver on the government’s missions, spreading opportunities, making our streets safer and taking pressure off health services.
Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said:
We are handing power back to young people and their communities, giving them a genuine opportunity to help make the policies that affect their lives.
We want to hear from young people directly through one of the most ambitious listening exercises for a generation – Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Nation.
We are providing young people with a genuine voice, delivering on our Plan for Change and creating opportunities in every part of the country.
Minister for Civil Society, Stephanie Peacock said:
We are breaking down the barriers to opportunity that young people face and giving them the chance to have their say – on what they want from the Government and how public policies can work for them.
I encourage all young people to fill in the survey and tell us what you think so you can help shape a brighter future for you and your generation.”
To ensure that young people’s voices are at the heart of the process throughout, the Government has appointed 13 young people to form a Youth Advisory Group (YAG). Members span multiple sectors and have experience across key areas including advocacy, violence prevention, social mobility and mental health. They include Jhemar Jones (member of London’s Violence Reduction Unit Young People’s Action Group), Yahye Abdi (Youth Development Coordinator with the Hope Collective) and Zafeera Karim (Member of Youth Parliament).
An Expert Advisory Group (EAG) will sit alongside the YAG to help guide the national conversation with young people, providing expertise and challenging thinking throughout the National Youth’s Strategy development. The group is made up of 14 experts from a variety of sectors including Isa Guha (sports presenter and founder of Cricket charity championing women and girls, Take Her Lead), Alex Holmes OBE (Deputy CEO at The Diana Award), and Paul Lindley OBE (founder of Ella’s Kitchen), among other highly experienced voices.
Young people will also be able to take part in ‘Hackathon’ events, collaborating with others alongside youth engagement experts and professional researchers to try and solve some of the most pressing issues they’re facing. Over the past few weeks, young people have been meeting at peer-led focus groups called ‘Democracy Cafés’ across the country, discussing the issues they want to see addressed.
An expert consortium of partners will facilitate the widespread engagement with young people, comprising market research consultancy Savanta; key leader in youth-led engagement in the UK, My Life My Say (MLMS); and the #iwill Movement, a social movement supporting Youth Social Action with coordination from leading civil society and social action charity Volunteering Matters and UK Youth. They will be working with ten Youth Collaborators, young people recruited to ensure all activities are genuinely co-produced.
The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 27 February 2025.
Minister for Gambling Baroness Twycross’s speech to the Betting and Gaming Council Annual General Meeting 2025.
Good morning everyone. Thank you for the invitation to speak today. It is great to be here to speak to so many of you.
It was a huge privilege to be appointed as the Government’s gambling minister last year. I would like to thank everyone I have met so far for sharing your knowledge and perspectives on your sector. I am particularly grateful to Michael and Grainne for their constructive engagement on key issues facing your industry.
I have also enjoyed meeting a range of people from the wider gambling sector, such as John from Bacta, and Miles from the Bingo Association.
Whilst you are all facing different issues, I recognise there are key similarities, one thing you also do have in common is the experience and passion there is in the industry.
In my short time in post, I have seen the value this sector brings. Not just in tax receipts and jobs created, but as a leisure activity, for example through a day at the races, enjoying a game of bingo, or time spent in a seaside arcade.
I have enjoyed being shown round the Grosvenor casino in Liverpool last year and the Hippodrome earlier this month, and look forward to visiting more venues as soon as possible.
You will know that the Government is focused on economic growth. I believe that a growing gambling sector is compatible with creating an even safer one. I want a gambling sector in this country that is one we can be proud of – one that offers good jobs, interesting careers, brings social value, and is one that people enjoy while having vital protections in place.
As set out in our manifesto, and as you will be aware, we are also committed to reducing harmful gambling. The licensed, regulated gambling industry is a crucial part of that.
I want to work with you to see a safer, more responsible gambling industry.
I know that the vast majority of people who gamble do so without experiencing harm, but it is in all our interests that we do better for those customers who could be vulnerable to gambling harm. I have found it helpful to hear from a number of you about measures you are already taking.
I am pleased to be able to update you on significant progress on key reforms that deliver on the Government’s agenda.
I am sure many of you will have followed the progress of the statutory gambling levy in Parliament over the last few weeks. The legislation has been affirmed by both Houses and became law on Tuesday this week. It will come into force on the 6th of April and operators will be required to make their first levy payments by the 1st of October.
I know the BGC has been largely supportive of the introduction of a levy, and we recognise the work done by the sector through the voluntary levy previously. This is a huge step forward for the sector and will see increased investment to expand projects and services to reduce harmful gambling. I know that we have a shared aim in this area.
The financial support that BGC members have given to research, prevention and treatment services has enabled people in need access to crucial treatment services, and laid a foundation which the levy can build on. It is vital that funding for these services is maintained in the transition to the levy. I welcome the BGC’s commitment that this will be delivered.
We have now appointed the commissioning bodies for research, prevention and treatment.
We are working at pace with the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, NHS England, UK Research and Innovation, and with partners in Scotland and Wales, to build robust foundations for the future system.
It is crucial we put the right commissioning, accountability and governance arrangements in place.
We want to build on the successes of the current system. But the levy will mean funding certainty. This will allow the expert bodies we have appointed to boost efforts to further understand, tackle, and treat gambling harm. We and the commissioning bodies will be led by the best evidence to get funding where it is needed most.
The online slots stake limits statutory instrument was also made into law on Tuesday. I know you are all keen to understand exactly when these stake limits will come into force.
I can confirm the five pound limit will be in force on the 9th of April, while the two pound limit for younger adults will be in force on the 21st of May. I know that implementing these stake limits is a technical challenge and I am grateful for all the work you have done in preparation for this moment.
I can confirm that we are moving forward with measures to modernise the regulations for land-based casinos. These changes will allow casinos to offer up to 80 gaming machines, mirroring the rules for small 2005 Act casinos. There will be a sliding scale of machine entitlements, meaning that smaller casinos can also benefit from more machines, commensurate with their size.
We will also allow sports betting in all casinos, giving operators the opportunity to expand their product offering. These changes will unlock investment in the casino sector and should provide an economic boost for both operators and machine manufacturers. We are working as quickly as we can to ensure that legislation is laid in Parliament as soon as possible. I know the significance of these measures to many of you here today.
Turning now to advertising and sponsorship, which you will know has been of significant media and Parliamentary interest in recent months.
One of the biggest issues raised with me as Gambling Minister is advertising.
I have tasked the industry with doing more to work together to ensure that gambling advertising and sponsorship is appropriate, responsible, and does not exacerbate harm.
I am grateful to the BGC for coordinating this work across your membership, and I completely understand that the ability to advertise is an important activity generally, and key advantage that licensed operators have over the illegal market.
We know that some people can feel they are being inundated with gambling advertising – and this can be especially true whilst watching sport. Crucially, we know that advertising can have a disproportionate impact on those who are already suffering from gambling harm. We must also be vigilant to any adverse impacts on children and young people.
So I am keen for the industry to take the lead in making a robust assessment of the scale and impacts of advertising, so that we are working with the best available evidence.
Lastly, I want to touch on the issue of the illegal market, which I know is of concern to many of you here today.
Illegal gambling is a concern for us all. And we are committed to working closely with the Gambling Commission, to ensure that illegal gambling, in all its forms, is addressed. I have heard your argument that overregulation leads to, or risks, displacement to the illegal market. This is something that was carefully considered in the development of the white paper and in the decisions that have been made since.
We believe the reforms we have introduced together with the Gambling Commission are proportionate and targeted interventions.
However, I agree that vigilance is vital when the illegal market threatens revenue for the licensed sector and player protections for vulnerable customers. That is why I have been pleased that the Gambling Commission has increased disruption activity and has a renewed focus on finding innovative ways to tackle the illegal market.
On Tuesday, the Crime and Policing Bill was introduced to Parliament. One of the provisions in this Bill will give the Commission greater powers to move quickly and effectively to take down IP addresses and domain names associated with illegal websites. This is an important step in equipping the Commission to tackle the illegal market and protect legitimate businesses.
Thank you again for the invitation today, and the time many of you have given me since I took up my role.
I will keep listening and look forward to working with you all to realise our shared vision of a better, safer gambling industry. I hope you are all as keen as I am to take these challenges on.